Pekin Insurance Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pekin Insurance has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, information technology, and human resources.

Committed to protecting policyholders since 1921, Pekin Insurance delivers comprehensive business, auto, home, life, and health insurance solutions while maintaining a focus on long-term financial stability and community-centered service.

Leadership Roles at Pekin Insurance

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Hanson
  • Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C - Jocelyn Duncan
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Joel Jackson
  • Chief Information Officer & Vice President - Christopher Izatt
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Cynthia Blackburn
  • Ryan Hanson - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Hanson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer manages investment portfolios and risk assessment protocols to ensure solvency across all insurance lines. Hanson monitors market fluctuations to protect the company's assets while driving sustainable growth through disciplined budgeting and capital management. By collaborating with the Board on long-term fiscal policy, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the balance sheet. Ryan Hanson executes complex financial modeling to support the expansion of business and life insurance offerings. This leadership role requires constant vigilance over regulatory compliance and economic trends. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal operations, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the company to meet all policyholder obligations across the Midwest and beyond.
    Ryan Hanson

    Jocelyn Duncan - Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C

    Jocelyn Duncan, the Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C at Pekin Insurance, manages the daily execution of life and property-casualty insurance operations. Overseeing product development and underwriting standards, the Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C ensures that policy offerings remain competitive and responsive to market demands. Duncan drives operational efficiency by streamlining claims processing and customer service workflows. By aligning departmental goals with corporate objectives, the Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C optimizes the delivery of insurance products to a diverse client base. Jocelyn Duncan architects strategies to enhance policyholder retention and expand market reach. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to improve service quality and operational speed. Through consistent focus on performance metrics, the Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C maintains high standards of excellence in all life and property-casualty business segments.

    Joel Jackson - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Joel Jackson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pekin Insurance, oversees the internal scaling and logistical framework of the company. Directing the administrative functions and operational workflows, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that business processes support the company's mission of providing reliable insurance coverage. Jackson manages the integration of new business initiatives and coordinates with other executives to maintain organizational alignment. By optimizing internal resources, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and reduces operational overhead. Joel Jackson executes strategic plans to enhance the overall efficiency of the company's service delivery. This leadership role involves monitoring performance across various business units to ensure consistent quality and service standards. Through the management of complex operational systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer supports the company's growth and stability in the competitive insurance market.
    Joel Jackson

    Christopher Izatt - Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Christopher Izatt, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President at Pekin Insurance, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President ensures the protection of sensitive policyholder information while enabling seamless digital interactions. Izatt architects scalable cloud solutions to support the company's diverse insurance product portfolio. By integrating advanced analytics into business processes, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President drives data-informed decision-making across all departments. Christopher Izatt manages the technology roadmap to maintain a competitive edge in the insurance industry. This leadership role involves aligning IT investments with long-term business goals to improve operational agility. Through the implementation of robust software platforms, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President facilitates efficient communication between agents and customers, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the insurance sector.

    Cynthia Blackburn - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cynthia Blackburn, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier professionals capable of delivering exceptional insurance services. Blackburn architects training programs that align employee skills with the evolving needs of the business. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance work environment, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and productivity. Cynthia Blackburn manages compensation and benefits structures to remain competitive in the labor market. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to shape the company's values and long-term human capital strategy. Through the cultivation of a strong corporate culture, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall success and reputation of the organization.
    Cynthia Blackburn

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pekin Insurance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pekin Insurance?
    Pekin Insurance is led by Ryan Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jocelyn Duncan (Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C) and Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Pekin Insurance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pekin Insurance includes leaders such as Ryan Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), Jocelyn Duncan (Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C), Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pekin Insurance have?
    Pekin Insurance has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pekin Insurance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pekin Insurance includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Life P & C, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.