Pekin Insurance Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pekin Insurance has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, human capital management, information technology, and operational oversight.

Committed to providing comprehensive coverage solutions, Pekin Insurance maintains a century-long legacy of protecting policyholders through robust business, auto, home, life, and health insurance products across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Pekin Insurance

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Hanson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Joel Jackson
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Cynthia Blackburn
  • Chief Information Officer & Vice President - Christopher Izatt
  • Ryan Hanson - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Hanson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pekin Insurance, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees investment portfolios and risk assessment protocols to ensure long-term solvency. Hanson monitors market fluctuations to protect the company against economic volatility while maintaining strict regulatory compliance across all insurance lines. By analyzing complex data sets, the Chief Financial Officer provides actionable insights to the Board regarding profitability and growth potential. Ryan Hanson drives the development of budgetary frameworks that support the expansion of business, auto, and life insurance offerings. Through rigorous oversight of financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees transparency for stakeholders. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other executives to align fiscal goals with the broader mission of providing reliable protection to policyholders throughout the Midwest and beyond.
    Ryan Hanson

    Joel Jackson - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Joel Jackson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pekin Insurance, executes the daily business operations and service delivery models. Overseeing the coordination between departments, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that business, auto, home, life, and health insurance products reach the market with maximum efficiency. Jackson optimizes internal processes to reduce overhead and improve the speed of claims settlement. By monitoring regional performance metrics, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence across the entire service territory. Joel Jackson collaborates with the leadership team to refine product offerings based on shifting market demands and consumer needs. This leadership role involves managing the logistical aspects of insurance distribution and maintaining high standards of service quality. Through the implementation of lean management principles, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability necessary for sustained growth and market competitiveness.
    Joel Jackson

    Cynthia Blackburn - Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cynthia Blackburn, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Pekin Insurance, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Overseeing the entire employee lifecycle, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of excellence and professional growth. Blackburn designs comprehensive training programs that equip staff with the expertise needed to manage complex insurance claims and customer service inquiries. By implementing performance management systems, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment between individual contributions and corporate objectives. Cynthia Blackburn drives initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to strengthen the workforce. This leadership role involves managing compensation structures and benefits packages that attract top-tier industry talent. Through strategic workforce planning, the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational scale of the company, ensuring that human capital remains a competitive advantage in the evolving insurance landscape.
    Cynthia Blackburn

    Christopher Izatt - Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Christopher Izatt, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President at Pekin Insurance, directs the digital transformation and cybersecurity infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of advanced data analytics, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President modernizes the technological platforms used for policy administration and claims processing. Izatt secures the digital perimeter against emerging threats to protect sensitive policyholder information across all business lines. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President enhances the efficiency of internal workflows and customer-facing portals. Christopher Izatt drives innovation by implementing automated systems that streamline underwriting processes and improve response times. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the executive team to ensure that technological investments support the long-term strategic goals of the organization. Through the deployment of robust IT governance, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President maintains the reliability and security of the entire digital ecosystem.

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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 Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Cynthia Blackburn (Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources 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), Joel Jackson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), Cynthia Blackburn (Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pekin Insurance have?
    Pekin Insurance has 4 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 Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer & Vice President.