Neenah, Wis. (Nov. 11, 2021) – The SECURA Insurance Board of Directors announced the upcoming retirement of President & CEO Dave Gross in fall 2022. SECURA SVP and Chief Administrative Officer Garth Wicinsky was named as his successor. Wicinsky will become Chief Operating Officer on Jan. 3, 2022, and will transition to the role of President & CEO effective April 26, 2022.
Dave Gross’s career spans more than 40 years in the insurance industry in executive leadership roles where he contributed strategically, and led sales and underwriting operations. Since joining SECURA in 1997, Gross helped shape the people-focused culture, fostering exceptional service to agents and policyholders. His emphasis on building strong relationships has been key to his accomplishments and those of the company. He successfully guided new product development, state expansion, and agency partnerships, ultimately helping profitably grow the carrier to more than $800 million in direct written premium. Under his leadership, the company grew policyholders’ surplus to more than $576 million, maintained an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent), and earned a place on Ward’s Top 50 carriers for the last eight consecutive years.
Gross also placed a heavy focus on workplace culture and wellbeing, working to create a sense of belonging for all associates. That genuine culture led to numerous workplace awards under Gross’s leadership, including six consecutive years of Great Place to Work certification, the WELCOA Platinum award, and others.
“Dave took a thriving company culture and brought it to the next level, creating a remarkable workplace where empathy toward associates and customers was the top priority,” said Dan Neufelder, SECURA Board Chair. “He embodies the genuine culture of SECURA, and we are grateful for the years of leadership he dedicated to building relationships and serving agents and policyholders.”
Neufelder led the process to identify Gross’s successor with the rest of the Board of Directors and an outside firm, ultimately selecting Garth Wicinsky as the company’s next leader.
Wicinsky joined SECURA’s Human Resources division in 1996 and was promoted to Vice President–Human Resources in 2002, responsible for talent management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, facilities, purchasing, and distribution. With his promotion to SVP and Chief Administrative Officer in 2017, in addition to his HR leadership function, he also oversees Marketing, Research & Development, and Agency Training. Wicinsky earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He serves on the board of directors at Verve, a Credit Union and United Way Fox Cities.
“Garth’s strategic mindset, focus on talent development and associate engagement, and drive to achieve results position him well to continue leading SECURA forward,” said Dan Neufelder, SECURA Board Chair. “He’s lived the genuine culture for 25 years, and his passion for perpetuating that workplace engagement and outstanding service to our customers will lead to another exceptional chapter at SECURA.”
Gross and Wicinsky will work together closely throughout the interim period starting in January to ensure a smooth transition for the company’s associates, agency partners, and policyholders. Wicinsky will become President & CEO effective April 26, 2022. At that time, Gross will become the CEO Emeritus and Senior Executive Advisor until his retirement in September 2022. In this role, Gross will support Wicinsky to continue the success of SECURA. Gross will also continue to serve on the SECURA Board of Directors until the end of his board term in April 2023.