Our People
From the executive committee to customer service, our dedicated team of
professionals is here to answer any questions you may have. We are creative, flexible,
and responsive. We use the latest in technology to deliver prompt, efficient, and accurate
service. And, we earn customer loyalty by working hard, working smart, and working together.
That's our mission and the focus of our business every day.
Jack Pearl
Jack Pearl
Chairman
Jack has been the driving force and touchstone of the Pearl Companies since he founded the organization in 1954. He is a graduate of Bradley University, a charter member and past president of the American Institute of Professional Association Group Insurance Administrators (AIPAGIA), a charter member of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA), an active contributor and volunteer for the Children's Miracle Network and Children's Hospital of Illinois, and a significant supporter of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. In addition, Jack has been recognized for his many outstanding achievements through various awards, including the prestigious Master of Mass Marketing award presented annually by the Mass Marketing Insurance Institute (MI2), the Sigma Chi Significant Sig Award, the second-ever recipient of PIMA's Legend award, and was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by their Governor in 2006.
Gary Pearl
Gary Pearl
President and CEO
Gary joined Pearl in 1985 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pearl Companies since 1998. As President, Gary provides the Pearl team with a wealth of insurance knowledge and experience, which he developed during his years working in various sales, marketing, and operations divisions both at Pearl and with CIGNA Insurance Company, where he started his career. He remains deeply involved in every aspect of the business and committed to continuing Pearl's tradition of innovation. Gary was the 2000 President of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA).
Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy
EVP, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Mike came to the Pearl Companies in 2003 as Executive Vice President and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. He is responsible for all marketing, program retention, sales support, program sales, and life and health sales within the Pearl Companies. Prior to joining Pearl, Mike served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director for JLT Services Corp, as well as holding several executive and management positions with a number of other insurance companies before that. He was the 2001 President of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA).
Greg Ketay
Greg Ketay
EVP, Chief Underwriting Officer
Greg joined Pearl in 1989 as Manager of Corporate Services and now serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Underwriting Officer. He is an integral part of the Pearl Executive Committee, providing strategic forecasting and planning to determine the direction of Pearl's present and future insurance operations. Greg is Chief Underwriter of all program business in our Professional Liability, Errors & Omissions, Workers' Compensation, and other Miscellaneous Casualty Programs, and leads our alternate markets division, Pearl Specialty Underwriters. Greg is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and is the organizational member representative for Pearl Insurance in the American Bar Association's Legal Malpractice Data Center.
Dennis Dietrich
Dennis Dietrich
Chief Financial Officer
Dennis Dietrich joined the Pearl Companies in 2005 and serves as Chief Financial Officer. His strong financial background and excellent leadership skills complement the Pearl Companies strategic growth initiatives. Dennis is responsible for building long-term value through a combination of organic growth in the core business as well as strategic acquisitions.
Joan Vangelderen
Joan Vangelderen
Senior Vice President, Affinity Programs
Joan is the Senior Vice President of Affinity Programs. VanGelderen will share her over 30 years of experience in several areas of insurance with the Pearl Insurance Affinity team. Her expertise lies in insurance product development, underwriting, claims, technology, partnership programs, sales, marketing, and business strategy, with a strong background in organizational restructuring, quality improvement, and long-term planning.
Mitch Salem
Mitch Salem
Chief Information Officer
As Chief Information Officer, Mitch is responsible for planning, development, and implementation of the technology, systems, and information service needs of all of Pearl Companies, which includes Pearl Insurance, Pearl Benefits, Pearl Technology, Pearl Carroll and Associates, and Pearl Automotive (Lexus of Peoria, Peoria Toyota-Scion, Heritage Buick-GMC, and Autohaus of Peoria). With over 20 years of information technology experience, Salem has previously worked for several large insurance companies, marketing organizations, and national consulting businesses. He was also the owner and president of a technology- and digital marketing-focused consulting agency. His experience includes extensive exposure to insurance IT programs and processes. His past clients include Unitrin Direct, MetLife, Citizens Insurance, Ford, and Volkswagen.
David Willett
David Willett
CPCU, ALCM, Senior Vice President, Professional Liability Programs
David Willett is the Senior Vice President of Program Business Sales for Pearl Companies. Before coming to Pearl, David acted as Business Development Director of Middle Markets for Travelers Insurance Company in Overland, Kansas. Prior to that, he spent 14 years with Zurich Insurance where he served in a number of positions, including General Manager and Vice President of the Central Division, Eastern Division, and Western Division; Director of Underwriting; and Underwriting Products Manager.
David’s diverse and extensive background allows him to make significant contributions in strategic planning, sales tactics, staff mentoring, and achievement of sales targets.
Dorene Burkhalter
Dorene Burkhalter
Chief Human Resources Officer
Dorene Burkhalter has a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and is a certified executive coach. She has been practicing for over 20 years. Dorene leads the Human Resources and organizational development practices for all of Pearl Companies.
Our Story
Our Mission
Our People
Our Companies
Our Mission
Our People
Our Companies
