Our Elected Officers | ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity

David A. Bruce, President and CEO

David was raised in Lake Bluff, the home of ELCO Mutual Life and Annuity. He attended Bradley University and Barat College before beginning his career in ELCO Mutual’s new business department in 1985. Shortly after, he became an assistant vice president. Upon the retirement of its claim manager, David transitioned to the claim department in 1989. In 1996, he received his ALHC designation from the International Claims Association and was subsequently named a vice president and received his designation of ACS from LOMA. In 2006, David was elected ELCO Mutual’s executive vice president. He and his wife Merideth have one daughter and one son.

Paul Grawe, Executive Vice President and CFO

Paul began his insurance career as an agent in 1986 after studying business administration at Quincy College in Quincy, Illinois. He served as secretary and treasurer of a fraternal benefit society for over 20 years prior to joining ELCO Mutual in October of 2011. His background includes all phases of the statutory life and non-equity/indexed annuities and administration thereof. Paul joined ELCO Mutual to assist in the policyholder services area as well as provide additional insight for the company in the industry. He has received the Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellowship designation, among other credits. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife Rita and three sons, who play baseball and softball. When time allows, Paul also enjoys playing golf.

Richard P. Leach, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Richard began his insurance career with ELCO Mutual as supervisor of the brokerage division in 1980. He became a vice president in 1983 and was named senior vice president in 1992. Today, he is in charge of marketing, new business, and agency. Richard is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and has also attained the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

Ponni Nainar, Vice President and Treasurer

Ponni acquired her master's degree in accounting in India and her certified public accountant (CPA) license in the United States. She worked for over 10 years as a senior manager for a manufacturing organization in India and headed the company's finance and taxation departments until she joined ELCO Mutual in 2014 as a part-time employee. It didn't take long for Ponni to quickly rise through the ranks, first becoming the accounting supervisor, then the controller and treasurer, and, finally, a vice president. Ponni has worked diligently to grow ELCO Mutual's accounting department and is an invaluable member of the executive team.

Lori Lemme, Vice President of Human Resources

Lori graduated from the University of Northern Illinois in 1987. Shortly after graduating, she began working at Radio America, where she gained experience in positions spanning collections, sales, marketing, and human resources. During her 22-year tenure, she rose to the rank of vice president. Lori joined ELCO Mutual in 2010 and quickly became an instrumental member of the team. She has acquired many designations, including the SHRM-CP and PHR designations for human resources. However, human resources is not Lori's only focus; building a culture that goes above and beyond in volunteering, donation, and organizational sponsorship opportunities is just one of the lasting impressions Lori has created. Outside of work, Lori enjoys contributing at her church, playing sports, and spending time with her daughter.

Roger Grum, Vice President of IT

Roger applied for a mailroom job at ELCO Mutual in 1981. On his first day of work, he made a wrong turn and ended up in the computer room—and never left that department. In 1996, he became a vice president for the company and now heads the information systems department, building the alignment of technology and business. He is constantly upgrading his knowledge with seminars and schooling. When away from the office, Roger spends time with his family and enjoys anything with an engine or things with fewer than four wheels.

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