Preferred Mutual Insurance names two new board members

NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — Preferred Mutual Insurance Company recently announced the appointments of Laura M. Casamento and Nicole C. Woodall to its board of directors. Casamento most recently served as president and CEO of Utica University, where she led initiatives that enhanced the university’s reputation, improved student success, and achieved university status. She also spearheaded fundraising efforts and expanded local workforce-development opportunities, according to a Preferred Mutual Insurance news release. Additionally, Casamento has experience in the financial sector, having served as president and COO of Herkimer County Trust, where she guided the bank through a period of growth and played a key role in its eventual sale. With her leadership experience across corporate and higher-education sectors, Casamento is a valuable addition to the Preferred Mutual board’s Compensation and Benefits Committee, per the release.

Woodall brings strong expertise in tax accounting, consulting, and compliance services. As a partner at Citrin Cooperman and previously a tax partner at Baker Tilly US, LLP, she has advised Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies on tax strategies and compliance. Woodall has led multi-state and federal income-tax projects, managed complex tax audits, and driven innovative solutions for clients across various industries. She will be a key member of the board’s Audit and Risk Committee, Preferred Mutual said. Preferred Mutual Insurance, based in New Berlin and founded in 1896, provides property and casualty insurance coverage to more than 232,000 individual and business customers through a network of more than 560 independent agents located throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.