AUBURN — Midstate Mutual Insurance Company on Tuesday announced that Gregory Bruce has stepped down as the firm’s president and CEO.
Matthew Benedict, who has been serving as the firm’s executive vice president, has assumed the role of president and CEO, the company added in a news release on its website.
Bruce, who has worked in the insurance industry for more than 38 years, has served in roles that include direct writing agent, marketing representative, claims representative, production underwriter, executive vice president, and president and CEO, Midstate Mutual said.
Bruce will remain with the firm as an advisory director of insurance operations, the company added.
Bruce started his career in property and casualty insurance in 1976 while working for his father, C. Edwin Bruce, Jr. at Southern Tier Cooperative Insurance Company in Owego, according to Midstate Mutual.
Southern Tier Cooperative Insurance was one of five companies that merged to form Midstate Mutual Insurance in 1986, the company said.
Gregory Bruce graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. in 1972, according to the release.
Midstate Mutual in 2012 hired Benedict, a 1993 graduate of Indiana University, to serve in the role of executive vice president.
Prior to joining Midstate Mutual, Benedict was farm underwriting manager at Buckeye State Mutual Insurance Company in Piqua, Ohio. He also worked for “several” mutual insurance companies in northern Indiana.
Benedict brings more than 20 years of experience in property and casualty insurance to his new role as company president and CEO, Midstate Mutual said.
Founded in 1879 and headquartered in Auburn, Midstate Mutual Insurance Company provides insurance coverage for businesses and property owners in upstate New York.
About 150 independent agencies represent Midstate Mutual, which writes policies for businesses, farms, and homes in the majority of New York, the company said.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com