December 15, 2020, South Bend, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Plymouth, and Kalamazoo: Gibson announces the appointment of two members to the board of advisors (BOA). Joining are Cristal Brisco and Hugh Reynolds, CPA.

Brisco is an executive-experienced attorney with a comprehensive legal background and trial court expertise. Her legal experience includes practice with the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, service as corporation counsel for the City of South Bend and chief legal counsel for former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and service as general counsel for Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame. She is a member of the board of governors for the Indiana State Bar Association. She is also a member of the Notre Dame Law School Association Board, Centier Bank Board of Directors, and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Board.

Cristal earned her law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2006. A few of her most notable accomplishments include: the recipient of The University of Notre Dame Law School – Black Law Student Association’s Alvin J. McKenna Alumnus of the Year Award; and the recipient of the Valparaiso University Outstanding Alumna of the Year Award.

Kalamazoo, MI – Gibson has been selected by “FIRST & 42: The Kalamazoo Region’s Digital Daily” as one of Southwest Michigan’s Wonderful Workplaces. This award celebrates the outstanding efforts made by local businesses in the region to make their organizations great places to work. Winners are being featured in the digital publication throughout the winter of 2020-2021. Gibson was recognized along with 13 other companies in the region for amazing organizational culture, engaged workforce, and overall leadership during an especially trying year. Working with our employees and clients to meet them where they are, was a top priority for business in 2020.

SOUTH BEND/ INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – 07/31/20 –    Gibson has promoted Diane Davidson to Practice Leader for Commercial Risk Management and Nicole Fallowfield to Director of Administration. Diane and Nicole have a combined 31 years’ experience with Gibson and will also join the Executive Leadership Team.  

As Practice Leader, Davidson will oversee operations while managing 40 plus team members. She is based in the South Bend Office. “I am excited for this opportunity to expand my contributions for Gibson. Providing a strong operational environment to allow our teams to succeed is a passion of mine; working within the leadership team to accomplish this and similar objectives will strengthen our ability to respond to clients’ needs while supporting our employees,” says Davidson.

Fallowfield is a Principal and Director of Administration at Gibson. In this role, she owns the employee experience - from traditional HR to wellbeing, technology, and even the facilities in which Gibson employees work. Nicole is also a member of the Board of Directors. She is one of five female stockholders in the company. She is based in the Indianapolis office. “In many ways, I’ve been preparing for this role my entirecareer. The wellbeing work I have been doing for over 20 years has always been about helping people and organizations thrive. Most recently, I had the privilege of leading the operations team in employee benefits, which required a relentless focus on people and culture. Joining the leadership team will allow me to make a broader impact in championing our culture and developing our people throughout our entire organization,” says Fallowfield.

“Having input and perspectives from a more diverse group of leaders is a big win for
Gibson,” said CEO Tim Leman. “The combined experience of these women is an asset to the Executive Leadership team. Their styles are well aligned with our core values which will be instrumental as we continue our aggressive plans for both organic growth and fostering an amazing company culture.” 

SOUTH BEND/INDIANAPOLIS/FORT WAYNE/PLYMOUTH/KALAMAZOO – 01/22/2020 –

Gibson announces eight new principals. As of January 1, 2020, Mike Cahill, Patrick Harpenau, Ray Korson, Courtney Montfort, Chris Niezer, Courtney Simpkiss, Brock Squire, and Ashley Walsh joined Gibson’s stockholder group.

“Representing multiple Gibson offices and practice areas, these individuals bring immense talent and perspective to the table. It is especially exciting to welcome three more women to our partner group. With a total of 22 stockholders, Gibson is well positioned for the future,” said Tim Leman, Gibson CEO. “A big thank you and congratulations to these principals for all they’ve accomplished and the value they’ve driven at Gibson!”

Mike Cahill is Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Fort Wayne Market President. He joined the Gibson team in 2020 and is based in the Fort Wayne office.

Patrick Harpenau is a Consultant in the Employee Benefits Practice. He joined the Gibson team in 2014 and is based in the South Bend office.

Ray Korson is Employee Benefits Practice Leader. He joined the Gibson team in 2014 and is based in the South Bend office.

Courtney Montfort is a Sales Team Leader in the Commercial Risk Management Practice. She joined the Gibson team in 2017 and is based in the Indianapolis office.

Chris Niezer is a Risk Advisor in the Commercial Risk Management Practice. He joined the Gibson team in 2015 and is based in the Fort Wayne office.

Courtney Simpkiss is Chief Growth Officer (CGO). She joined the Gibson team in 2018 and is based in the Indianapolis office.

Brock Squire is Chief Operating Officer (COO). He joined the Gibson team in 2019 and is based in the South Bend office.

Ashley Walsh is a Client Executive in the Employee Benefits Practice. She joined the Gibson team in 2008 and is based in the South Bend office.

SOUTH BEND/ INDIANAPOLIS/FORT WAYNE/KALAMAZOO – 01/09/20 – Gibson has promoted Brock Squire to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Squire will continue to drive operational and strategic leadership in the key areas of system conversion, operational efficiency, carrier partnerships, and product & service innovation.

As COO, Brock will hold the Leadership Team accountable for achieving company goals, while ensuring all employees are rowing in the same direction. Employing clear communication, transparency, and training, Squire is dedicated to maintaining operational excellence and consistency with our employees, clients and partners.

“Promoting Brock to COO is a strategic and timely decision,” said Tim Leman, Gibson CEO. “His leadership style and deep understanding of business operations is well aligned with our plans for growth and expansion. He‘s already become an integral part of the Leadership Team.”

“I’m excited to take on the COO role at Gibson as we continue to innovate new solutions for clients, expand our business into new markets, make a positive impact in the community, and ensure Gibson is a great place for our people to grow in their careers,” said Squire.

Prior to joining Gibson, Brock spent 15 years with two of the largest insurance brokers in the country; Willis and Lockton. Most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer for Employee Benefits at Lockton Mountain West, he brings a wealth of experience in leading service teams, carrier relations, contracting, acquisitions, and building new capabilities and revenue streams. He has also been at the forefront of implementing data and system conversions.

SOUTH BEND/ INDIANAPOLIS/FORT WAYNE/KALAMAZOO – 01/07/20 – Gibson has hired Mike Cahill as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Fort Wayne Market President. Cahill has a diverse background with extensive leadership experience in multiple industries including banking, insurance, finance, real estate, and health care. Serving on numerous nonprofit boards, he shares his expertise to make a positive impact throughout the Fort Wayne area.

In this role at Gibson, Mike will be responsible for financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, developing and fostering key stakeholder relationships, and serving as a member of the Leadership Team.

He will prioritize growth in the Fort Wayne market as he leads Gibson’s team in Northeast Indiana. He will also work closely with several of Gibson’s industry niches like banks and financial services.

Additionally Mike has joined the ownership group at Gibson, becoming a Principal.

“In the last 5 years Gibson has doubled in sized and entered new markets. I couldn’t be more excited where we are going as a company, particularly in the capable financial hands of Mike Cahill, someone I have been privileged to work with for many years,” said Ron Turpin, former Gibson CFO.

“It is hard to believe that I first came in contact with Gibson back in 2006. Having been on the Board of Advisors for the Company, being the person who introduced Ron Turpin to Gibson, and believe it or not, helping Gibson locate in downtown Fort Wayne years ago, has made this opportunity additionally exciting for me. Ron is a person of high intellect and integrity, along with being a friend, which makes the transition fun and seamless,” said Cahill. “I look forward to being part of a culture I enjoy, a strategy I believe in, and a team of bright, energetic people who make it happen.”

“Mike is a difference maker in Northeast Indiana. He has an impressive track record running and growing dominant companies in the world of finance and health care. Mike has mentored countless leaders and is deeply involved in the Fort Wayne community, making him a natural for us as Fort Wayne Market President. To also get his financial mind and experience as our CFO makes this a homerun!" said Tim Leman, Gibson CEO.

Prior to joining Gibson, Mike was the President of Banking Services for Ruoff Home Mortgage. Ruoff employs over 700 people in 60+ offices in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan Kentucky, and Florida. He has held numerous leadership positions including, President & CEO at Physicians Health Plan, CEO of the AWS Foundation, and President & CEO at Tower Bank & Trust Company.

Mike is the President of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana (7th largest JA organization in the country covering 30 counties in northern Indiana and southern Michigan), and a board member of the AWS Foundation and its NFP operating subsidiary, Benchmark Human Services (over 3,000 employees, located in 15 plus states). Additionally, he is on the board of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Dupont Hospital, Indiana Tech, and the incoming Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.

SOUTH BEND/ INDIANAPOLIS/FORT WAYNE, KALAMAZOO – 10/07/19 –
Gibson has hired Brock Squire as Director of Strategic Initiatives. In this role Brock will be responsible for driving operational and strategic leadership in the key areas of system conversion, operational efficiency, carrier partnerships, and product & service innovation.

“Brock is going to be a gamechanger for Gibson,” said Tim Leman, Gibson CEO. “His leadership style and deep understanding of business operations is well aligned with our aggressive plans for growth and expansion.”

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, SOUTH BEND & FORT WAYNE, INDIANA – 09/18/19 – As part of their “What’s The Risk” events, Gibson is hosting the seminar “Crossing State Lines” in Kalamazoo on October 1, South Bend on October 8, and Fort Wayne on October 15. With Michigan legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, and the Federal law still criminalizing it, this leaves many employers wondering what they can prohibit and test for in the workplace.