Rawlins named as new Shelter CEO

Shelter Mutual Insurance has announced executive vice president Randa Rawlins has been chosen as company president and CEO.

Rawlins, a veteran insurance defense attorney with 18 years with the company, was selected at the Nov. 19 board of directors meeting, according to a company news release.

She will become the 13th president of the company on Jan. 1, 2021, the 75th anniversary year of Shelter Insurance.

“I am excited to lead Shelter as we build on our past successes and continue to grow through our strategies to bring value to our customers,” Rawlins said.

Current president and CEO Matt Moore, who will retire in June, said he plans to work closely with Rawlins to ensure a smooth transition. 

“We have worked together on redefining our vision and realigning our goals for the future,” Moore said. “We are looking at 2021 and beyond and Randa is helping develop those strategies.”

A University of Missouri School of Law graduate, Rawlins practiced as an insurance defense attorney for 20 years in Kansas City, according to the release. She joined Shelter in 2002 as general counsel, became secretary of Shelter and the board of directors in 2006 and was promoted to senior vice president in 2016.

Rawlins previously served on the board of governors at Truman State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree, as well as on the foundation board there. She also serves as a board member for Missouri Innovation Center, Regional Economic Development Inc. and Columbia Airport Advisory. 

The board also promoted Paul LaRose to executive vice president and Stacye Smith as vice president of human resources operations.

LaRose, a University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law graduate, began his career at Shelter in 1990 as a corporate attorney in the law department, according to the release. He then advanced to associate general counsel and assumed his current position as vice president of the company’s human resources operations in 2012.

Smith holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Stephens College. She began her career at Shelter in 1987 and has been in management since 2005. She became Shelter’s first director of inclusion and engagement in 2020.

Rick Means, chair of the board, said Rawlins’ expertise will be an asset to the future growth and success of Shelter, as will the promotions of LaRose and Smith. 

“Her knowledge and experience is significant and she will bring a unique perspective to leading our companies,” Means said. “We also know Paul and Stacye will make a great contribution to Shelter in their new roles.”