News

Preferred Mutual Announces Vice President Appointments

Preferred Mutual Insurance Company has announced the appointments of Thomas Donahue, Lori Hubiak, Duane Meszler, Jessie Remillard and Renee Tolerico to Vice President roles, effective August 1, 2026.

The appointments strengthen Preferred Mutual’s leadership across product, claims, underwriting, human resources and regional business development. Each leader will help advance significant priorities supporting the company’s continued growth and long-term success.

Thomas Donahue Appointed Vice President of Product Strategy

Thomas Donahue has been appointed Vice President of Product Strategy. In his new role, he will lead the development and execution of Preferred Mutual’s product strategy, including its product vision, roadmap and requirements for success. He will also monitor the competitive landscape and identify opportunities to improve results in a rapidly changing marketplace.

With more than 15 years of insurance industry experience, Donahue has held several roles across underwriting and product and has a strong record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and internal and external partners. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Le Moyne College and several professional designations, including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter.

Lori Hubiak Appointed Vice President of Claims

Lori Hubiak has been appointed Vice President of Claims. She joined Preferred Mutual in 2011 as a No-Fault Claim Representative before moving to the liability team and serving in several leadership roles, including No-Fault Manager, Business Service Unit Manager, Property Manager and, most recently, Director of Property Claims.

As Director of Property Claims, Hubiak oversaw the company’s desk and field property teams and independent adjusting staff while helping advance the success and efficiency of property claims operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management from Wells College and numerous professional designations in claims, insurance, operational excellence and change management.

Duane Meszler Appointed Vice President of Underwriting Strategy

Duane Meszler has been appointed Vice President of Underwriting Strategy. In his new role, he will help lead the development and execution of strategies designed to strengthen Preferred Mutual’s underwriting capabilities and support profitable growth.

Meszler joined Preferred Mutual in 2018 as Personal Lines Underwriting Manager for New York and New Jersey. During his tenure, he has led strategic profitability initiatives and contributed to projects involving pricing models, expense savings, underwriting control measures and property management tools. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Government from Campbell University.

Jessie Remillard Appointed Vice President of Human Resources

Jessie Remillard has been appointed Vice President of Human Resources. In her new role, she will continue advancing Preferred’s workforce strategy, organizational capability, and leadership development in support of the company’s long-term priorities and People-First commitment.

As Director of Human Resources and a member of Preferred Mutual’s Senior Leadership Team, Remillard helped strengthen leadership capabilities, advance strategic workforce planning and prepare the organization for significant business and technology initiatives. She holds a master’s degree in Organizational Management from Sage Graduate School and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta. She is also a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional and holds a Strategic Workforce Planning Certification.

Renee Tolerico Appointed Regional Vice President

Renee Tolerico has been appointed Regional Vice President. In her new role, she will continue leading agency relationships and business development efforts across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey, working closely with agency partners to drive growth, provide strategic support and advance Preferred Mutual’s regional presence.

With more than 20 years of insurance industry experience, Tolerico has held underwriting, business development and sales leadership roles and has a strong record of fostering agency partnerships and supporting regional growth. She holds the Associate in Commercial Underwriting designation from The Institutes.

In their new roles, Donahue, Hubiak, Meszler, Remillard and Tolerico will lead key functions supporting Preferred Mutual’s products, claims operations, underwriting capabilities, people strategies and regional growth.