Armed Forces Insurance Announces Leadership Transition

LEAVENWORTH, Kan.—Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) announced today that Arlen Briggs, currently AFI’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO), will succeed Kurt Seelbach as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective March 15, 2020.

Seelbach has served with distinction for the past 12 years as AFI’s President and CEO and will be retiring from a rewarding 40+ year career in the insurance industry in 2020.  As part of the planned succession process, Seelbach will continue to serve in an executive advisory role until he retires in mid-July, 2020. 

As military members, we all know the value of great leadership and how important it is to the mission.  Armed Forces Insurance is no different in this regard, said LtGen Stanley Clarke, USAF, retired, chairman, Armed Forces Insurance. “We will miss Kurt’s calm presence and skilled leadership and I thank him for his numerous contributions to AFI. I can’t think of a better professional to step into Kurt’s shoes and take the helm of AFI. Our members should expect the continuation of exceptional leadership with a seamless transition. And as always, outstanding service focused on the best interests of our members.”

 “Since joining Armed Forces Insurance in 2008, it’s been my great pleasure to lead a company so rich in serving our military servicemen and women," said Kurt Seelbach, President and CEO of Armed Forces Insurance. “Arlen Briggs is the ideal candidate to continue the AFI legacy of Our Mission is You.^®”

Having worked in the insurance industry for several years with Zurich Insurance Group, Briggs joined AFI in 1994 as the Assistant Vice President, Finance and Accounting.  During his career at AFI, he helped form Armed Forces Insurance Agency (AFIA) and Armed Forces Insurance Foundation, a not-for-profit educational foundation serving our Nation’s military families.  Briggs currently sits on the Board of Directors for AFIA, he has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2010, Chief Risk Officer since 2012 and as AFI’s Executive Vice President since 2017. Over his career, Briggs has been a champion for AFI’s members and the military community.

 “Since 1887, Armed Forces Insurance has continued the promise to protect those who protect our Nation,” said Arlen Briggs, Executive Vice President and CFO/CRO. “I consider it an honor to be a part of such a distinguished organization and I look forward to working with the outstanding executive leadership team we have in place to serve our members and provide unique insurance solutions to our Nation’s military families.”

Briggs currently serves as the President and a member of the Board of Directors for the Kansas Association of Property Casualty Insurance Companies, sits on the Audit Committee for the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association, serves on the Board of Directors for Armed Forces Insurance Foundation,  serves on the Board of Directors for the Saint Luke’s Cushing Foundation and serves as a trustee for multiple private charitable trusts that support local area youth and local organizations.

Concurrent with the announcement of the CEO transition, Armed Forces Insurance will conduct a search to replace Arlen Briggs as CFO.

ABOUT Armed Forces Insurance (AFI): Armed Forces Insurance is the insurance company of choice for current and retired members of the uniformed services, their children, and Department of Defense civilians. Founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the property of those who protect our nation, providing premium quality, competitively priced property and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the Armed Forces. We know our members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, and we offer a level of personalized service that is unequaled in the industry-because OUR MISSION IS YOU® - and your peace of mind. The company also furthers our strong commitment to give back to military and local communities through important programs and sponsorships, including the ESPN Great American Patriot Award presented at the Armed Forces Bowl, the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® Award, the Vetrepreneur® of the Year Award, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the Military Warriors Support Foundation. In early 2015, AFI established the Armed Forces Insurance Foundation to assist in educating the military community on a wide array of key personal financial topics to help them succeed. For more information, visit the website at www.afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234, and follow us on LinkedIn,  Facebook,  Twitter and Instagram.‎