NM Mutual appoints longtime employee as CEO
New Mexico Mutual has selected its next chief executive officer, appointing a woman to the role for the first time.
Kellie Mixon has been with the workers’ compensation insurance company for 25 years, starting as an accounting trainee and working her way up, according to a news release. She is the first team member to climb the ranks to the company’s top position.
Mixon is currently the vice president and chief financial office of the company, but she will take over for current CEO Norm Becker when he retires at the end of March.
Mixon, who is from Los Alamos and received her bachelor degree in accounting from New Mexico State University, was chosen as Becker’s replacement after a nationwide search.
“The board was keenly aware of the challenge to replace an exemplary leader like Norm Becker,” said board chair Jay Czar. “We have absolute confidence in Kellie Mixon’s ability to ensure the company’s future growth and continued success; she is truly a respected and dynamic executive.”
According to the release, Mixon has 28 years of experience in accounting, including 25 years in the property and casualty insurance field. In her role as CFO she has been responsible for the company’s financial strategy and activities, risk management, investment and treasury functions.
“I’m honored for the opportunity to lead this great company,” Mixon said. “As our industry keeps changing, I’ll be working to help New Mexico Mutual adapt and grow while maintaining the high level of service our agents and policyholders have come to expect.”
New Mexico Mutual was formed in 1991 and is now the largest writer of workers’ compensation insurance in the state, according to the release.