Phil Kelling, president and CEO of American Rental Association Insurance, located in Kansas City, Mo., has announced his plan to retire effective Feb. 29, 2020. John Kennedy, CPA, CPL, and current ARA Insurance CFO, who joined ARA Insurance in Aug. 2017, will assume the role following Kelling’s departure.
Kelling has been with ARA Insurance since 1997 and has many accomplishments throughout his tenure. Under his leadership, ARA Insurance grew from a small insurance agency with four independent agents to a premier insurance program with a network of insurance agents who support the needs of ARA members nationwide.
Additional accomplishments under Kelling’s leadership include the startup of ARA Insurance Limited, a captive insurance company, developing a rental-specific risk management program, improved insurance coverages and institutionalizing ARA Insurance’s culture to serve its members as the highest priority.
“It has been a pleasure to serve ARA Insurance for the last 22 years,” said Kelling. “The organization is in a very good position and I foresee a great future ahead for the industry and the members we serve. I’m grateful to those who served in volunteer roles to help guide the program work of ARA Insurance and make it the industry leading insurance provider that it is today.”
Kennedy comes into the role of president of ARA Insurance with a wealth of experience in the insurance industry. His career began in public accounting at McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and he has experience in the telecom and mortgage industries. Prior to joining ARA Insurance, Kennedy spent 10 years in the insurance premium finance industry having served as the corporate controller for IPFS Corp.
Kennedy’s background includes earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Iowa State University and earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He also earned the insurance industry designation of Certified Programs Leader (CPL).
“I look forward to the challenge of building on our successes from Phil’s tenure and continuing to improve in all aspects of our operation. Our strategic core purpose is centered around serving ARA members and striving for excellence in all of our program work,” said Kennedy.
“Phil has effectively led ARA Insurance to be the industry leader during his tenure,” said Tony Conant, ARA CEO. “I’m confident in John’s ability to continue building upon the success of ARA Insurance and to take the organization to the next level.”
