Management Team


Bob White - President & CEO

First Nonprofit's new president and CEO is a warm-hearted visionary. A recent transplant to the Chicago area, Bob has spent his entire career in the insurance industry, but the move to working with nonprofits was something of a family affair.

“My wife has worked in the nonprofit sector for years, so I have come to really understand the value of their presence in local communities. I eagerly accepted the opportunity to lead a company that helps promote those good efforts.”

Rich Dacey - Senior Vice President & CFO

For more than 15 years, Rich has been charged with safeguarding the financial well-being of the company. While he may not have direct contact with nonprofits, his work greatly affects them. By helping First Nonprofit remain financially healthy, Rich ensures that these organizations will get the coverage they need to continue their efforts.

“We remove the worry about obtaining insurance so they can focus on more important things - like the good work they do.”

Trish Shanahan - Senior Vice President, Nonprofit Relations

Trish is responsible for developing relationships with nonprofits and their industry associations. From our office in Savannah, Georgia, she develops mutually-rewarding partnerships with nonprofit organizations. It is building relationships with policyholders that Trish finds most rewarding.

“Everyday I am humbled by the compassion of our policyholders. I'm happy to be a part of their success.”

Steve Wellbank - Vice President, Claims

As head of Claims, Steve is responsible for claims processing, reserving, and settlement practices. Steve and his team take pride in helping our policyholders thrive in their local communities.

“Seeing the claims, the crises, and the tremendous challenges our policyholders face every day, I'm proud to be a part of First Nonprofit and part of the reason our policyholders can continue their good work.”

Kathy Szur - Vice President, Western Region

As a regional vice president, Kathy wears many hats. Her main focus is expanding the company's presence in the west. From our regional office in Scottsdale, Arizona, she consistently finds ways to move our business forward. Kathy relishes in her involvement with a company that values and celebrates the good works of nonprofits.

“You see the work these organizations do and it inspires you. You want to help in any way, shape, or form.”

Chris Finkley - Vice President, Insurance Operations

Chris is responsible for management of the Underwriting, Insurance Services, and MIS departments. The inspiring work of nonprofits has motivated him to help in any way he can. Chris encourages his staff to grow in their understanding of and responsibility to helping nonprofits prosper.

“Most of our insureds help folks when they have no place else to turn. By providing them with coverage and helping them manage their exposures to loss, we help them help people in need.”

Lena Suizzo - Vice President, Human Resources

Employee relations mean a lot to Lena. She helps create an environment where employees enjoy coming to work. The way First Nonprofit treats its employees is a direct reflection of how it treats its policyholders.

“I love hiring people who love what they do. And because of the good work we do, I am always hearing from employees how much they love their jobs.”



Bob Arends - Vice President, Risk Management

From his unique vantage point, Bob recognizes that a critical factor in the cost of insurance is the cost of losses. He assists the company’s underwriters in understanding our insureds’ risks, while also helping insureds control their risks. Bob takes great satisfaction in playing a role in supporting these nonprofits.

“No insurance company has a greater dedication to supporting nonprofits than First Nonprofit, and I am proud to share in this mission.”

Mary McDaniel - Vice President, Enterprise Risk

Mary joined First Nonprofit in February 2011.  She serves as in-house corporate counsel and has oversight of both the Claims and Regulatory & Compliance departments.  Mary has management experience in property and casualty insurance claims, underwriting operations, field operations, reinsurance, IT, and HR.

“Winston Churchill said, ‘we make a living by what we get, but we can make a life of what we give.’  First Nonprofit policyholders are making lives. My colleagues and I are privileged to play a part in their endeavors.”