Throughout the year, CIRB will spotlight members of the 2018-19 Emerging Leaders Program and share about their experience in the program.
Cole Patrick
Claims Representative, COUNTRY Financial
With roots in a small-town Midwest community, Cole Patrick’s interest in agriculture was only natural. He recognized the importance of farming and its impact not only on the local level, but also on the national and global level. Patrick decided to pursue his passion and began his crop insurance career in 2013 as a crop adjuster for COUNTRY Financial. He applied to be a CIRB Emerging Leader because he believes agriculture is an essential industry and must be preserved and protected.
“Our producers and farmers are fortunate to have such an astounding amount of support driven by advocacy groups like CIRB. Because of their work, there is a vast network of crop insurance supporters throughout this nation’s strong ag communities. I am proud to be part of CIRB and for the opportunity to advocate for crop insurance to our state representatives and lawmakers,” Patrick said.
Earlier this month, Patrick and other members of the ELP gathered in Kansas City for industry networking and hands-on career development training. “The StrenghsFinder assessment and workshop was invaluable. Not only did I learn more about my personal strengths, but I learned ways to maximize them and grow myself as a leader in the industry.”
“COUNTRY is proud to support CIRB’s Emerging Leader Program as it continues to develop crop insurance leaders, in providing them with an in depth understanding of the crop insurance program,” explains Lindsey Rinkenberger, Director of Agribusiness Operations for COUNTRY Financial. “In my opinion, one of the most beneficial portions of the program is in allowing participants to work alongside CIRB Executive Committee members in meeting with members of Congress and USDA to discuss important issues impacting crop insurance. When nominating employees for the program, our management team considers employees who not only have a passion for crop insurance, but also have a willingness to enhance their leadership skills through continued education and networking.”
Patrick has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eastern Illinois University. He is recently married and resides in Bloomington, IL. Follow him on twitter at @TheColePatrick.
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip up-and-coming professionals on key policy issues and prepare them to be effective advocates for the crop insurance industry. All participants are employees of CIRB’s growing membership, which includes both crop insurance and reinsurance companies.