Iowa insurance company’s incoming CEO recovering from West Nile virus

A Grinnell-based insurance company has named an acting president to fill in while the person first appointed to take over as CEO recovers from the West Nile virus.

Grinnell Mutual announced Monday that current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Wingert will serve as the company's acting president. Wingert will take on that role as Executive Vice President of Line Operations Jeff Menary undergoes rehabilitation for West Nile.

Grinnell Mutual's board had named Menary as its new president and CEO earlier this year. He was intended to take over for Larry Jansen, who retired Dec. 15 as the company's president and chief executive.

Menary was diagnosed with West Nile in September, according to a news release.

'If ever there was someone who could fight this setback head-on and make a full recovery, it's Jeff. His hard work, determination and can-do spirit will get him through this,” Wingert said in the release.

Wingert started with Grinnell Mutual in 2011 as its chief financial officer, vice president of finance and treasurer. He previously worked for Aviva USA in Des Moines.

l Comments: (319) 398-8366; matthew.patane@thegazette.com