Four executives promoted

MRA President and Chief Operating Officer James P. Hallan announced the promotion of four long-time executives: Jean Sarasin, Tom Scott, John Mayleben and Tom Tuggle. The promotions, which include shifts in areas of responsibility, are the first steps in the leadership transition occasioned by the retirement of Larry Meyer and the promotion of Hallan to CEO, effective January 1.

Senior Vice President Jean Sarasin has been promoted to executive vice president, operations and finance. In addition to overseeing the accounting, customer service and membership areas, Sarasin will expand her responsibility to include management of the Association’s day-to-day operations.

Sarasin joined MRA in 1981, working as a bankcard clerk and accountant. She was named vice president of finance in 1990 and promoted to senior vice president in 2001.

Tom Scott, formerly vice president of communications and public affairs, has been promoted to senior vice president, communications and marketing. Scott joined MRA in 1993.

John Mayleben, formerly vice president, sales and marketing, has become vice president, technology and product development. The position is new and will allow Mayleben, a 21-year veteran of MRA, to concentrate on retail and electronic transaction technology, data security and new product development. He will also increase his role as an industry expert on matters of retail technology.

Mayleben has been instrumental in finding and developing new services to add value to MRA membership, such as the shipping savings program and remote deposit.

Tom Tuggle, formerly director of sales and partner relations, is now vice president, Retailers Mutual sales & agent relations.

Since the creation of Retailers Mutual Insurance Company in January 2006, one of Tuggle’s responsibilities has been to build and maintain its network of independent agents. With this promotion, Tuggle will now devote his full attention and talent to building relationships with insurance agents and promoting brand awareness of Retailers Mutual’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Tuggle has been with MRA since 1993 in a variety of sales-related positions.