With over three decades of deep-rooted experience across underwriting, sales, and marketing in the insurance industry, Dave Dietz stands out not just as the President and CEO of EIIA, but as a visionary leader committed to transforming how faith-inspired institutions manage risk.

His journey began humbly—as a fresh college graduate entering the insurance world with little knowledge but a strong curiosity. He started as a commercial lines underwriter at Sentry Insurance, where he was quickly fascinated by the complex world of risk, coverage, and the essential broker-client relationship. That spark grew into a dynamic career filled with leadership roles such as Underwriting Manager, Branch Vice President, and Senior VP of Sales.

Throughout his career, Dave has remained actively involved in community service—volunteering as a youth coach, supporting Junior Achievement, and taking on leadership roles in his church. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, he holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Economics.

Championing Purpose-Driven Insurance Solutions

Prior to joining EIIA, Dave served as Senior Vice President at GuideOne Insurance Company, specializing in coverage for nonprofit and religious organizations.

His extensive tenure at State Auto Insurance Companies also saw him leading their Workers’ Compensation Division and overseeing national commercial operations.
What sets Dave apart is his humility and gratitude. He often credits his mentors and previous leaders for the trust they placed in him. “I am the sum of all the experiences, people, and challenges I’ve encountered,” he says, a reflection of his collaborative and growth-oriented leadership style.

The Unique Legacy and Mission of EIIA

EIIA (Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators) isn’t your typical insurance provider. Founded in the 1960s, its mission was to offer risk management and insurance solutions to historically Black Methodist colleges and universities—institutions that struggled to secure proper insurance coverage during times of immense social and political change.

Today, EIIA serves around 150 private, faith-inspired colleges, universities, and seminaries across the U.S. Dave describes it best: “Together, we pool our experience to build proprietary insurance and risk management programs.” The organization remains a beacon of collaborative innovation for member institutions navigating a fast-changing educational landscape.

A Strategic and Empowering Leadership Style

As CEO, Dave sees himself as a facilitator more than a commander. His leadership is rooted in setting a clear strategic direction, empowering his team with the right tools, and trusting them to perform—with ongoing feedback, support, and celebration of success.

He defines true success as “achieving an outcome that delivers value for all stakeholders.” At EIIA, this means navigating not just the evolving challenges in higher education—from declining enrollment in liberal arts to mental health and campus safety—but also broader industry shifts like rising premiums, increased natural disasters, cyber threats, and social inflation.

EIIA’s not-for-profit model and deep industry specialization uniquely position it to innovate tailored, cost-effective risk management solutions for its members.

Why Dave Chose EIIA

What drew Dave to EIIA wasn’t just its mission—it was the people. “This team is here because they believe so deeply in what we do. It’s a powerful platform to build on,” he shares. With a culture grounded in purpose and service, EIIA is a natural fit for Dave’s leadership ethos.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

In Dave’s eyes, challenges are not roadblocks—they’re the ultimate leadership test. He focuses on what he can control: building strong partnerships, setting clear expectations, and empowering teams.

Challenges, he believes, serve several key functions:

They test resilience: Success is easy with a tailwind, but character is revealed in adversity.

• They spark innovation: When Plan A fails, creativity takes the lead.
• They build confidence: Every hurdle crossed becomes a source of strength for the future.
• They unite teams: Nothing bonds a team like beating the odds together.

Evolving with a Changing Workforce

Like many leaders, Dave has come to recognize the value of work-life balance. “I remember reviewing a proposal at Disney while my family was on a ride,” he reflects. Those experiences reminded him of the importance of unplugging and prioritizing what truly matters. The last few years, he notes, have helped many professionals reevaluate their core values.

A Clear Vision for the Future

Under Dave’s leadership, EIIA is focused on delivering even greater value to its member institutions. Key strategic goals include:

• Keeping premiums affordable
• Enhancing protection against evolving risks
• Streamlining processes to improve service experience
• Creating growth opportunities for EIIA’s talented associates

But above all, the mission remains: to support the promise of higher education for faith-inspired institutions across the nation.

Advice to Future Leaders

For aspiring leaders, Dave offers timeless wisdom: seek mentors, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk a different path. “I’ve achieved far more than I ever imagined,” he says, “not just by becoming a CEO, but by the relationships I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

And for those considering a career in insurance? “It’s far more dynamic and fulfilling than people think. It’s about relationships, innovation, and making a real impact.”

Company Name: Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators, Inc (EIIA)
CEO: Dave Dietz