Chief Financial Officer Dave Magers has worked for the Illinois Farm Bureau family of companies since 1977. (Photo courtesy Country Financial)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - The man behind the numbers at Country Financial is calling it a career.

Chief Financial Officer Dave Magers has announced he's retiring in January after 35 years with the Illinois Farm Bureau companies. The 57-year-old Magers began his career at Country in 2003 as vice president of Property and Casualty Operations and was named CFO later that year.

Magers didn't have to go far to find the job that he loved.

"As I sit here in my office today and look out to the northwest across Towanda Avenue, I look at the house I grew up in, " Mager said, adding that his boyhood home was on the eastern edge of Bloomington-Normal at the time.

The Normal Community High School graduate earned bachelor's and master's degrees at Illinois State University before starting at Growmark as an accounting trainee in 1977.

Majers said competition is one aspect of the insurance industry that's changed significantly over the years as more companies are offering lower rates for less customer service.

"There's much more of a consumer choice today between, 'I want to do all of the work myself and pay a lowest price or I want a true professional to do the work for me and maybe pay a little more for that service and have the comfort to know that I've done the right thing," Magers said.

Magers plans to pursue a life-long passion or collecting cars. He will become CEO of Mecum Car Collector Auctions based in Wisconsin.

Magers said Country's finances are in good shape as he departs.

"I can leave Country knowing that it's in good hands. We've weathered the storm well and we have a great plan for the future," Magers said. "I can do something that's been a lifelong passion of mine for who knows how long."

Chief Executive Officer Kurt Bock said Country will begin the search for a new chief financial officer later this month.

"(Magers) has played an instrumental role in creating the financial strength of Country, as well as the Illinois Farm Bureau. Likewise, he has made significant contributions to our industry and our community," Bock said.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.