AUSTIN, Texas – 

The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has named Gerald F. Ladner, a respected industry executive and public servant, as the 2025 recipient of the Raymond Mauk Leadership Award. The award will be presented Sept. 17 during the ICT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium in Austin.

Established in 1998, the Raymond Mauk Leadership Award recognizes insurance professionals who have made significant contributions to the Texas property and casualty market throughout their careers. Ladner is the 27th recipient of this distinguished honor.

Since 2016, Ladner has been an officer of the Texas State Office of Risk Management (SORM) Board of Directors. In 2024, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Gerald as the Board 's Presiding Officer. He is a 44-year veteran of the property and casualty insurance industry and served on the ICT Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023 and on the board of the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association (TPCIGA), where he was vice chair. Known for his leadership, policy insight, and collaborative spirit, Ladner has been a significant voice in the Texas insurance market since arriving in the state in 1999.

“I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient of the Raymond Mauk Leadership Award,” Ladner said. “To be recognized by peers and colleagues I’ve worked with throughout my career is humbling. I’m grateful to have played a part in strengthening the insurance industry and advocating for sound policy in Texas.”

Ladner began his career in 1981 as a commercial underwriter with CG/Aetna (Cigna) and later advanced through leadership roles at Zurich-American Insurance. He led product and segment development efforts, including the creation of an integrated food industry team that became a model for innovation.

In 2007, he joined State Auto Insurance Co. as zone vice president and led the company’s Texas start-up operation, which grew significantly following the acquisition of Beacon Insurance. He later became president of the company’s five-state western region and eventually led its national sales organization, expanding the company’s independent agent network and helping guide its digital transformation.

After Liberty Mutual acquired State Auto, Ladner served as vice president of Strategic Agent Partnerships and External Relations, working closely with trade groups, regulators and lawmakers on key policy matters. In 2021, he was named Company Representative of the Year by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents.

“Gerald is a longtime friend and one of the most respected leaders in our industry,” said Albert Betts, executive director of ICT. “He’s dedicated his career to improving the market, supporting independent agents and advancing sound public policy. He is a well-deserving recipient of this award.”

Ladner is a graduate of Rollins College and has served on its board of trustees for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Denise, reside in Austin and have three adult children and four grandchildren.