Leadership Team | Kunkel & Associates

Jason Knockel

CEO

Jason Knockel joined Kunkel & Associates in 2006 and was appointed company CEO in 2013. As CEO, Jason's vision is characterized by strong emphasis in continuity of Kunkel & Associates areas of excellence, such as personalized client service and relationship management. Jason's focus entails incorporating innovative services that allow clients and insurance companies to come together and work within a realm of fields including property & casualty, employee benefits, claims management, and safety & loss control. Jason obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics from Clarke University. He also acquired designations as a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI), and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Jason serves on the Board of Directors at UnityPoint Health- Finley Hospital as Chairman and Clarke University.

Andi Even

CFO

Andi Even joined Kunkel & Associates in 2012 and serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, overseeing the financial and information technology management of the company as well as assisting in managing the strategic growth and vision of the organization. Andi has over 25 years of diversified experience in international accounting, finance, and management where she has successfully built and maintained global finance functions, managed multi-currency financial statements, played key roles on strategic and acquisition projects, and consistently served as a member of leadership teams. Andi holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Iowa.

Chad Kunkel

Senior Vice President, Commercial & Employee Benefits

Chad Kunkel joined Kunkel & Associates in 2005. Chad focuses on the sales training and development of the Commercial and Employee Benefits Divisions. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for 24-Hour Care and the Loras College National Alumni Board. He maintains the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. He is a graduate of Loras College with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing.

Chet Medinger

Senior Vice President, Marketing

Chet Medinger joined Kunkel & Associates in 2007. His responsibilities include the development and cultivation of relationships with partnered insurance carriers. He currently serves on the Sentry Insurance Agency & Advisory Council, is a member of Secura's Iowa President's Advisory Council, Avant's Agency Advisory Board, ICW's Agency Advisory Board, and maintains the Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) designation. He is a graduate of Loras College.

Kim Budde

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Kim Budde joined Kunkel & Associates in 2010 and serves as Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Kim operates as an influential HR business partner designing and executing human capital strategies that enable growth and sustainability. Kim is certified as a Professional in Human Resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as well as the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Kim has served on several boards in Dubuque that include Women’s Leadership Network, Opening Doors, Stonehill Communities, and The Fountain of Youth.

Erin Sieverding

Vice President, Employee Benefits

Erin Sieverding joined Kunkel & Associates in 2011 and serves as Vice President, Employee Benefits. Erin’s responsibilities include leading the Benefits Service and Marketing Teams as well as the development and growth of employees and the Benefits Department. She maintains the Qualified Employee Benefits Specialist (QEBS) designation and is a United Way Committee member. Erin graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Heather Freiburger

Vice President, Client Services

Heather Freiburger joined Kunkel & Associates in 2006. Her responsibilities include the development, growth, and overall management of the service team with a strong focus on enhancing the customer experience. She maintains the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management.

Chad Grall

Vice President, Strategic Sales Management

Chad Grall has over twenty years of experience in the Healthcare, Education, and Insurance industries. Chad is a highly accomplished and innovative global executive with extensive leadership expertise in sales, sales strategy, business development, marketing, product management, and platform development. Additional experience in mergers/acquisitions and recruiting/retaining top talent. His key responsibilities with Kunkel & Associates include the development, growth, and management of the Dubuque office. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a BBA in Marketing.

Trent Stringer

Senior Vice President, Kansas City

With a wealth of experience in insurance and a history of building long-term relationships with clients and underwriting decision-makers, Trent founded our Kansas City office. Trent's team uses their knowledge of the local market to extend the reach of the Kunkel brand to Kansas, Missouri, and beyond. Trent is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Kunkel Leadership