March 22, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
Former senior executive vice president for State Farm Insurance Companies Jack North has been added to the Illinois State Athletics Department as its executive in residence, according to ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Sheahon Zenger. North's appointment fills the void created by the retirement of ISU's Director of Major Gifts Larry Morlan in February 2010.
"I'm looking forward to having Jack as a colleague and pleased to have the opportunity to hire someone of his stature," Zenger said. "I have come to value his friendship and guidance since arriving at Illinois State University.
"This hiring of an executive in residence is based on a previous experience I had at another institution, which resulted in one of the most gratifying experiences in my professional career. I anticipate the addition of Jack to the Redbird Athletics family will be the same for me, and for our entire department."
North is also looking forward to his new position.
"I have come to both admire and respect Redbird athletics, and the university as a whole," North said. "The opportunity to contribute to their on-going success is exciting and I look forward to the opportunity."
With ISU Athletics, North will be involved in leadership development of department staff, coaches and student-athletes. He will assist with marketing and branding strategies, while also assisting with capital initiatives.
North retired from State Farm in September 2007 after a 26-year career with the company. He began his career with State Farm in 1981, as an agent in Evans City, Pa. He became an agency manager in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1984, and an agency director in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. in 1987.
He was named executive assistant-agency at corporate headquarters in 1992, deputy regional vice president at the Illinois office in 1993, and regional vice president of the Illinois office in 1994. He returned to corporate headquarters to become senior vice president in 1998 and executive vice president of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in 2001.
North became senior executive vice president-financial services in 2004.
A Pennsylvania native, North received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree from Slippery Rock State University.
He is also an active member of the Timber Point Charitable Foundation Board of Directors, the State Farm Classic Board, and the College of Business Advisory Council at Illinois State University, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Board and the American Savings Education Council.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
