Read on to learn more about the Company’s five generations of family leadership, and the milestones achieved along the way.
First Generation
O.L. McCord
Second Generation
E.A. McCord
Third Generation
R.A. McCord
Fourth Generation
Mike McCord
Fifth Generation
Katie McCord Jenkins
Illinois Mutual is a company more than 110 years in the making. Our history demonstrates how our adaptability, financial fortitude and growth mindset have helped us remain successful since our beginnings.
1910
O.L. McCord and four others organize a fraternal benefit society, Illinois Woodmen Accident Association in Danville, Illinois.
1913
The Company moves to Peoria, Illinois.
1916
The Company reorganizes to a mutual plan and changes its name to Illinois Mutual Casualty Company.
1922
O.L. McCord is named President.
Gladys Edwards named Company Secretary and Treasurer – just two years after women won the right to vote in our country.
1934
The Company is the first in the industry to issue a professional women's policy designed for working women.
Illinois Mutual remained profitable after the Stock Market Crash of 1929.
1935
E.A. McCord becomes President.
1956
Illinois Mutual introduces Disability Income Insurance to its line of products.
1958
The Company enters the life insurance market by issuing its first life insurance policy to Michel McCord, great-grandson of O.L. McCord.
The Company changes its name to Illinois Mutual Life and Casualty.
1963
R.A. McCord is named President; E.A. McCord becomes Chairman.
Illinois Mutual installed its first mainframe computer (IBM 305 RAMAC) in 1964.
1970
Company introduces Money-Back Disability Insurance.
1979
Illinois Mutual moves into a newly renovated, five-story home office at 300 SW Adams Street in downtown Peoria, Illinois.
1983
Michel McCord is named President; R.A. McCord becomes Chairman.
The Company reached $1 billion of in force life premiums in 1983.
1995
The Company changes its name to Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company and celebrates 85 years in business by unveiling a new corporate identity logo mark and branding.
2003
Illinois Mutual has a milestone year by exceeding $1 billion in admitted assets.
In 2005, Illinois Mutual began celebrating Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), an industry-wide event created and launched by future Illinois Mutual President Katie McCord Jenkins.
2007
Illinois Mutual launches a new line of Worksite Insurance products including Short Term Disability Insurance and Accident Insurance.
2008
Illinois Mutual becomes bilingual and launches a successful Hispanic initiative.
2010
Illinois Mutual celebrates its 100th anniversary.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Illinois Mutual donated $100,000 along with 100 volunteer hours from Company employees to charitable organizations in the central Illinois community.
2011
Katie McCord Jenkins is named President.
Illinois Mutual launches its first online illustration WebApps for Life and DI, allowing agents to do business digitally.
2018
The Company launches a new suite of Term Life insurance products, featuring customizable solutions to meet specific needs.
2019
Illinois Mutual introduces new portfolio of Whole Life Insurance providing five plans and a variety of riders.
Disability Insurance guidelines undergo changes meant to expand coverage, allowing more individuals to qualify for coverage who hadn’t before.
2020
Company converts to new application and illustration management system to make the policy application process faster and easier for agents.
Illinois Mutual introduces ePolicy delivery to enhance virtual communications for policyowners.
2020 was the 4th year in a row that 100% of Illinois Mutual employees donated to the United Way.