Veteran insurance executive to lead claims and IT, advancing Westfield’s customer-centric experience

WESTFIELD CENTER, OH (September 15, 2022) — Westfield, a property and casualty insurance company headquartered in northeast Ohio announces Kathy Golovan as its new chief operations officer (COO).

With more than twenty years of insurance expertise and diverse leadership experience, Golovan brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Westfield. As COO, she will advance and lead Westfield’s information technology, claims, customer service, government relations, internal audit, general services, and hospitality organizations. 

In her role as COO, Golovan is well positioned to lead an enhanced focus on integration between Westfield’s overall business strategies and multiple enabling capabilities, ensuring that Westfield remains “future ready” to meet ever-changing customer expectations in an increasingly complex world.

“Technology is a great enabler, but digital advances alone are not enough. The art lies in providing the right balance of intelligent automation to enhance efficiency while not losing the human touch, that’s the true mark of excellence,“ said Golovan. “By removing barriers, providing access to resources, and advocating outside-the-box thinking, I look forward to collaborating with teams across Westfield as we work together to advance a nimble and customer-centric organization.”

Golovan joins Westfield after nearly twenty-four years at Medical Mutual of Ohio, where she held many roles during her tenure, most recently Chief Health Officer. In addition, she is a licensed attorney, certified internal auditor and currently serves on the board of Business Volunteers Unlimited, In Counsel and the Corporate Visiting Committee at Case Western Reserve University

“Kathy is a dynamic and highly respected leader in the industry. She joins Westfield at a pivotal time of transformation as the world is increasingly more digital and data-driven than ever before,” said Ed Largent, Westfield CEO, president, and board chair. “As COO, Kathy’s empowering leadership style, penchant for innovation, and passion for customer-focused solutions make her the right leader at the right time to join our enterprise leadership team and position Westfield for continued success.”

Golovan has familiarity with Westfield from her time as a member of the Westfield Bank Board of Directors and her brief time as an Ohio Farmers Insurance Company board member. 

“From my time as a board member at the Bank and the insurance company, I’ve long been intrigued by Westfield,” said Golovan.  “Westfield is part of my career history and I’m thrilled to be a steward of the organization’s future, especially given the company’s trajectory and this leadership role.”  Golovan also cited the company’s strong culture and commitment to a thriving northeast Ohio as defining attributes. 

Golovan earned her undergraduate degree at the College of Wooster and her JD at Case Western Reserve University. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has also earned top recognition including Corporate College’s Smart 50 Business Leaders, Ohio Diversity Council’s Most Powerful and Influential Woman Award, Crain’s CIO of the year, Diversity Magazine’s Women Worth Watching and Crain’s 40 Under 40.