Stephen D. Linkus
The Daily Record has named Harford Mutual Insurance Group President and CEO Stephen D. Linkus one of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs of 2024. This is the third time Linkas has received this honor, having previously received the award in 2020 and 2022, earning him a spot as a member of the prestigious Circle of Leadership.
Most Admired CEO recognizes talented corporate CEOs, higher education leaders, and nonprofit executive directors across Maryland whose leadership and vision are admired by others. A panel of judges selects these winners based on professional accomplishments, community contributions, and nominations submitted by colleagues, executives, and community leaders that demonstrate the CEO’s leadership and vision.
“It is truly humbling to receive this award for the third time,” Linkus said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our amazing organization. I’m honored to lead such a dedicated team.”
Mr. Linkous has led Harford Mutual for nearly 40 years and became Harford Mutual’s President and CEO in 2006. During his tenure, he led strategic initiatives to accelerate growth, streamline operations, prioritize employee health, and strengthen communities.
2024’s Most Admired CEOs have impressive resumes and work hard to lead their companies to success. They surround themselves with great team members who believe in the organization’s core values and mission. “I learned the value of things,” said Suzanne Fischer Huettner, managing director of Bridgetower Media/Daily Record. “They are an example to all CEOs and their leadership is nurturing the next generation. The Daily Record congratulates this year’s winners.”
Harford Mutual was founded on the principles of interaction and has a long track record of protecting the financial well-being of its policyholders. As the company’s 10th president, Linkous’ vision is to not only maintain this mission, but grow the business and lay the foundation to ensure Harford Mutual thrives for decades to come. Under his leadership, Harford Mutual has set an ambitious goal of doubling the company’s size by 2024. A feat that previously took 172 years. The company achieved this milestone in 2020, four years ahead of schedule.
As the company transitions from the pandemic to a new economic climate, Linkous has prioritized strategic efforts to position Harford Mutual as an employer of choice. Under his leadership, the company replaced core legacy systems, upgraded its product offering, introduced new business units to improve the agent experience, and embraced work-life flexibility through a hybrid work environment.
In August 2023, Linkous successfully led the merger of ClearPath Mutual, a prominent Louisville, Kentucky-based workers’ compensation company, into Harford Mutual Insurance Group. The merger adds 50 new team members and expands the company’s agency network to more than 400 agencies. Since 2006, when Harford Mutual’s direct written premiums were $112 million, the company has grown significantly and now operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C., with direct written premiums of $436 million. reaching $.
The 2024 Most Admired CEO winners will be recognized at a gala on November 7th at the Hilton BWI in Linthicum Heights.
For more information on The Daily Record’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs, visit www.TheDailyRecord.com.
About Harford Mutual Insurance Group
Harford Mutual Insurance Group, founded in 1842 in Harford County, Maryland, is a leader in commercial real estate and property and casualty insurance, including monoline workers’ compensation with the addition of the ClearPath specialty in 2023. We provide products and services to local markets. This group is a top-performing insurance company. Harford Mutual will earn a Ward’s 50® rating by 2023 (2021 and 2022) with more than $400 million in directly written premiums sold through independent agents in 12 states and Washington, D.C. and is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. For more information, please visit www.HarfordMutual.com.
