Terrance Williams Arrives in Madison
Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in town is that Mr. Terrance Williams has spent the last three months here onboarding for his position as president and CEO of TruStage (formerly CUNA Mutual Group). According to the company’s literature, “TruStage is a leading provider of insurance, investments, and technology solutions to financial institutions, advisors and companies serving middle-market consumers.” The company has more than 4,200 employees worldwide. Mr. Williams’ role as TruStage’s 9th president and CEO began effective October 1, 2023.
A native of South Carolina, Mr. Williams has spent more than 30 years in the insurance industry and has served as an executive at Nationwide and Allstate insurance companies. Forbes recognized Mr. Williams as one of the “World’s Most Influential CMOs” (Chief Marketing Officers) in 2017 and 2018, and Savoy Magazine named him one of the most influential Black corporate directors in 2021. He proudly declares that he is “working in his chosen profession.”
As the son of a construction worker father and public-school educator mother, Mr. Williams acknowledges the importance of hard work and education. He recognized as a young man that when people in his extended family suffered a loss, the first person they reached out to was his dad. Initially, they reached out for the strength of his father’s faith as an elder in his church. But they also reached out because they lacked adequate resources and insurance to handle funeral expenses.
Mr. Williams understood that providing people with proper insurance coverage could go a long way in easing some of their pain in the midst of a loss. “All we sell is a promise,” he stated as he explained that his goals are to continue the success of TruStage by providing financial support and enhancing community commitments, while also ensuring the company’s continued relevance with products and services that help people build brighter financial futures. Mr. Williams was adamant about getting involved in the Madison community and expanding TruStage’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business in the area of risk management and insurance, Mr. Williams has found ways to stay connected to his alma mater. He serves as a mentor for students who come through the program and intends to continue those mentoring relationships from here in Madison. “To whom much is given, much is required” is one of his mantras. Again, he understands that the combination of his education and experiences has helped place him in a very special role—CEO/President of a major insurer!
Mr. Williams is a husband and father to two children—a 22-year-old and a 17-year-old. One child is living on their own and the other about to complete high school. Mr. Williams is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and hopes to take advantage of the many opportunities to serve in the Madison-area community. We are excited to see him become a mover and shaker in the Madison community. We look forward to the promise!
