ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame has announced the distinguished leaders selected for induction into its 2026 class. The honorees will be formally recognized during the annual Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 22, 2026, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on Minnesota’s risk management and insurance industries. Since its founding in 2024, the Hall of Fame has celebrated professionals who have advanced their organizations, served their communities, and strengthened the broader insurance profession. 

The Center for Risk Management & Insurance at the University of St. Thomas is proud to again serve as the host of the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame. The annual induction ceremony brings together industry and community leaders from across the state to the St. Paul Campus for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration of the individuals who have helped shape Minnesota’s insurance industry. 

The 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame inductees are: 

• John DeSanto, Former AIG Minneapolis Branch Manager 

• Thomas Devine, President & CEO, Devine Consortium LLC; Regent Emeritus, University of Minnesota & Adjunct Faculty, University of Minnesota Carlson Business School, Insurance Department 

• Ted Dyste, President & CEO, Dyste Williams; Area President, Gallagher 

• Patrick D. Francisco, Former President, Patrick D. Francisco and Associates (now NorthView Financial Partners) 

• Kathleen Gallagher Burton, RPS Excess & Surplus Lines Underwriter/Broker; Minnesota Surplus Lines Board of Directors, Secretary/Treasurer 

• Stuart C. Henderson, J.D., CPCU, Former CEO and Board Member, Western National Insurance Group 

• T. Michael Miller, Former CEO and Current Chairman, Global Specialty Lines and Board Director of Intact Financial Corporation  

• Phillip Richards, Executive Chairman and Founder, North Star Resource Group 

“The members of the 2026 induction class represent the very best of Minnesota’s risk management and insurance community whose influence continues to benefit businesses, families, and communities throughout our state,” said Bill Ryan, 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame Chair and Vice President, Head of People & Culture and Learning & Development at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. We are grateful to partner with the Center for Risk Management & Insurance at the University of St. Thomas, whose leadership helps bring our industry together each year to celebrate these remarkable individuals and inspire the next generation of insurance professionals. 

Registration is now open for the induction ceremony and all are invited to join in honoring the 2026 class. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available.  

For information about the event, please visit the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame website or contact rmi@stthomas.edu. 

 

About the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame 

The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made enduring contributions to Minnesota’s insurance and financial services industries. Through its annual induction ceremony and ongoing recognition efforts, the Hall of Fame preserves the industry’s rich history while inspiring and funding for the future generation of leaders. 

About the Center for Risk Management and Insurance 

The Center for Risk Management and Insurance at the University of St. Thomas was founded in 2020 through industry collaboration and funding from the local insurance and risk management community. Aligning the University of St. Thomas mission to advance the common good with the insurance industry’s core purpose, the Center’s RM&I program provides a career pathway through its undergraduate certificate, industry connections and programming, and focused internships and entry level opportunities.