Company News
Momentum Prompts Ascension Insurance, Inc. to Expand Leadership Team and Invest in Strategic Marketing Communications and Information Technology
Walnut Creek, Calif., 17 May 2017 – Following a banner year, Ascension Insurance, Inc. (“Ascension”) announced today the addition of two seasoned experts to its leadership team. Natalie Zensius and Scott Machado have joined the company as Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Vice President of Information Technology, respectively. They are both based in Ascension’s headquarters in Walnut Creek, CA.
This leadership expansion is reflective of the company’s significant growth in 2016, measured by year-over-year growth in revenue (7%) and EBITDA (34%). This growth trend is expected to continue in 2017 as Ascension remains focused on organic growth, strategic M&A opportunities, and elevating its marketing and technology capabilities.
As Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Natalie Zensius is identifying opportunities to strengthen Ascension’s brand, increase awareness of its products and services, and attract and retain top talent at the organization. Natalie brings almost two decades of marketing-communications experience to the organization, having been head of marketing communications at several organizations in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining Ascension, Natalie built and managed a successful consulting practice that provided marketing-communications services to a diverse portfolio of mid-market clients across the U.S. in healthcare, education, financial services, energy, technology, public health, insurance, and conservation. Ascension had been a client for several years. Read more about Natalie. Connect with Natalie.
“It’s been inspiring to work with such a talented and passionate group of people,” said Natalie. “I’m delighted to join Ascension full-time at a very exciting stage of its evolution in a dynamic industry. I look forward to assisting our marketing and sales teams in doing even more extraordinary things.”
Scott is a veteran Information Technology leader with a 15-year history of success leading diverse technology operations in mid-sized companies. As Vice President of Information Technology, Scott will focus on revitalizing Ascension’s I.T. department and implementing customer-experience initiatives that build scale and drive value through innovation and employee/customer satisfaction. Prior to joining Ascension, Scott was Information Technology Director at Sequoia Equities, one of the largest real estate and property-management companies in the western U.S. At Sequoia, he orchestrated the reorganization of the I.T. department and focused on leveraging technology to drive financial results. Read more about Scott. Connect with Scott.
“Ascension’s growth and reputation in the market speak for themselves,” said Scott. “I was drawn to the leadership’s bold vision and all the talented folks who are such passionate customer service advocates. I’m excited to join at a time when Ascension is poised for largescale growth.”
“This has already been a fantastic year for Ascension,” said Joe Tatum, Ascension’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve completed the recent acquisition and integration of Yosemite Pacific Insurance Services [link] and expanded our reach on both coasts, and are now excited to have Natalie and Scott help drive our ambitious growth plans with strategic marcom and IT initiatives.”
“I’m thrilled to have them on board,” added Ascension’s President, Ed Page. “They’re both an excellent addition to our executive team, and the convergence of their combined skills and experience will have a tremendous effect on our ability to service our clients, generate new opportunities, and sustain our growth trajectory.”
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About Ascension Insurance, Inc.
Ascension Insurance, Inc. is a premier insurance agency that offers superior risk-management and benefits consulting services. It has more than 450 employees in 34 locations nationwide. Ascension is a privately held corporation; alongside its private-equity partners, Parthenon Capital and Century Capital Management, the company expects to continue its strong trajectory through additional acquisitions and organic growth.