SAIF headquarters near downtown Salem. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter)
Chip Terhune will be the next leader of SAIF, Oregon’s largest workers’ compensation insurance provider and one of Salem’s largest employers.
The state-chartered insurance provider announced Terhune’s hiring this week. He will begin his role as president and CEO July 1. Current president and CEO Kerry Barnett, who has held the job since 2015, is retiring.
Terhune is currently senior vice president and general manager of government programs and accounts for Medecision, a health care technology company, according to a news release. He’s previously worked as assistant executive director of Oregon Education Association, director of environmental and public affairs at Schnitzer Steel in Portland and in several vice presidential roles at Cambia Health Solutions in Portland, the release said.
He was the chief of staff for former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
“Chip is uniquely qualified – he brings extensive knowledge about Oregon and a wealth of experience in the insurance industry,” said John Mohlis, board chair, in a prepared statement. “We are excited about what he brings to the position, and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he builds on the exceptional customer service Oregon businesses and injured workers expect from SAIF.”
SAIF employs 1,056 people and is headquartered in Salem. The company provides workers’ compensation insurance for 54,000 customers across Oregon, according to a fact sheet.
-Rachel Alexander
