IRVINE, CALIF. (June 13, 2023) – Steve Mangapit, the COO of the Western Growers Family of Companies (WGFC), will assume the duties of President of Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc., effective immediately. He replaces David Zanze, who retired after 38 years of service to the organization.

“I look forward to ushering in a reinvigorated era of collaboration with our partners,” Mangapit says. “We are dedicated to building a foundation of communication and trust, and reintroducing Pinnacle’s best-in-class service to the community.”

Mangapit started as the first COO in the history of the WGFC in January 2022; he previously worked at Western Growers Assurance Trust/Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc. from 2010-2014 as Director of Administration and Assistant Vice President, Operations.

“Steve has exceptionally deep knowledge and perceptiveness about our business structure, objectives, processes and opportunities,” said Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia. “Among his key skillsets are relationship- and team-building, as well as ensuring consistent high quality in the services we provide. I look forward to the results of his engagement with our members, clients and partners, both current and prospective.”

Mangapit joined Western Growers from AP | Keenan, where he was responsible for three business units: Employee Benefits TPA, Healthcare Analytics and Large Group Agency Operations (Benefits).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an MBA (Finance) from the Lee Business School at UNLV. He and his wife are the proud parents of two children.

About Western Growers:

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

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