Willie Brown

Willie Brown Named President of Illinois Wesleyan Associates

Nov. 18, 2002

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Willie Brown, senior vice president of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, has been named president of the Illinois Wesleyan Associates.

Brown succeeds Gary E. Egbers, who had served as president of the organization since 1999. Egbers is president of Commercial Packaging, Inc.

"We are delighted that Willie Brown has accepted this assignment with Illinois Wesleyan Associates and look forward to his leadership," said Illinois Wesleyan President Minor Myers jr. "At the same time, we are indebted to Gary Egbers for his tireless service on behalf of this important program during the past three years."

The Illinois Wesleyan Associates comprises business and professional leaders interested in the advancement and support of independent higher education. Founded in 1953, the Associates participate in a range of Illinois Wesleyan activities and, more broadly, are interested in issues facing U.S. higher education. The Associates underwrite, among other funding, financial aid needs for Illinois Wesleyan students from McLean County, and many provide internship opportunities for Illinois Wesleyan students.

Brown began his State Farm career in 1971 in the data processing department at corporate headquarters. He joined the life company in 1974 and, after several promotions, was named life specialist in 1977 and personnel services representative later that year. After several promotions in personnel, he was named assistant division manager in the Frederick, Md., office in 1985, where he was promoted to division manager that same year. He returned to corporate headquarters in 1989 as director of home office personnel relations.

Brown became an executive assistant in 1991, was promoted to deputy regional vice president in the Illinois Regional Office in Bloomington in 1992 and vice president of operations there in 1995. He was named vice president – administrative services at corporate headquarters in 1999 and assumed his current position in 2002.

Brown received a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, Normal. He earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1981, the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in 1976 and the Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation in 1976.