DENVER — April 2, 2024 — Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s leading workers’ compensation insurance provider, announces new leadership and the appointment of new board members that reinforce the organization’s dedication to diverse perspectives and strong leadership. The new board composition reflects Pinnacol’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in its strategic decision-making processes.
Akasha Absher was elected by the Pinnacol Board of Directors to serve as chair. Absher is a seasoned leader with a passion for the workers and workplaces of Colorado. Since joining the Pinnacol board in 2020, she has served as chair of the board’s investment committee. She is the co-president and head of impact investing of Syntrinsic LLC, an IMA Company, a national investment consulting firm exclusively focused on endowments, foundations and nonprofit organizations and the people affiliated with them. Absher was named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in 2020, and in 2021 was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Colorado.
In a statement regarding her election as chair, Absher expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Pinnacol into its next chapter of growth and service to the community. “Pinnacol Assurance plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of Colorado’s workforce. I am honored to serve as chair and am committed to upholding our legacy of delivering market-leading workers’ compensation solutions and unparalleled care to the people of Colorado.”
Absher emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to Pinnacol’s services for all Coloradans, stating, “As we move forward, my priority is to ensure that Pinnacol leverages investments in technology as well as enhanced services and new partnerships so that everyone in our state has access to Pinnacol’s market-leading care and coverage. We will continue to strive for excellence in providing the best care and support while remaining steadfast in our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community.”
Jesus Salazar was elected vice chair of the board. Salazar also joined the Pinnacol Board of Directors in 2020. He is the co-founder and CEO of Prosono, a company that provides agile and sustainable strategies and execution support for organizations throughout North America.
Pinnacol also welcomes the continued leadership of returning board member Mowa Haile and two new talented leaders, recently appointed by Governor Jared Polis.
Mowa Haile is the founder and president of Sky Blue Builders, a general contracting and construction management firm with offices in Colorado and New Mexico. Haile is an existing member of the board and serves as chair of the governance and ethics committee. He brings market experience as a leader, entrepreneur and minority-owned small business owner dedicated to strengthening the customer experience and supporting workforce growth in our region.
Angela Oakley is the chief financial officer at WellPower, a community partner providing critical mental health services throughout our region. Oakley brings more than three decades of experience in healthcare finance, including hospitals and insurance entities. Her passion for leadership and mission-oriented work fuels her drive to enhance well-being throughout the community.
Mark Roellig is a retired general counsel, chief technology officer, chief human resources officer, corporate secretary and executive vice president at four Fortune 500 companies. Throughout his career, Roellig has served as a mentor to executive teams and has shared expertise across areas of insurance, technology, governance, government relations and human resources.
Read full bios for Pinnacol’s board of directors.
Pinnacol Assurance is a top-performing provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Our nationwide coverage goes wherever businesses grow to provide them with caring and reliable protection. We offer top-rated injured worker care, customized safety solutions and a comprehensive return to work program that helps our customers reduce risk and save costs. You can see our investment in the community through our nationally recognized apprenticeship program, Pinnacol Foundation scholarship program and award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion work. Pinnacol’s team members, culture and services have received numerous awards, affirming our commitment to the people and communities we serve. Learn more at Pinnacol.com.
