Financial Services >> CEO Interviews >> March 8, 1999

J. Ridley Howard – Cotton States Life Insurance Co (csli)

J. RIDLEY HOWARD is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cotton States Insurance Group of Companies that includes Cotton States Mutual Insurance Company, Cotton States Life Insurance Company, Shield Insurance Company and Cotton States Investment Company. Prior to his current position, Mr. Howard was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Group. He entered commercial real estate business in Atlanta in 1970. Remained in business as a broker until 1978. Became Director of Economic Development and General Manager of Dekalb Chamber of Commerce, 1978-1981. Joined Cotton States in 1981 as Director of Special Projects. Later served as: Director of Corporate Affairs; Director of Agencies; Vice President - Director of Agencies; Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Became President and CEO and member of Executive Committee of Board of Directors in January of 1989. Elected Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 1998. Mr. Howard graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, 1969. He is married and has two children. Sector ' Life Insurance Profile
TWST: First, give us some background on Cotton States, enough

information to put us into context as to how the company got to where it

is today?

Mr. Howard: Cotton States Life Insurance