Steven Linkous

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President and CEO
Harford Mutual Insurance Group

Steven D. Linkous, president and CEO of Harford Mutual Insurance Group, has been a driving force behind the company’s remarkable growth and transformation over the past four decades. Since joining the organization in 1985 as a computer programmer, Linkous has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming the 10th president in 2006.

Under Linkous’ leadership, Harford Mutual has experienced some of its most successful years in its 182-year history. The company has expanded its reach to 12 states and Washington, D.C., with direct written premiums growing from $112 million in 2006 to $436 million today. In August 2023, Linkous oversaw a significant merger with a leading workers’ compensation carrier in Louisville, Kentucky, further expanding the company’s footprint and capabilities.

Linkous’ vision extends beyond financial success. He has fostered a culture of inclusion and innovation, establishing the Inclusion, Diversity and Opportunity Committee to promote respect and opportunity within the organization. His commitment to employee well-being is evident in the company’s 96% employee confidence rate in Harford Mutual’s future.

“I firmly believe that when you genuinely care for your employees’ well-being, they, in turn, take care of the business and the community,” Linkous said.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of Linkous’ leadership philosophy. In 2023, Harford Mutual donated over $450,000 to charitable organizations and launched an Employee Match Program to support causes important to team members. Linkous himself has demonstrated personal commitment to philanthropy, raising a record-breaking $560,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in 2021.

Linkous’ influence extends beyond Harford Mutual. He serves on several boards, including the Harford Community College Board of Trustees, Harford County Public Library Honorary Board and Baltimore Equitable Insurance Board of Directors. Recently, the governor of Maryland appointed him to the Maryland Auto Insurance Board of Trustees.

Throughout his career, Linkous has remained grounded in the values he learned growing up on a dairy farm. He attributes much of his success to the hard work and dedication of his team, fostering an environment where innovation and contribution are encouraged at all levels.

When asked about a quote he lives by, Linkous said, “Accepting change allows for creativity, fosters innovation and removes the roadblocks we often place on ourselves.” This philosophy has guided his approach to leadership, enabling Harford Mutual to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry landscape.