Our story
A Valley institution since 1876
Twelve presidents. Six secretaries. One mission — courteous, prompt and dependable service for the people of the Shenandoah Valley.
Humble beginnings, lasting values
Chartered by neighbors, for neighbors
Shenandoah Mutual Fire Insurance Company began humbly in 1876, chartered by local businessmen who wanted an economical and trustworthy farm-and-home insurer to serve the area. Nearly 150 years later, we remain a mutual company — owned by our policyholders and rooted in Woodstock, Virginia.
Our history is a story of remarkable continuity. In almost a century and a half, the company has been led by just twelve presidents and six secretaries/treasurers. That stability shows up where it counts: in dependable coverage, fair claims, and long relationships with the independent agents who represent us across the Commonwealth.
Through it all, our mission has never changed: courteous, prompt and dependable service is what we strive to provide.
Our history, decade by decade
- 1876Chartered by local businessmen to provide an economical, trustworthy farm-and-home insurer for the Valley.
- 1908The company opens its first office, in Edinburg, Virginia.
- 1915The office relocates to Woodstock — still our home today.
- 1923Purchases its office building on Lawyers Row in Woodstock.
- 1926Adds electric lights and central heating to the office.
- 1943Renamed from "Shenandoah Farmers Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company" to its present name.
- 1970Moves to a new office at 215 W. Court Street, Woodstock.
- 2005Settles into current headquarters at 660 N. Main Street, Woodstock.
Leadership
Officers, directors & staff
Officers
Board of Directors
- Donald L. Atwood — Front Royal
- Larry A. Carbaugh — Stephens City
- Dennis K. Fleming — Luray
- Mark K. Getz — Edinburg
- Kevin R. Gutshall — Woodstock
- Darrell B. Hulver — Luray
- Randall S. Jones — Woodstock
- Gary D. Ramsey — Fort Valley
- Dudley H. Rinker — Stephens City
Staff
The mutual difference
We answer to policyholders — not shareholders
A mutual insurance company is owned by the people it insures. That single fact changes everything: our decisions are based on what’s best for you, your family and your farm — not on quarterly profits for outside investors.
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