Allsup Adds Zura, Plass & Luhning To Senior Management Team

Appointments further strengthen company growth and expand market-leading position

Belleville, Illinois — June 8, 2016 — Allsup, a nationwide provider of specialized services and technologies that help meet the financial and healthcare needs of people with disabilities, today announced David Zura has been named president and chief operating officer. In addition, Richard Plass was named senior vice president of strategy & implementation and president of subsidiary Allsup Employment Services, and Michael Luhning has joined as vice president of marketing.

“Over more than 30 years, Allsup has established itself as an entrepreneurial leader in helping those with disabilities coordinate their private employer and public benefits, and guiding them through complex disability programs, such as long-term disability and Social Security Disability Insurance, Ticket to Work and Medicare,” said Jim Allsup, founder and CEO of Allsup. “The addition of these experienced leaders will help Allsup further grow and expand our business with innovative consumer and operational technology and new services designed to support those with disabilities.”

New Senior Management Appointees Add Depth & Breadth of Experience

As president and COO, Zura is responsible for Allsup’s overall business operations, including claims and customer service, information technology, income replacement and healthcare insurance services, marketing, strategy & implementation, finance and administration. He reports to Jim Allsup.

Zura joined Allsup following the sale of his business, Centria Design Services, with extensive business leadership and operational experience. He has held positions as president, COO and vice president with financial services companies, including Capital One and Professional Warranty Service Corporation.  He has an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Virginia.

Rich Plass has joined Allsup in the newly created role of senior vice president, strategy & implementation, and as president, Allsup Employment Services (AES). AES, a Social Security Administration-approved Employment Network, provides return to work assistance for Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries who are able to return to work. Plass reports to Zura and focuses on developing and driving innovative business concepts that ensure successful implementation of long-term growth strategies.

Most recently, Plass was a vice president at Express Scripts and earlier held leadership and technology positions with AT&T Services. A resident of St. Louis, he holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Southeast Missouri State University.

As vice president of marketing, Luhning has overall responsibility for developing and implementing Allsup’s brand and marketing strategies, as well as directing and managing all internet and traditional marketing initiatives. He reports to Zura.

Luhning brings more than 15 years of experience as a marketing strategist, creative director, digital director and manager in advertising, marketing, promotions and incentive services companies. Most recently, he was vice president of marketing strategy at The Kerry Group, a brand activation agency. Prior to that, he was vice president, digital director for Momentum Worldwide, a total brand experience agency. He lives in Belleville, Illinois, and holds a bachelor of science degree in mass communications from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.