Robert C. Smith Appointed Executive Vice President of Operations at Ascension Insurance, Inc.

Kansas City, MO (June 18, 2009) . . . Ascension Insurance, Inc., a leading insurance agency offering high-quality property and casualty, risk management, and employee benefits products and services to middle-market companies, announces the appointment of Robert C. Smith as Executive Vice President of Operations.

Ascension has, since January of 2008, acquired eight significant insurance agencies across the United States. Ascension has over 400 employees in 20 locations nationwide and is one of the 35 largest insurance agencies in the country.

In his new position, Smith will be responsible for enhancing operating performance across Ascension’s footprint and providing support to each of Ascension’s agency divisions throughout the United States. He will work to maximize efficiency and growth, including facilitating Ascension’s cross-selling activities throughout the organization, as well as supporting future acquisitions.

Prior to joining Ascension, Smith was Managing Director of Beecher Carlson Holdings in Atlanta, Ga., where he helped to expand the firm dramatically over the past four years. Prior to that, he spent nearly 15 years at Reagan Consu-lt ing, most recently as a Senior Vice President and Principal. Smith also held the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Hamilton Dorsey Alston Company, Atlanta, Ga. He received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University.

In announcing the appointment, Leonard P. Kline, Jr., CEO of Ascension, comments, “We are very pleased to welcome Robbie to Ascension’s executive team. His demonstrated ability to achieve industry-leading growth and his extensive operational experience will be central to our goal of expanding Ascension’s national footprint and establishing a premier network of high- quality, middle-market insurance agencies and employee benefits firms.”

About Ascension Insurance, Inc.

Through strategic acquisition of high-quality insurance operations, Ascension Insurance, Inc. is creating a leading insurance broker offering property and casualty, risk management, and employee benefits products and services to middle-market companies. Founded in August 2007, the Kansas City-based company is expected to grow to $200 million with a nationwide footprint within five years. For more information about Ascension Insurance, Inc. or a profile of Leonard P. Kline, Jr., CEO, visit www.ascensionins.com