Lawrence Matthews was recently named manager of Mennonite Mutual Aid Society, according to Jane Weaver, MMAS board chairperson. In this role, Matthews will manage the day-to-day operations of the Bluffton-based insurance company. Paul King continues as president of the company.

Weaver said that the board is pleased to make the announcement. Matthews brings 30 years of administrative experience to the job. He joined the company as an agent in March and he will continue to serve clients in that role. The decision to name Matthews as manager is based on the company's desire to grow.

Matthews, who holds a property and casualty license from the Ohio Department of Insurance, will be involved in recruiting and training agents, product and systems development, and developing client relations for Mennonite Mutual Aid Society.

Prior to joining the company he served 13 years as director of Marbeck Center and 16 years as director of financial aid at Bluffton University. He is a 1978 graduate of Bluffton University.

Matthews is a member of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Lima/Allen County Access Board and the Central District Conference gifts discernment committee, and is a member of St. John Mennonite Church.

Mennonite Mutual Aid Society is Bluffton's oldest continually operating business. It was established in 1866 and incorporated in 1907. MMAS offers customers insurance for wind, fire, hail, and extended coverage for residences, farms, churches and schools in the State of Ohio. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Swiss Mutual Insurance Agency (SMIA), clients also have access to companies that provide auto, casualty, liability, commercial, flood and crop insurance.

In addition to Matthews, MMAS agents are John D. Diller of Pandora and Bethany Theis of Bluffton. Richard Jordan of Bluffton offers crop insurance through SMIA.

Mennonite Mutual Aid Society's home office is 208 S. Main St., Bluffton. Office hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The business phone is 419-358-7585 and the website is www.mennonitemutualaidsociety.com.