By Thomas A. Parmalee
Tim Bridgers has been named managing director of preneed at Global Atlantic Financial Group, a company spokesman confirmed.
“In this role, Tim  will oversee all aspects of Global Atlantic’s preneed business, including sales, agency and funeral home relationships, as well as strategies for marketing, pricing, and product development. He succeeds Kelly Milberger, who is retiring after a distinguished career in the industry,” the spokesperson said.
Bridgers is no stranger to funeral service, having played a huge role in growing Live Oak Bank’s presence in the death-care market, where he started more than 10 years ago as a loan officer, working relentlessly until he became the bank’s senior vice president of funeral home and cemetery lending.
In confirming Bridgers’ hiring, Global Atlantic cited his expertise in leading a team of professionals specializing in funeral home lending, underwriting and loan-related responsibilities.
Asked about what led him to join Global Atlantic, Bridgers said, “My background in finance and leadership within the funeral profession and Global’s vision made this a great fit for all parties. Global Atlantic Financial Group combined with KKR offers best-in-class products and services that aligns with my passion to continue improving the experience for funeral service customers.”
While Bridgers is excited to take on his new role, he expressed appreciation to Live Oak Bank for showing so much faith in him over the years.
“Live Oak Bank gave me an opportunity that would change my professional trajectory,” he told FuneralVision.com. “Their focus on the customer inside of a non-commission based environment with industry specific expertise are just a few characteristics that make them the best bank in the profession. These reasons made it difficult to consider leaving, but I knew this was a unique opportunity to challenge myself, and join an incredible team with Global Atlantic!”
As to how he’s getting adjusted to his new position, he is focusing on “listening and learning,” he said. “There is tremendous opportunity in the preneed industry, and I’m eager to help Global Atlantic take advantage of that.”
Bridgers also expressed his appreciation for being able to do what he does.
“I want to thank funeral service for being such a wonderful profession to be a part of,” he said. “The meaning and purpose behind serving families brings the profession together as a family. I’d also like to thank Global Atlantic Financial Group for having me on their team.”
The hiring of Bridgers isn’t the only big piece of news that has recently come out of Global Atlantic.
Less than three months ago, FuneralVision.com readers learned about a 10-year partnership the company has inked with Service Corporation International, positioning it to become the preferred provider of preneed insurance for North America’s largest provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.
