Ellen Kietzmann joined Universal Group in 2020 as chief operating officer. With over 25 years of experience as vice president of sales followed by president at her previous company, she has experienced multiple facets of a company’s needs, including HR management and business, health, and workers compensation insurance.

This experience allows her to fully understand concerns and requirements when it comes to protecting an organization’s assets. As the COO, Ellen works with the offices of Universal Group across multiple states, creating and implementing processes to ensure that each location upholds the company’s core values.

Ellen is committed to Universal Group’s core values and works hard daily, serving others whether through supporting internal customers or producers and CIA’s with tools and support. Ellen’s positive demeanor, can-do attitude, and leadership style have rewarded her with various leadership opportunities, including receiving the coveted award of Person of the Year for RVAA; a position on the board of directors for RVIA; chairman of the Committee of Excellence for Warranty within RVIA; served on the educational task force within the RV Industry for over ten years among several other committees. Ellen has a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and a master’s degree from Iowa State University and is a licensed insurance agent.

Ellen has two beautiful daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law. She and her beloved significant other, Ken, have four beautiful grandchildren; Flynn, Sophia, Eleanor, and Julia. To relax, Ellen spends time with Ken, children, and grandchildren making cookies, trying new recipes, dancing, and maintaining her and Kens campground, La-Ke’, where the entire family enjoys the outdoors together.

Ellen also enjoys reading. Some of her favorites are Good to Great, by James Collins, The Gold Mine by Freddie & Michael Ball, The Choice is Yours by Terrie Chappell, and Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson.