PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2025--
Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) announced today that Paul Freese was promoted to assistant vice president of Loan Operations, StanCorp Mortgage Investors, and assistant vice president of Standard Insurance Company.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251222281536/en/
In this role, Freese will lead the teams overseeing servicing, operations, reporting and technology associated with the company’s commercial mortgage business.
“Paul brings great vision and experience to our team and is consistently focused on transparent communication, partnership and team development,” said Amy Frazey, senior vice president and managing director of StanCorp Investors and StanCorp Real Estate. “He has been an instrumental part of our success and growth over the years.”
Freese joined The Standard in 2009 as a senior business finance analyst before being promoted to manager of Operations in 2011. Freese served as director of Technology Finance in Corporate Accounting for three years before returning to StanCorp Mortgage Investors in 2018. Most recently, he was senior director of Operations Accounting and Finance.
Freese earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and management information systems from Oregon State University.
About The Standard
Established in 1906, The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. We are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individual customers. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, voluntary and supplemental benefits, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individual customers. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Paul Freese, Assistant Vice President of Loan Operations, StanCorp Mortgage Investors at The Standard.
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2025--
FORTÉ, formerly AVI Systems, today announced that Josh Braun has been promoted to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately. Braun becomes FORTÉ’s first-ever CIO, reflecting the company’s increasing emphasis on technology, security, and infrastructure as essential drivers of growth.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251222306503/en/
As CIO, Braun will lead all aspects of FORTÉ’s information technology and digital infrastructure – including security, internal IT support, systems architecture, and long-term technology strategy. In addition, he will oversee the IT demands of FORTÉ’s 42 U.S. locations and presence in four European countries, and guide integration planning and execution as the company continues to expand.
“We are excited to elevate Josh to the new role of CIO,” said Jeff Stoebner, Chairman and CEO of FORTÉ. “Since joining in 2016, Josh has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening FORTÉ’s technology environment. Establishing the CIO role, and appointing Josh to the position, is a natural step as we continue to scale and invest in technology as a strategic advantage.”
Braun joined FORTÉ in 2016 as Director of IT and was promoted to Vice President of IT in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he has built a strong, scalable IT foundation. His leadership has driven enhanced security protocols, improved employee tech support, and includes the implementation of modern systems that ensure reliability, efficiency, and organizational resilience.
“I’m honored to take on the role of CIO at FORTÉ,” said Braun. “Technology is a cornerstone of our company’s success. As we continue to expand globally and accelerate business initiatives, my focus is on ensuring technology remains a catalyst for scale, resilience, and exceptional experiences for both our employees and our customers. I’m excited to continue partnering across the business to shape what’s next.”
Braun is a veteran in the technology industry. He began his career in IT with South Dakota-based Daktronics. Prior to joining FORTÉ, he led global IT operations at Digital River, a Minneapolis-based eCommerce company for 17 years. A native of Rosholt, S. Dak., Braun studied Electronic Engineering at South Dakota State University. He and his family reside in Waconia, Minnesota.
ABOUT FORTÉ
FORTÉ is a leading provider of innovative communication and collaboration solutions and service, dedicated to transforming workplaces in corporate, education and government agencies. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and reliability, FORTÉ helps organizations create connected, productive environments where people, spaces, and technology work together effortlessly. FORTÉ empowers organizations with secure, future-ready systems that enhance every employee touchpoint. For more information, visit www.ourforte.com.
Josh Braun has been named Chief Information Officer at FORTÉ. Josh joined the company in 2016 and has been instrumental in advancing the company's information technology and digital infrastructure.
