
What have you enjoyed most about your role as CFO so far?
Schilling: I’m learning something new almost daily, which satisfies one of my core personal values: making learning a consistent part of life. The relationships that I’ve formed have been equally rewarding. I’ve connected with so many exceptional, generous, and committed individuals across CAMICO’s staff, board members, and business partners.
How is CAMICO different from other insurance companies that you’ve worked for?
The culture at CAMICO is truly exceptional, setting us apart from competitors in insurance and other industries that I’ve experienced throughout my career. Our people are genuinely the foundation of everything that we do to support and protect our policyholders. They arrive each day committed to delivering superior service and solutions. Their dedication to doing right by our policyholders is evident throughout the organization.
What is something that people should know about CAMICO’s Finance Department?
Finance at CAMICO is a small but mighty team! This is a group of talented professionals who are always ready to help out a colleague, policyholder, board member or anyone.
What is a goal that you have for the department as its leader?
To function as a true strategic partner by providing high-quality and timely financial insights that drive decision-making for our internal leadership, board members, regulators, and business partners.
As a CPA, what is one piece of advice that you have for new CPAs entering the profession?
Above all else, be yourself. Prioritize continuous learning beyond technical skills and make a habit of staying curious. The accounting profession is constantly evolving with new regulations, technologies, and business models. As you grow in your career, you’ll find that building relationships, understanding business contexts, and providing strategic insights become increasingly important compared to routine compliance work.
What is something that you’re passionate about or like to do for fun when you’re not at work?
Nature is my sanctuary. Whether I’m climbing a rock face, navigating trails on my bike, snow skiing, setting up camp under the stars, or simply walking my dogs around the block –outdoor activities are always my preference. And if there’s an opportunity to string up a hammock somewhere along the way, even better.