MidAmerica takes a unique approach to hiring leaders

Steve Barber was named MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions’ vice president for business development and strategy in September. The Lakeland-based retirement and health care benefits company — which manages 2,800 plans totaling $1 billion in assets for more than 1 million public employees in 33 states — is girding for growth, and it needs people like Barber.

But Barber was not hired for his expertise in HRAs, FSAs, 403(b)s, GASBs, FICA alternative trusts, special pay plans or any other jargon-filled program. He was selected, instead, for his skilled experience as a leader.