The Standard Mourns the Passing of Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eric E. Parsons

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) today reported that Eric E. Parsons, former chairman, president and chief executive officer of the company (2004 –2009) passed away on Jan. 9 at age 70. The Standard extends its condolences to his family, particularly his wife, Janet.

Eric was at The Standard for more than 40 years, shaping it in fundamental ways and fostering a legacy of community involvement that continues today.

Eric began his career with the company in 1968 and served The Standard in numerous roles including chairman, president and chief executive officer; senior vice president and chief financial officer; vice president, Investments; and, president of the company’s Mortgage and Real Estate subsidiaries.

Eric was chairman of the StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and Standard Insurance Company boards of directors from 2004 until 2011. He served as chairman and chief executive officer of both companies from May 2004 to June 2009 following service as president and chief executive officer since January 2003. He was appointed to StanCorp’s board of directors in August 2002 and elected chairman in May 2004.

“StanCorp mourns the passing of a dear friend and respected community leader, and we are deeply saddened by the loss,” said J. Greg Ness, chairman, president and CEO of StanCorp. “Eric had a remarkable positive impact — both at The Standard and in Oregon. He certainly left his mark on this company and everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. On behalf of our employees and the board of directors, I extend my sincere condolences to Eric’s family and especially his wife, Janet. Eric will be missed by many.”

Eric was a graduate of Lewis & Clark College, Northwestern University’s School of Mortgage Banking and was a Fellow in the Life Management Institute.

During his career at The Standard, Eric also served on the boards of various nonprofits, earning him a reputation as both a generous philanthropist and community leader. Some of the boards and organizations to which Eric dedicated his time and resources included:

• Oregon Business Council
• Oregon Community Foundation
• Oregon Health & Sciences University Cancer Institute Council
• Oregon Health & Sciences University Foundation
• Oregon Historical Society
• Portland Art Museum
• Portland Development Commission
• Portland Opera

About The Standard

The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping you achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. In business since 1906, we are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life, dental and vision insurance, voluntary (employee-paid) benefits, absence management services, and retirement plans and annuities for employers and individuals. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries: Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Mortgage Investors, Inc., StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., StanCorp Real Estate, LLC, and StanCorp Equities, Inc.