Lawrence J. Rybka, JD, CFP®

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VALMARK FINANCIAL GROUP

Larry J. Rybka joined Valmark in 1987 and became President and Chief Executive Officer twelve years later in 1999. In 2019, Larry became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmark. Under his leadership, the company has experienced revenue growth of 20X. Larry’s tenure at Valmark has been marked by working with advisors in creating innovative solutions to better serve clients and advocating for higher standards in the life insurance business.

Larry’s industry leadership includes terms on the Boards of AALU, the MDRT Foundation, The University of Akron Foundation, and Arise Rwanda Ministries.

Larry is a noted speaker and author of over a dozen articles published in numerous industry journals. Two of his articles were recognized with industry awards: the Journal of the American Society of CLU and ChFC’s Author Award as well as the CFP Board’s Article Award. He has also co-authored two books, Tools & Techniques of Life Settlement Planning with Steve Leimberg and Life Insurance 10X. Other notable industry recognition includes induction into the NAEPC Estate Planning Hall of Fame®, recipient of the American Award from Lincoln Financial Group for lifetime contributions to the industry, Finance Professional of the Year from The University of Akron, and the Vistage Leadership Award.

Larry is credited locally with working alongside the University of Akron to create one of the first financial planning programs within the Finance Department at the University of Akron’s College of Business. Over the years, Larry and Valmark have worked closely with the University of Akron to improve and grow the program. Valmark has been rewarded for that effort with over 40 professionals joining Valmark’s internal team full-time from the program.

Larry earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Akron, graduating with Honors, and a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University, and holds the CFP® designation.

Larry and his wife, Wendy, reside in the Akron area and have four adult children and two grandchildren.