Peter Heckman

Board Member

After starting his career as a marketing representative in IBM’s Data Processing Division, Peter Heckman spent 41 years in the Insurance Industry in a variety of financial and operating management positions. Peter retired at the end of 2013 as President & CEO of Horace Mann Educators Corporation — a publicly-held insurance and financial services company primarily serving K-12 teachers and administrators. 

He and his wife, Sandi, moved to Walnut Cove in 2014. They have 4 grown children and are expecting their 6th grandchild in July. The Heckman’s are originally from Chicago, where they spent most of their working careers (Sandi was a Teacher and High School Guidance Counselor). 

They also lived for a few years in Denver and fell in love with the mountains, which ultimately led to their move to Asheville. Peter received his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Northwestern University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1970-76. He is the former Treasurer of the Walnut Cove Members Association and, in addition to serving on the Board of Unbroken Spirit, is currently a Trustee of UNC-Asheville