Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

United Fire Group, Inc. announces new board appointment

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Fire Group, Inc. (UFG) (Nasdaq: UFCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new independent member to its board of directors, effective August 15, 2025. Gilda L. Spencer has been appointed as a Class A director and will serve on the board’s risk management and compensation and human capital committees. The board believes Spencer’s extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of the insurance industry will provide valuable guidance on regulatory, governance, and risk management matters critical to the company’s long-term success.

Spencer has a distinguished career as a seasoned attorney and insurance executive, currently serving as an adjunct professor for Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Between 2012 and 2021, Spencer held the role of senior vice president, deputy general counsel of dispute resolution services for Allstate, leading a team of 60 associates in managing the insurer’s litigation portfolio. Before joining Allstate, Spencer served as vice president, chief litigation counsel for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Prior to joining Nationwide in 2001, she served as an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.

“We are pleased to welcome Gilda Spencer to our board of directors,” said UFG Chairperson of the Board Jim Noyce. “Gilda’s decades of legal and insurance experience will be a tremendous asset to the board as we work together to position the company for success and deliver long-term value to our shareholders.”

Spencer graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She earned her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law, where she served as president of the Black Law Students Association.

With Spencer’s appointment, the UFG board of directors will consist of 12 members.

About UFG

Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG, through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance. The company is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states and the District of Columbia and is represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies. AM Best assigns a rating of "A-" (Excellent) for members of the United Fire & Casualty Group. For more information about UFG, visit www.ufginsurance.com.

Contact:

Investor relations
Email: ir@unitedfiregroup.com

Media inquiries
Email: news@unitedfiregroup.com


Primary Logo

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.