Florida Agents Group Appoints New Board Members

The Florida Association of Insurance Agents has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors. The appointments were made during FAIA’s 106th Anniversary Convention and Education Symposium.

“The FAIA board boasts a long history of exceptional leaders,” said Jeff Grady, president and CEO, FAIA. “We are honored and excited to be working alongside these distinguished professionals who bring so much experience to the table.”

FAIA’s Board of Directors serves Florida’s independent insurance agents by promoting a healthy and competitive insurance environment.

In accordance with FAIA’s Bylaws, elected to three-year terms as directors are: John Raymond Bouchard, CIC, president of Bouchard Insurance, Inc., in Clearwater; Edward Anthony DuBose, president of Coastal Community Insurance Agency of Northwest Florida, Inc., in Panama City Beach; Douglass F. Wiles, CPCU, president of Herbie Wiles Insurance in St. Augustine.

Four members are returning. They are as follows: Thomas Cotton, CIC, CPCU, CRM, AIAM, of Hugh Cotton Insurance, Inc., in Orlando was elected to a second three-year term as our National Director; John C. Laurie, CPA, AAI, vice president and agency manager of BB&T-Wyman, Green & Blalock in Bradenton was elected as vice chairman; Cynthia M. Webster, president/CEO of Jack Rice Insurance in Largo was elected as chairman-elect; Arturo F. Hoyo, president of Coastal Insurance Group in Miami, will automatically ascend to the chairmanship of FAIA.

During the symposium, FAIA also honored Dirk DeJong and Gary Gregory as 2010’s Mitchell Stallings Memorial Award recipients. This award recognizes active FAIA members who have made significant contributions to the property and casualty insurance industry.

“Both Gregory and DeJong have devoted much of their work to the insurance industry,” said Grady. “They truly embody the mission of FAIA, and we are proud to recognize them.”

Former FAIA chairman, DeJong developed the Florida’s Future Insurance Leaders (FFIL) Program. Under his leadership, 2000’s annual convention set unprecedented records in increased revenue. DeJong is also revered for his service as the 1995–96 chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents of Broward County.

Also a former FAIA chairman, Gregory was elected as FAIA’s State National Director in 1993, where he served for six years. A Phillip Gallagher Award recipient, Gregory is highly noted for his service to the community and the insurance industry. Today, Gregory continues his service as an ambassador to the Independent Insurance Agents of Dade County.

FAIA is the oldest and largest association serving Florida’s independent property and casualty agent community. It represents over 1,700 such businesses employing over 10,000 licensed producers and close to 17,000 employees. Independent agents are not employees of companies, but are independent contractors usually representing numerous carriers.

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