Citizens Property Insurance's new board shaping up

Six down, two to go.

Appointments have been made to fill most of Citizens Property Insurance's board seats. All eight seats were left empty when board members' terms expired Aug. 1.

The board members appointed so far include two former state legislators and four current and former insurance industry representatives. The state's governor, CFO, House speaker and Senate president each make two appointments, one of which should have insurance expertise.

Gov. Rick Scott has not made the two appointments he's responsible for yet. Citizens hasn't gotten back to us yet on how common it is for seats to remain empty during hurricane season and weeks after terms expire.

The board of Citizens, the state's largest property insurer, votes on claims policies, rate changes, contractors, budgets and other items that affect policyholders.

Citizens board members are:

Nancy Baily, former president of Travelers of Florida, the second largest U.S. property and casualty insurer. Baily, who runs a non-profit in Tampa that helps Lou Gehrig's Disease patients, is the former chair of the Florida Insurance Council, an insurance industry trade group. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the appointment today.

Rob Wallace, a former state legislator from Tampa who was considered an advocate for small businesses, according to Atwater. Wallace is president of Environmental Engineering Consultants, a firm that helps companies manage engineering and environmental risks. Atwater appointed him.

Chris Gardner, a shareholder with Kuykendall Gardner, an insurance broker and consultant in Winter Park. He has been in the insurance business for 18 years and was appointed by House Speaker Dean Cannon.

Carlos Lacasa, a former state legislator who is vice president and general counsel of Managed Care of North America. Lacasa was re-appointed by Cannon.

Tom Lynch, president of Plastridge Insurance agency in Delray Beach, who was re-appointed by Senate President Mike Haridopolos for a 3-year term.

Carol Everhart, vice president of insurance services at BB&T in Tampa. She was re-appointed by Haridopolos for a 2-year term.

Categories: Citizens Property Insurance (37), Property Insurance (360)