Richard (Rick) C. Mallard has been named to the newly created position of national marketing director for Sarasota-based Beacon-National Insurance Associates. An aviation insurance veteran, Mallard joined the company from Metropolitan Miami's Owners Controlled Insurance Program. He may be reached at 863-604-3229 or [email protected].

Beacon-National writes workers’ compensation and group health for FBOs, municipal airports, flight schools, charter operations and companies that operate corporate business jets in select states nationwide through appointed independent agents.

The Blues Honored

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., (BCBSF) has been ranked "Highest Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in Florida," for the third time, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 National Health Insurance Plan Study.

Florida health insurance members ranked BCBSF highest in overall member experience in the Florida region. The study includes surveys from 17 regions in the United States about health plan members' overall experience with their health plans during 2010.

BCBSF is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

Cypress Financial Group Named Top Firm

Cypress Financial Group, a Florida-based office of MetLife, Inc., has been named “MetLife Firm of the Year” and “Individual Distribution Firm of the Year.” These honors are the highest level of recognition given annually to one MetLife firm for its overall performance, including commitment to customer excellence and care, sales growth and business development, and dedication to high ethical business standards.

The main office of Cypress Financial Group is in Ft. Lauderdale. Additional locations include West Palm, Boca Raton, Plantation, and Coral Gables.

Senior-Level Changes at Florida OIR

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has announced several staff changes at the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR).

Al Willis has been appointed acting deputy commissioner for property and casualty. Willis was the director of life and health financial oversight and has been with OIR since 1987. Willis is replacing acting Deputy Commissioner Robin Westcott, who was tapped by CFO Jeff Atwater to be executive director of the newly formed Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force.

Steve Szypula has been appointed acting director of property and casualty financial oversight. Szypula was the chief analyst in the oversight unit and has been with OIR since 1989. He is a Certified Financial Examiner and Certified Public Manager and was the first person in the nation to achieve the National Association of Insurance Commissioners designation of Senior Professional in Insurance Regulation.

Toma Wilkerson has been appointed acting director of life and health financial oversight. Wilkerson was the financial administrator in the oversight unit. A Certified Public Manager, she has primarily worked at the OIR since 1996.

United Insurance Posts Gains, Losses

United Insurance Holdings Corp.‘s 2010 fourth quarter net income was $2.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, during the same period last year. In a release, the company further stated that net premiums earned increased to $18 million from $16.3 million in the prior year quarter. United reported investment income of $826,000 compared to $1.1 million in the prior year quarter, and net investment gains of $4.1 million compared to $ 1.1 million for the same period last year. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the fourth quarter were $10.1 million compared with $9.8 million in the prior year quarter.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, United reported a net loss of $925,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to generating net income of $4.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the same period last year. The company is based in St. Petersburg.

FCCI’s Jacobs to Retire, Johnson Will Assume Presidency

G.W. Jacobs, the long-time chief executive at FCCI Insurance Group, is retiring at the end of May after 22 years of service, the last 12 as president. Craig Johnson will become the new president and chief executive officer. Johnson joined FCCI as vice president and controller in 2003. He was appointed executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer in 2006.

FCCI, founded in 1959, provides commercial property and casualty insurance to more than 17,000 policyholders in 14 states. Rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., FCCI is headquartered in Sarasota and has regional offices in Duluth, Ga.; Carmel, Ind.; and Jackson, Miss.; and a branch office in Lake Mary, Fla.

New Broker Buys Into Florida

Bowen, Miclette & Britt Inc. , the 64th-largest insurance broker in the United States, has expanded into the Florida market. The Texas-based firm has acquired Huckleberry Sibley & Harvey Insurance & Bonds Inc., an insurance broker serving a client base in personal lines and commercial lines with offices in Maitland, Cocoa, West Palm Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Sarasota. Included in the transaction is Merrimac Marine Insurance LLC, an affiliated broker serving the specialized marine industry on a national basis.