View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2016/01/15/395249.htm
The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) announced Thursday that its longtime president and chief executive officer, Francis A. Mancini, will retire from the association at the end of 2016.
MAIA said it has formed a search committee to oversee the process of selecting a new president and CEO and has retained the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm, to coordinate the search.
Mancini has been in his position since 1994. Previously, he served as director of Government Affairs for 14 years for one of MAIA’s predecessor organizations, the Independent Insurance Agents of Massachusetts.
Commenting on his pending departure from the association, Mancini stated that the Massachusetts insurance landscape has changed dramatically since he began his tenure with the association in 1974.
But one thing that hasn’t changed, Mancini observed, is that the independent insurance agency system remains the distribution channel of choice for Massachusetts consumers.
“Despite the obstacles faced by independent insurance agents over the years, their resilience and professionalism have kept them the dominant leaders in an evolving marketplace,” he observed.
“My career in the insurance industry has been extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally. I have made and maintained many wonderful friendships with those I have met through my work with the association,” Mancini said.
“Professionally, I have had the privilege of representing Massachusetts independent insurance agents for over 36 years. I am a true believer in the men and women I represent and I remain the biggest cheerleader of the American Insurance Agency System in the Commonwealth,” he said.
MAIA Chairman Lee Gaudette, president of the Gaudette Insurance Agency in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, stated, “The top priority of MAIA’s volunteer leadership is a successful transition. Mr. Mancini has earned his reputation as one of the best insurance association leaders in the United States.”
“At the conclusion of his stellar career in twelve months, Frank will leave behind an organization that is strong and vibrant. This is a great opportunity for Frank’s successor to carry forward our momentum,” Gaudette said.
Based in Milford, Massachusetts, MAIA is a trade association representing the diverse interests of Massachusetts independent insurance agents. MAIA has a staff of 30, an operating budget of $5.5 million and nearly 1,300 member agencies.