Pinnacol Assurance Names Johnson as New Chairman

Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s workers’ compensation insurer, has elected Gary Johnson as chairman. Johnson replaces Diedra Garcia, who will step down Nov. 30.

Garcia is stepping down to dedicate more time to her company, DRG Construction, recognized by ColoradoBiz magazine as one of the fastest-growing minority businesses in Colorado, according to Pinnacol. During Garcia’s tenure as chairman, Pinnacol achieved financial health and surpassed its surplus goals; paid a $55 million general dividend to its policyholders — the first in 23 years; and conducted a nationwide search to replace retiring CEO Gary Pon, the company’s long-time chief executive, according to Pinnacol.

Johnson was first appointed to Pinnacol’s board in April 2003 and has served on the board’s audit, compensation and ethics committees. He is president of Strategic Insurance Consultants Inc., a company that helps independent agents merge with or purchase other insurance agencies. Johnson’s career in the commercial insurance business spans more than 40 years, during which he served as vice president and Denver branch manager for a four-state territory of CNA Commercial Insurance and in a variety of management and marketing roles with Aetna Casualty and Surety. He holds the designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and is a member of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC).

Governor Bill Owens will appoint a new director to fill Garcia’s seat on the Pinnacol board, which consists of nine members from varied backgrounds and industries.

Pinnacol Assurance is Colorado’s largest and oldest provider of workers’ compensation insurance.