People

Kirk A. Sexton has been promoted to chief information officer of Unisource Administra-tors Inc., a workers’ compensation third-party administrator providing integrated claim management and loss prevention solutions. Previously vice president of information technology for Unisource, Sexton oversees all IT operations and software development for the Unisource enterprise.

Sexton was the architect behind LodeStar, a specialty workers’ compensation software system that interfaces with every aspect of a claim, including the provider organization, care management, medical bill review and claims processing. In 2004, Unisource spun off the software development division and created LodeStar LLC.

Sexton has more than 14 years’ experience in information technology, especially programming, development and web development. Prior to joining Unisource in 2001, he was vice president of operations for SoftCo America Inc., a Tampa-based software firm that provides content and transaction management software. He previously served as director of information services for Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Fla.

Atlanta-based NBIS appointed Joseph Savarese as senior vice president of underwriting. He will focus on the company’s eastern and western U.S. presence, working to establish a network of insurance agents and brokers in the contractors insurance market.

Savarese began his career as a reinsurance broker with Guy Carpenter and Co. Inc., based in New York. Over the last 20 years he held positions of increasing responsibility in the insurance industry, most recently he was vice president and manager of the Primary Casualty Department for Investors Underwriting Managers in Red Bank, N. J.

Kathleen “Kathy” Mary Dalmau, a commercial account specialist for Brown & Brown Inc., in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., recently passed her fifth and final Certified Insurance Service Representative course, and became the 20,000th active insurance professional in the nation to attain the CISR designation.

Dalmau has been in the insurance industry for 21 years and with Brown & Brown since 1987. She maintains her own book of business in the Small Commercial Division, concentrating on renewals and marketing for renewals.

Dalmau took the courses to bolster her day-to-day service and obtain the latest knowledge that will gives her confidence to do her job well.

Dalmau’s accomplishment represents the attainment of another important milestone in the program’s history. She will be recognized with a special CISR diploma, identifying her as the 20,000th CISR, and a scholarship for a CISR course will be awarded to her agency.

Dr. William T. Hold, The National Alliance president, called the awarding of the 20,000th designation a historical landmark. He indicated the CISR Program and designation has become a symbol of professionalism widely recognized throughout the industry.

The program is conducted in Florida by the Professional Insurance Agents of Florida in partnership with The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, headquartered in Austin, Texas. Dalmau completed five one-day courses covering all aspects of personal and commercial lines insurance and passed extensive examinations at the end of each course. She successfully completed her final course in February 2005.

Larry Long has been named president of the Atlanta Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society.

Long, a territorial risk analyst with AllState Insurance, was elected and installed during the chapter’s monthly luncheon meeting in Atlanta. Other officers for 2005/2006 are: Phil Krajec, president elect, Resurgents Specialty Underwriters Inc.; Larry Peterson, past president, Wood Special Risk Brokers; Jaliene Wilkerson, treasurer, Colemont Brokers; and Floy Oliver Daugherty, secretary, American International Group.

Gunars Mansons was honored by the Specialty Agents of Florida as “agent of the year” during the association’s 16th annual convention in Orlando, Fla., on May 20 and 21. Mansons is a member of the group’s board and the Legal Defense Fund.

The association honored Mansons for spearheading a membership drive which doubled its membership during the past year, and for publishing its non-profit magazine, Unite, and bringing it to profitability.

In accepting the award, Gunars acknowledged the contributions and teamwork of all the members of the association’s board, which worked together to meet their mutual goals in increasing the membership in the association and in promoting the magazine.

Gunars is president of the American Insurance Agency Inc., and the American Dealer Services Co., both in Lauderhill, Fla.

James R. “Jim” Hill was appointed president and chief operating officer, and Joel R. “Jody” Styles was named senior vice president and general counsel by Rebsamen Insurance Inc. of Little Rock, Ark., a subsidiary of Regions Insurance Group.

Both men will continue to be based in Rebsamen’s Little Rock office and report to Fred Stone, chairman and chief executive officer.

Hill, 56, was most recently senior vice president and sales manager for Rebsamen. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry.

Styles, 38, joined Rebsamen in 2004 as associate general counsel. He previously worked as a senior adjuster for Hartford Insurance and risk manager for both Dillard’s Department Stores and KB Toys.

In a realted announcement, David L. “Casey” Bowlin, president and CEO of the Regions Insurance Group, announced the acquisition of the Memphis-based Gilbreath Insurance Agency. Agency principals, George Clarke Jr., George Clark Sr., and their staff have joined Rebsamen in its Memphis office. George Clarke Jr. will continue to lead the Rebsamen staff in Memphis. W. Percy Galbreath III, former owner of the agency, will not be affiliated with Rebsamen and will continue to operate his real estate business.

To submit information to this department, e-mail dkaiser@insurancejournal.com.

Topics Florida Agencies Market