People: FAIA Names Head of Professional Development; Madison Leads MJ in Tennessee

The Florida Association of Insurance Agents, the largest agent organization in the state, has named Greg Thomas director of professional development.

Thomas was previously director of insurance agent and agency services for the Florida Department of Financial Services, where he managed licensing and oversight of agents and adjusters, FAIA said in an announcement this week. He also led the department’s alternative dispute resolution programs and consumer call centers.

Thomas has 39 years in the insurance industry, including six years as an agent and 33 years as a regulator. He earned his master’s degree in risk management and insurance from Florida State University and holds industry designations, including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI).

At FAIA, Thomas will lead programs aimed at elevating professional education and training for independent insurance agents.

Also this week, Indianapolis-based MJ Companies, considered one of the larger privately held insurance agencies in the country, has expanded into Tennessee. The Nashville-based office will be led by Austin Madison, the company said in a news release.

Madison has almost 20 years in the insurance industry, including employee benefits.

MJ Companies has other offices in Phoenix and Denver.

And Georgia-based Afore Insurance Services, a buyer of independent agencies, announced a significant investment from Neace Ventures. John Neace will join Afore’s board of directors as vice chairman, the company announced.

The partnership will help spur Afore’s national growth plans, the company said in a news release. Neace is the founder of Neace Lukens, a regional insurance brokerage that was acquired by AssuredPartners in 2011.

Afore Insurance Services is a consolidated insurance brokerage acquisition platform offering independent insurance agencies the opportunity to partner with a top 100-largest national firm to better serve clients. With roots going back to the 1970s, Afore has successfully acquired over 50 agencies and operates them under custom operating structures where (former owner) principals and producers direct client sales and service activities locally. Today, Afore is one of the largest insurance brokers in the US, with 20+ offices nationwide.

Topics Florida Tennessee