Today marks my first day as FAIA’s president and CEO, but my journey with FAIA started a little over 16 years ago. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you since I joined the association in 2004, and as I take on this new role I wanted to introduce myself to those of you who I haven’t met yet, and share a few of my thoughts on the future of our organization.
My journey to FAIA started in college when I worked for the Pennington Law Firm. While there, I had the opportunity to work closely with many of their attorneys and lobbyists, including Sandy Safley, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, who really took me under his wing as a mentor. To this day, I know Sandy’s recommendation was the only reason I got a foot in the door with FAIA.
I can remember going through the interview process with Jeff Grady and Scott Johnson and listening to them tell me about how special a place FAIA was and how great it was to work for independent agents. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but now I find myself saying many of the same things to potential employees.
I was hired in 2004 as the association’s PAC and grassroots coordinator. At the time, I was looking for the opportunity to start my career in the political process; and, if you had asked me then, I would have never dreamed I would be here this long! In fact, I clearly remember Jeff Grady telling me that if I was still at FAIA after two years than I would have “screwed up.” Turns out, we were both wrong.
FAIA gave me the opportunity to grow and prove myself. Over the years, I learned how to spell insurance and use a few acronyms, and, most importantly, I built lasting relationships with our members, and with members of the Legislature. In addition to continuing to work on the political side of things for the association, I began to take on more responsibility by leading our Membership department, overseeing the Young Agents Council, and eventually getting more involved with our E&O department.
For some of you, Jeff’s retirement and my stepping into this new role may seem sudden, but the truth is your Board of Directors had the forethought to put this plan into motion in 2013. When they first approached me about the opportunity to become your president and CEO, it seemed a little crazy to commit myself to something that was seven years in the future, but from where I sit today, those seven years have been among the most instructive of my career.
During that time, I committed myself to learning about and understanding the interworkings of our association. Jeff helped me along the way and gave me every opportunity to learn what it takes to lead an organization like FAIA. Unlike many associations in Florida and around the country that are really nothing more than a lobbying shop, FAIA is and runs like a business. Much of the credit for that goes to Jeff and his vision for the association. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jeff as a person and as the leader of FAIA, and am very grateful for his friendship, guidance, and support. Among the many things I have learned from him over these past seven years is how best to advocate for our members and take care of our staff.
I moved into my new office recently and I’ll tell you, it feels different sitting behind this desk. I’m having some of the same conversations I had when my office was just down the hall, but I can’t help but think of the countless times I stood in this office talking to Jeff as he sat where I sit today. It’s an experience I don’t take for granted. Change is inevitable, and as the marketplace and independent agency distribution channel continue to face challenges, I believe it’s my responsibility to make sure that FAIA is positioned to be a business partner and advocate our members cannot do without.
Recently, many people have asked what my vision or goals are as I take the helm. The answer is really simple...continue to build on FAIA’s long legacy as a trusted business partner and advocate for Florida’s independent agencies. I am going to spend every day working with our volunteer leaders and staff to provide the products, services, and advocacy that independent agents I have come to expect from FAIA. That way, every year when your membership is up for renewal, there is no question in your mind that membership dues are worth the investment.
I’m incredibly humbled by the trust placed in me by FAIA’s Board of Directors and volunteer leadership. I look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead, and am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many members, who I call friends, that I can rely on for advice and counsel. I am also blessed to work with the most talented association staff in the country and proud to say I have played a small role in bringing this team together.
This association represents some of the finest people I have ever met in my life and it is a privilege to be able to serve you in this new capacity. Your dedication to this industry, your communities, and our association is unmatched, and it has always made it easy for me to fight so hard for you.
I look forward to serving as FAIA’s president and CEO, and welcome your input, comments, and criticisms so that together we can continue build on the successes of this incredible organization.