New Blood Recommended for Pinnacol Assurance Board

Colorado’s Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee unanimously recommended the confirmation of John Cevette, Blair Richardson and John Plotkin to Pinnacol Assurance’s board of directors. On Feb. 22, 2011, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed executive orders to appoint John Plotkin and John Cevette to the quasi-governmental workers’ compensation insurer’s board. Hickenlooper also asked the Senate to confirm the earlier appointment of Blair Richardson to the board.

“These individuals are each uniquely qualified to provide the Pinnacol Board with expertise in business management, employment law governance and worker’s compensation insurance,” Hickenlooper said. “Clearly, some events in the past related to Pinnacol were inappropriate. We expect the addition of Blair Richardson, John Plotkin and John Cevette will help restore trust and accountability to the board.”

Last year, Pinnacol’s lavish spending was criticized, as some said spending $318,000 on a Pebble Beach golf trip, even if work-related, was excessive. The new appointees are expected to bring more “balance” to the insurer’s actions.

Cevette, who is chief of staff to the Colorado Senate Majority directing policy, communications, outreach and administration, has been especially critical of Pinnacol’s Ken Ross, having posted comments on his blog that he disapproves of the CEO. During the committee meeting, Cevette said transparency at Pinnacol is crucial, and that he will do what is in the best interest of the people of Colorado. In reference to legislation brought before the General Assembly, he said conflicts of interest exist everywhere, but that it is important to use good judgment when dealing with those situations. He added that the State Auditors Report for 2010 suggested that Pinnacol Assurance’s Board of Directors review the compensation of executive level employees.

Richardson is managing partner of Bow River Capital Partners in Denver. Plotkin is a member of the law firm Gregory & Plotkin LLC in Denver. Cevette previously worked as an attorney in private practice, as the CEO of Colorado Corn, and as chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Floyd Haskell.