People – South Central
Swett & Crawford has added Dan Lazarz as a broker in its professional services practice group in Dallas. Lazarz brings more than 10 years of management and professional liability expertise. He began his career as an underwriter in the financial and professional services division with The St. Paul Cos. Most recently, Lazarz was an assistant vice president and account executive with the financial services group of Lockton Cos.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) appointed Richard “Gordy” Bunch, president and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group, to its Insurance and Risk Management Center’s Advisory Council serving the UHD College of Business. He will help develop a new IRM Certificate program. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Bunch began his insurance career as a Texas Farm Bureau agent.
Houston, Texas-based Dean & Draper Insurance Agency LP announced that Kyle Dean has taken the helm as president and CEO in the wake of the passing of Bob Dean. Kyle Dean was formerly vice president and partner at Dean & Draper. He serves as a board member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston and as vice chairman of the group’s legislative committee.
In memory of Bob Dean, the Bob Dean Memorial Fund was set up to benefit the Insurance & Risk Management Degree Program at the University of Houston-Downtown. Dean was a founder of the degree program and chair of the IRM Center Advisory Council.
ClearView Risk Holdings LLC, the holding company of Dallas-based Southwest Risk LP and CORE Underwriters, announced that Joy Keller joined ClearView Risk as chief administrative officer and senior vice president of business development. Keller has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and is a Certified Public Accountant. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA). Keller most recently was executive vice president of business development of AmWins Insurance Brokerage.
Independent insurance wholesaler All Risks Ltd. announced that Luke Butler has joined its newly formed South Central operation as a broker focused on energy and marine related business. He is based in Metairie, La. Butler formerly worked for a retail agency and specialized in coverage for marine artisans, oil and gas contractors, wind energy contractors, and power and utility contractors.
USG Insurance Services Inc., a national wholesaler and MGA, expanded its Allied American Underwriters (AAU) operations with the addition of Nathan Jackson as an associate producer/broker. He specializes in workers’ compensation and is located in Little Rock, Ark. Jackson most recently was an account manager at CGSC Swett & Crawford and has completed his CPIA designation.
Threlkeld & Company Insurance (TCI), based in Tyler, Texas, announced four key employee promotions.
Diane Smith, formerly commercial lines service manager, has been promoted to vice president of commercial lines. Smith has worked for TCI for 22 years.
Ryan Slaughter was promoted from producer to vice president, sales. Slaughter has been with the company for 10 years.
Wendy Vanderwater has been promoted from producer to vice president, employee benefits. Vanderwater has been with TCI for 15 years.
John Freeman was promoted from producer to vice president of sales. Freeman has been with the company for nine years.