Swett Names Abernathy as COO

Swett & Crawford announced the appointment of Neal Abernathy as chief operating officer, effective immediately.

Abernathy will serve in the position of COO until the retirement of CEO David Hartoch. Hartoch is expected to retire at the end of 2006, at which time Abernathy will succeed him.

Hartoch said, “I am pleased to partner with Neal as we move forward. His energy, experience and insight will be invaluable to the organization and to me personally.”

Abernathy’s most recent responsibility has been as the regional manager of the broker’s Southeast marketing territory. He also has been instrumental in planning for Swett & Crawford’s expected divestiture from its parent company, Chicago-based Aon Corporation.