Dalmau Honored as 20,000th Student to Become CISR-Holder
Kathleen “Kathy” Mary Dalmau a commercial account specialist for Brown & Brown Inc., in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., recently passed her fifth and final Certified Insurance Service Representative course and became the 20,000th active insurance professional in the nation to attain the CISR designation.
The CISR Program, available to insurance professionals in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, is conducted in Florida by the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Florida in partnership with The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, headquartered in Austin, Texas. To earn the designation, five one-day courses covering all aspects of personal and commercial lines insurance must be completed, including passing extensive examinations at the end of each course. All of the courses Dalmau attended were administered by the PIA of Florida. She successfully completed her final course in February 2005.
Dalmau has been in the insurance industry for 21 years and with Brown & Brown since 1987. She maintains her own book of business in the small commercial division, concentrating on renewals and marketing for renewals.
“Day-to-day service is what we sell, and I think it is important to be educated with all the tools to do the best job we can,” Dalmau said. “Having the latest knowledge gives me the confidence to do my job well, and gives my clients confidence in me and the advice I give them. Since I have been in the insurance business for quite some time, each CISR course was like a ‘refresher’ course, and I think it is important to always continue to learn.”
Dr. William T. Hold, The National Alliance president, called the awarding of the 20,000th designation a historical landmark.
“The CISR Program and designation has become a symbol of professionalism widely recognized throughout the industry,” Hold said. “Dalmau’s accomplishment represents the attainment of another important milestone in the program’s history.”
Dalmau will be recognized with a special CISR diploma, identifying her as the 20,000th CISR, and a scholarship for a CISR course will be awarded to her agency.