Downey Named CEO of AAA Northern California

AAA has named current company president Paula F. Downey CEO of AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah and its insurance affiliate, the California State Auto Group.

According to the company, Downey is the only female chief executive among top property and casualty insurance companies. She heads the second-largest club and insurance company in the national AAA federation, with more than $2.6 billion in annual revenue and more than 4.2 million members. The insurance company offers insurance services through partnerships with other AAA clubs to more than 10 million members in 18 states. Downey succeeds James Pouliot, who will focus full-time on his role as CEO of AAA Club Affiliates, a holding company established as a consolidation vehicle for other AAA clubs.

Downey joined AAA NCNU as chief financial officer in April 2000, after more than 25 years with AAA Michigan. In 2003, she moved into the role of chief operating officer and in 2005 she was named the company’s president. As CEO, she will be responsible for all aspects of the multi-state organization, which provides insurance, travel and automotive services to its members.