Election of 2009 Board Members Leans to Greater Adjuster Representation -
Don Sams Voted 2009 President
By Bryan Harrison, AssnNewsNet
An exuberance was in the air at the November 13, 2008 luncheon meeting of the Sacramento Claims Association. Response for the organization's call for potential new directors was so strong that the current board decided to forego the usual guest speaker presentation in lieu of allowing the eight (8) selected candidates to speak to the general membership, each making their respective case for being elected to the board for 2009.
According to SCA bylaws, each board member (director) agrees to serve a three (3) year term. Officers are elected from within the ranks of the board. With five current board members ending the terms, there was much interest in who might fill the void, as it were.
The five outgoing board members were: three term president Art Coussoulis, of AAA; Joan Barrett, of Market Share; Barbara Prosch, of El Dorado Restoration; Kelly Taylor, of CSE Insurance; and Jon Aronson, of JM Environmental - all big shoes to fill on their own, let alone leaving all at once.
The speeches were all very well done. The choices were plenty. But only five of the eight would ultimately be elected. Russ Kaiser, of Jewell Restoration, began the introduction speeches, giving a quick synopsis of his extensive background and experience. Neil Ostrander, of 1-800-4-Abatement, Inc., followed by attorney and accident reconstruction engineer Michael von Haenel. Kevin Lahey, of Belfor, gave a sincere though light-hearted plea, stating his extensive experience, and past service to the Central Coast Claims Association in San Jose. Catalina Jimenez, of Barrish Pelham & Associates, inc., may have been the most nervous of the bunch, but still gave a very compelling speech, stressing her organizational skills. Margie Hickey, of Carl Warren Co., confessed her short term with the SCA, but outlined some pretty compelling experience working with a church group. Being an adjuster, one would have to believe, gave her an inside track, as well.
Charles Gabbani, of CSE Insurance, presented a very humble approach, acknowledging great appreciation for the folks who have done so much for this association, and stating that he will do his best to serve well. Jim McCurley, of RGL Accountants, was a board member of the Property Claims Forum, which merged a few years ago with SCA. His experience, and no doubt his professional status as a CPA, were pretty compelling, as well.
Following all the speeches, all members present completed a paper ballot, all of which were counted as folks finished their pre-Thanksgiving buffet lunch With all votes tabulated, results were then announced. The new SCA Directors joining the board for 2009 are: Charles Gabbani, Margie Hickey, Cata Jimenez, Jim McCurley, and Michael von Haenel. |
Neil Ostrander, of 1-800-4-Abatement, Inc., was one of eight to make a case to be elected to the SCA Board.
Kevin Lahey, of Belfor, made a strong case for voting for him, having served on the Central Coast Claims board some years ago.
Margie Hickey, an adjuster with Carl Warren Company, though fairly new to the SCA, has served on other boards.
Jim McCurley, once a board member of the Property Claims Forum (now merged with SCA) made a strong case, too.
|
