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I’ve been involved in AASCIF since 1995, the last five years as an officer, so I’m extremely honored to now serve as its president. The organization is a great resource for AASCIF members, who benefit from sharing best practices and learning about emerging workers’ comp industry trends and issues. I’d like to personally thank Russell Oliver, former AASCIF president, and Terry Frakes, former AASCIF secretary/treasurer, and their staff at Texas Mutual Insurance Company for providing great leadership during the past four-plus years. They’ve accomplished many things during their tenure, including keeping AASCIF members informed about the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) by monitoring the debate in Washington and informing legislators how important the TRIA extension is for workers’ comp carriers. They also passed amendments to the AASCIF bylaws, which are now clearer and more functional.
A lot has happened since I became president in January 2007. The AASCIF All-Committee Meetings were held on January 18 in Las Vegas. At that session, each committee developed its goals for 2007. In looking through them, the committees are going to have a busy and productive year. In fact, several committee workshops are already scheduled – you can view a complete list on the AASCIF Web site’s News & Events page. Also, t he 2007 CEO Conference has been scheduled for November 7-8 in Las Vegas. Mark your calendar and watch your e-mail for more information.
Looking ahead to the future, I’ll be particularly focused on a few areas:
- In my role as Pinnacol Assurance’s president and CEO, and as a member of an ad hoc advocacy committee, I’ll continue to advocate for a permanent extension of TRIA. Although the current administration doesn’t view an extension as a permanent solution, we’re seeing positive signs that the House and Senate will take on TRIA legislation beginning in April so that something is in place before TRIA expires at the end of this year.
- I’m monitoring the ongoing congressional discussions about federal oversight of the insurance industry.
- I’m also going to encourage all AASCIF members to pursue deeper involvement in other well-respected industry associations for the dual purpose of expanding AASCIF’s reach as well as helping members gain additional best practices and strategies for managing risk.
Don’t forget that the Annual AASCIF Conference in Big Sky, MT, is from August 5-8, 2007. Its being sponsored by the Montana State Fund, and the theme is “Reach for the Sky.” An exciting program is planned with “activities and presentations that will challenge the adventurous,” so I hope to see many of you there. For more information and to register, please go to the conference Web site.
On a sad note, many of you know that former Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation (LWCC) President and CEO Steve Cavanaugh passed away on November 15, 2006, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In honor of his leadership and lasting contributions to the insurance industry in Louisiana, LWCC has established the Stephen W. Cavanaugh Scholarship Fund. Click here for more information.
I look forward to working with the 2007 AASCIF Executive Committee: Dennis Smith, First Vice President (Missouri); Vice Presidents Sandy Blunt (North Dakota), Nancy MacCready-Williams (Nova Scotia), Donald Smith (Arizona), and Lanny Hubbard (Montana); Past President Russ Oliver (Texas); and Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Tetrick (Colorado).
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president.
Ken Ross
AASCIF President
2007 - 2008
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