Heffernan Insurance Brokers has opened a branch office in Chesterfield, Mo. The California-based company is expanding their presence in self-insurance and alternative markets in the St. Louis and Nashville areas.

The Chesterfield branch used to be an office of Tangram Insurance Services Inc., also part of the Heffernan Group. Tom Hebson, previously with Tangram Insurance Services Inc., will manage the branch. All former Tangram employees in Chesterfield and Nashville are now employees of Heffernan Insurance Brokers.

Jim Ziolkowski, who has 33 years of insurance industry experience, will lead the Midwest Construction Practice and focus on traditional property and casualty business. Brian Howard will also join Heffernan with more than 35 years of experience in employee benefits and human resources in the high-tech manufacturing industry.