IIABNY Inaugurates New Leadership

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York Inc. said Neal L. Sullivan, president of Sullivan Financial Group in Mahopac, N.Y., has been named chairman of the board.

The action at the association's meeting earlier this month also saw Lane S. Rubin named chairman-elect. Mr. Rubin is managing member of Excel Coverage Group, LLC in Westbury, N.Y.

David M. Gelia, executive vice president of United Insurance Agency Inc. in Amherst, N.Y., was named secretary-treasurer.

Steven J. Spiro, president of Spiro Risk Management in Valley Stream, N.Y., was re-elected as national director.

Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Gelia will each serve one-year terms, while Mr. Spiro's second term will consist of three years.

IIABNY reported that in his acceptance speech Mr. Sullivan warned of an industry that often believes cost is more important than coverage or service and pointed out that marketing a complex product such as auto insurance based on price jeopardizes the ability of consumers to protect “themselves and their families.”

He went on to say this practice could lead to a “terrible public perception of the insurance industry.”