The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) installed its 2026-27 Board of Directors this week during its 66th Annual Convention in St. Petersburg, naming Tonya Rivera of Johnson & Johnson, Inc. as the organization’s new president.
Rivera succeeds Albert Geraci of Risk Placement Services, Inc., who will remain on the board as immediate past president. Bresch Kilday of Starwind Community Associations + Personal Lines was named president-elect, while Chris Siegel of Burns & Wilcox will serve as treasurer and Darren Marsh of SLB Insurance Group as secretary.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as president of the Florida Surplus Lines Association,” said Rivera following her installation. “Our industry plays a vital role in helping Florida businesses and consumers find coverage for unique and evolving risks, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation laid by those who came before me. Together, we’ll continue advocating for a healthy marketplace, investing in future industry leaders and strengthening the partnerships that make Florida’s surplus lines community one of the strongest in the nation.”
The convention drew a record number of attendees and included discussions on Florida’s insurance market, legislative developments, artificial intelligence, resilience and industry workforce needs. Speakers included Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Florida Surplus Lines Service Office Executive Director Mark Shealy.
Florida’s surplus lines market generated about $9.4 billion in premium through June 2026, according to the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO). The sector provides coverage for specialized or hard-to-place risks that may not be available through traditional insurers.
FSLA also recognized FSLSO with its inaugural Sunny Award and highlighted workforce initiatives, including scholarships for younger professionals and $1 million investments at both Florida State University and the University of South Florida to expand insurance education and research.