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On behalf The Safegard Group’s management and staff, I would like to congratulate Bill Donato on his election of President on the Westfield Agents Association Board this year. Bill was first appointed to the board of the Westfield Agents Association in 2012 and has held a variety of roles on the board since his induction. Bill’s dedication to The Safegard Group has lead our agency to grow and improve over the past 20+ years, including being a recipient of Top Workplace in Philadelphia recognition for 3 consecutive years (2014, 2015, and 2016), and we foresee his dedication and hard work paying off greatly for the Westfield Agents Association as his responsibility grows in his new role as President.
About William C. Donato Jr.
Bill, a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS), serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of The Safegard Group, Inc., responsible for the management and strategic direction of the agency. Due to Bill’s international expertise and management consulting experience, he also provides expertise in the design of executive protection and professional liability coverages. Additionally, Bill specializes in the development of complex alternative risk financing solutions and chairs Safegard’s Executive Protection Department.
Bill began his career in the insurance industry as an account executive with a regional broker. While there, he provided service to middle market accounts and assisted in the marketing of new and renewal business.
Later Bill joined Andersen Consulting (Accenture) as a consultant in the Financial Services and Insurance Practices Division. During his tenure with Andersen, Bill provided a wide variety of clients with quality risk management, financial re-engineering services, and management consulting. His clients included a Fortune 500 International insurer, pharmaceutical companies, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, as well as large national banks. While at Andersen, Bill developed proficiency in international finance and currency management.
Since joining The Safegard Group in 1995, Bill has held a variety of positions. He served as account manager, head of the Claims and Risk Control Departments, and Leader of the Commercial Lines Department before being promoted to President. Additionally, he serves as team leader for all agency acquisitions.
Bill graduated summa cum laude from the Schreyer Honors College Pennsylvania State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with a minor in Economics. He currently serves on the Board for the Schreyer Honors College and is heavily involved in recruitment. Bill also currently serves on the Advisory Board for Penn Liberty Bank and as a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
About Westfield Agents Association
The Westfield Agents Association is a representative organization for independent agencies, shedding light on the challenges, concerns and potential solutions for issues agencies face in the insurance industry. Since 1892, the Association has served to enhance the relationships between independent agencies and Westfield Insurance.
This tradition continues today as the Association gives agencies representing Westfield a unified voice to address common issues. The Association board of trustees works closely with the senior leaders at Westfield to assist with strategic planning and help drive positive changes that meet the needs of agencies and the Company.
History
The Westfield Agents Association was formed in January, 1891 in LeRoy, Ohio. J.H. Beecher founded the Association to “increase and foster friendly relations between agents and the Company; to obtain voices of officers and one another on matters to advance ability as underwriters to make it more profitable to agents and Company.” It is formerly known as the Ohio Farmers Agents Association until 1973, when the name changed to The Westfield Agents Association.
Duties
Prior to 1998, only Ohio Agents were represented in the Association. When the corporate by laws were amended to include licensed Westfield Agents throughout the company’s operating area, Westfield Agents Association grew tremendously in popularity. Association members are now represented by 14 directors – 6 from Ohio and 8 from other operating areas. All directors are elected and meet at least quarterly. They assemble subcommittees responsible for contracts and commissions, education, and communications. The subcommittees’ findings are then presented to Westfield senior leaders, who are able to voice the needs of both agents and consumers.
TAPP
The Association Perpetuation Plan (TAPP) is a program developed by the Westfield Agents Association and Westfield Insurance. It is aimed at training future producers in insurance sales and products. This program has trained and graduated more than 261 agents, which has led to increased producer retention (46% vs. the industry average of 33%) throughout insurance agencies across the country.
Scholarships
The Westfield Agents Association is able to provide college scholarships to six individuals every year. These six scholarships are given to agency employees or their dependents, as well as dependents of Westfield Insurance employees – each scholarship is worth a total of $6,000. The goal of the scholarship program is to encourage students to pursue the insurance industry.
Find our more about the Westfield Agents Association here: http://www.westfieldinsurance.com/about/pg.jsp?page=about_waa