Alberta brokers association changes name, personnel

The Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta [IBAA] has made several adjustments during its recent convention in Jasper Alberta, one of which was a name change.
At its AGM on May 7, the association voted to drop the word independent from its original moniker, the Independent Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (formerly the IIBAA).
The association also noted a number of looming personnel-related changes during the coming year.
Harold Baker has announced his intention to retire as CEO of the IBAA, effective Dec. 31, 2007.
Baker first came on board in 1994, bringing along with him experience in dealing with government and regulatory matters. Baker will continue to provide assistance to the IBAA in government-related matters on a contract basis following his retirement, the association announced.
Ginny Bannerman, a past president of both the IIBAA and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC), will become the new CEO after Bakers retirement at the end of the year. Bannerman is often credited for her negotiating skills and educational initiatives employed during Albertas auto reforms, when the province implemented a new grid system for establishing auto insurance rates.
The IBAA also welcomed its new president, Cy Johnson, who succeeds previous IIBAA president Ralph Zutter Jr.
Finally, the association recognized the efforts of its education director, Kathi MacMillan, who will be retiring from her position at the end of May 2007.
Kathi is the ultimate professional, president elect Cy Johnson said in a report to the AGM, recognizing her 11 years of service to the IIBAA. Brokers all across Canada have benefited from Kathis hard work and devotion, and she has been instrumental in developing many national courses, such as the CAIB and customer service for the insurance professional. Kathi is held in high esteem by her perers.