Phil Ammann
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has selected longtime consumer activist Sha’Ron James to be Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate.
James’ appointment is effective Aug 3.
Insurance Consumer Advocates act as independent agents, representing insurance policyholders statewide. James, a Tallahassee resident, brings several years experience in insurance-related matters to her new role at the State Capitol.
“Sha’Ron’s experience holding insurance companies accountable and her in-depth understanding of the insurance industry raises the bar for Florida’s advocacy efforts,” Atwater said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “Sha’Ron has fought to ensure that the interests of consumers come before profit and special interests, and I am confident she will carry her passion for the people of Florida into this role.”
Previously, James was the director of the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Rehabilitation & Liquidation, which oversees litigation when a Florida insurance company faces financial failure. James spoke for consumers, those affected most by the collapse of a firm’s ability to provide coverage.
As Florida families depend on quality insurance products, James will make sure companies provide the highest levels of integrity, transparency and communication in the insurance process.
James earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. She holds an advanced project management certificate from Stanford University, as well as an extensive list of professional awards and accomplishments.
James will replace Steve Burgess, who recently retired. Toma Wilkerson, current assistant director of the Division of Rehabilitation & Liquidation, has been named director.
