Jim Rosica
Marc Dunbar, the Tallahassee-based lawyer and gaming lobbyist, has officially “expressed interest in serving as chair of the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors,” CFO Jimmy Patronis announced Tuesday through a spokeswoman.
Dunbar, whom Patronis only recently appointed to the board, was one of six names released by Patronis’ office. Citizens is the state-run insurer of last resort.
At last week’s Cabinet meeting, the state’s chief financial officer had asked Citizens CEO Barry Gilway to identify board members who’d be interested in stepping up to chair.
The chair, now Christopher Gardner, serves at the CFO’s pleasure; Patronis can name a new person at any time.
Gardner, CEO of HUB International Insurance in Orlando, has been chair since his appointment in 2013 by former CFO Jeff Atwater. He told Patronis he’d like to stay as chair.
Also on the list is former state Rep. Gary Aubuchon, now the vice chair of the board.
Patronis’ office also disclosed the names of three people who “indicated that they would be interested in accepting (the chairmanship) if asked”:
— James Holton, president of Holton Companies.
— John McKay, a former Florida Senate President.
— Freddie Schinz, founder of the TIFORP Development Corp.
