John McKay, a former Senate President, has stepped down from the board of governors of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-run insurer of last resort.
Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway announced the resignation, effective March 31, to the other board members on Tuesday.
McKay’s “experience and insight will be greatly missed,” Gilway wrote. “Join me in expressing our gratitude for John’s service from 2017-2019. His efforts and service to our company and all Floridians is very appreciated.”
The Bradenton businessman, a Republican who served as Senate President 2000-02, was on a list of names released by CFO Jimmy Patronis’ office last year as having expressed interest in serving as chair of the board.
Patronis had been seeking new leadership at Citizens. Chris Gardner, CEO of HUB International Insurance in Orlando, was chair since his appointment in 2013 by former CFO Jeff Atwater. He stepped down as chair last August.
McKay — appointed by Patronis — told Florida Politics last year he was “misunderstood” about serving as chair, saying he’d be “honored that anyone would consider me” but adding he has “no interest whatsoever” in chairing the panel.
McKay’s term would have ended in 2020.
Gary Aubuchon, a former House member, continues to serve as Interim Chairman.
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