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FSLA Installs New Leadership During Record-Breaking Annual Convention
66th Annual Convention Highlights Industry Collaboration, Student Engagement and the Future of Florida’s Surplus Lines Market
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2026) – The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA), representing professionals who provide specialized insurance solutions for Florida’s most complex and hard-to-place risks, installed its 2026–2027 Board of Directors during its 66th Annual Convention in St. Petersburg. The event welcomed a record number of attendees and highlighted the association’s continued commitment to advocacy, professional development, industry collaboration and preparing the next generation of surplus lines professionals.
Tonya Rivera of Johnson & Johnson, Inc. was installed as president of the association and will lead FSLA over the coming year as the organization continues advancing its mission of supporting a strong, competitive and resilient surplus lines marketplace in Florida.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as president of the Florida Surplus Lines Association,” said Rivera following her installation. “Our industry plays a vital role in helping Florida businesses and consumers find coverage for unique and evolving risks, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation laid by those who came before me. Together, we’ll continue advocating for a healthy marketplace, investing in future industry leaders and strengthening the partnerships that make Florida’s surplus lines community one of the strongest in the nation.”
The association also recognized outgoing President Albert Geraci, ARM, ASLI, of Risk Placement Services, Inc., for his leadership over the past year.
“Serving as FSLA president has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Geraci. “What makes this association special is its people, the members who generously share their time, expertise and passion for strengthening our industry. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to pass the gavel to Tonya and a talented leadership team that will continue moving FSLA and our industry forward.”
The 2026–2027 FSLA Board of Directors includes:
- President: Tonya Rivera – Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
- President-Elect: Bresch Kilday – Starwind Community Associations + Personal Lines
- Treasurer: Chris Siegel, RPLU, CIC, CRIS, ARM, AAI – Burns & Wilcox
- Secretary: Darren Marsh – SLB Insurance Group
- Director: Steve Kass – XPT Specialty
- Director: Marianne Correa – RT Specialty
- Director: John Barfield – Bridge Specialty Group
- Director: Dustin Applebaum – Element22 Insurance Services
- Immediate Past President: Albert Geraci – Risk Placement Services, Inc.
- Past President’s Representative: Michael Franzese – RT Specialty
- Insurance Company Representative: Scott Smith – RSUI
- Insurance Company Representative: David Enichen – Markel
- Industry Associate Representative: Valdir Gonsales Serra Junior – Lloyd’s
- Young Agents Representatives: Madeline Schrull – CRC Group
Throughout the convention, attendees this week will receive updates on Florida’s evolving insurance marketplace, legislative developments, innovation, artificial intelligence, leadership and resilience. This year’s sessions feature insights from Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, Florida Surplus Lines Service Office Executive Director Mark Shealy, Ph.D. Triparna de Vreede of the University of South Florida, legislative consultant Ashley Kalifeh of Capital City Consulting and other industry leaders.
According to the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office, Florida’s surplus lines market generated approximately $9.4 billion in premium through June 2026, while market indicators continue to suggest a gradual recalibration of Florida’s broader property insurance marketplace. Panel discussions reflect both encouraging signs of market stabilization and the continued importance of the surplus lines industry in addressing complex and emerging risks.
A featured presentation from Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), reinforces the importance of resilience and preparedness. Convention attendees will hear how mitigation, stronger building practices and proactive risk management can help strengthen Florida communities while supporting a healthier insurance marketplace.
Recognizing Service and Investing in the Future
A highlight of this year’s convention early on was the presentation of FSLA’s inaugural Sunny Award to the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO), recognizing its outstanding service, partnership and enduring commitment to strengthening Florida’s surplus lines industry. The award honors individuals and organizations whose leadership and dedication have helped “shine a bright light on the surplus lines industry.”
For decades, FSLSO has been a trusted partner of FSLA, supporting the association through education, advocacy and convention initiatives while working to protect consumers, support surplus lines agents and promote a healthy, competitive marketplace. This year, FSLSO also funded the inaugural Under 40 Leadership Scholarship, providing 20 emerging industry leaders the opportunity to attend the convention and further develop their professional knowledge and networks.
FSLSO’s commitment to the industry’s future extends well beyond the convention. In partnership with FSLA, the organization helped establish the Florida Surplus Lines Speaker Series at Florida State University, introducing students to careers in the surplus lines industry. Most recently, FSLSO announced two transformational $1 million investments establishing Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Directorships at Florida State University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business and the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, expanding education, research and workforce development opportunities for future insurance professionals.
Giving Back
Continuing a convention tradition, attendees participated in FSLA’s annual community giveback initiative, this year benefiting Daystar Life in St. Petersburg. Together, convention participants assembled 300 fully stocked hygiene kits to support individuals and families experiencing hardship throughout the local community.
For more information about FSLA and its programs, visit www.myFSLA.com.
About FSLA:
The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) represents excess and surplus lines agency member firms and associate members in Florida. Over the past 60 years, FSLA has advocated for the regulatory and legislative interests of its members and the Florida surplus lines industry, focusing on supporting opportunities and insuring risks throughout Florida. FSLA is recognized as one of the most active surplus lines associations in the nation. Learn more at www.myFSLA.com.
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