The New York Insurance Association, representing the state’s property-casualty industry, has elected its 2010 officers and board of directors, selecting local executive Richard Zick as its chairman.

Richard Zick

Zick, who currently serves as president and chief executive officer for Oriskany, N.Y.-based Utica First Insurance Co., began his insurance career after graduating from Niagara University. He has risen through the ranks from an underwriter to underwriting management to executive vice president, serving in his current position at Utica First since 2000.

He was also the recipient of the NYIA Chair’s Distinguished Service Award in 2008 and chairman of the New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation, which is affiliated with NYIA.

“NYIA is fortunate to have someone as experienced, talented and committed as Richard serving as chair of the association,” Ellen Melchionni, president of NYIA, said in a statement. “He was recognized by NYIA for these reasons last year, even before serving as chair. There is no doubt Richard will build on NYIA’s rich history and lead the association to greater success.”

Also serving the association in 2010 as officers are: Jeffrey Rice, president and CEO of Wayne Cooperative Insurance Co. in Clyde, N.Y., as first vice chair; Bernard Turi, associate general counsel and claims attorney with Utica Mutual Insurance Co. in Utica, N.Y., as second vice chair; and Marlene Benton-Sherwood, president of Fulmont Mutual Insurance Co. in Johnstown, N.Y., as treasurer.

Five professionals were elected as directors for the NYIA, for a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2012.  They are: Robert Baxter, CEO and general manager of Dryden Mutual Insurance Co. in Dryden, N.Y.; Travis MacMillian, president & COO of Greater New York Mutual Insurance Co. in New York, N.Y.; Patrick O’Malley, product manager for Progressive Northern Insurance Co. in Mayfield Village, Ohio; Jeffrey Rice; and Bernard Turi.

Zick and the other officers and directors were elected during the NYIA’s annual meeting Nov. 5 in Lantham, N.Y.