Derrick L. Davis was elected as the first African American chairman of the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund’s board of trustees.

Derrick L. Davis

Davis, a Prince George’s County resident, has served on the 13-member board of the state’s auto insurer of last resort since 2007, having led the quasi-state agency’s audits committee most recently.

In his new role, Davis’ responsibilities will include conducting the board’s quarterly meeting and representing the insurer’s interests before the Maryland General Assembly.

Kent Krabbe, MAIF’s executive director, said in a statement that Davis “is tireless in his fight for the little guy. I am certain his election to chairman will benefit MAIF policyholders and strengthen the great work our board of trustees has already done.”

Board member Maria Welch, who served with Davis on the audits committee, said her colleague takes his position on MAIF board “very seriously.”

“He has a passion for MAIF’s mission and bringing affordable insurance to his community and communities throughout Maryland,” she said in a statement.

The insurer, formed in 1973, covers about 65,000 Maryland drivers, 30% of which reside in Prince George’s County.  MAIF provides automobile insurance to eligible Maryland residents that have been turned down by two private carriers or cancelled by one.