Jim Brost, President

October 2011

Greetings to IRU Members, Associates and Prospective Members:

The stewardship of the IRU follows a designated succession where Association Officers transition to yet another role within IRU. I am delighted to represent you as your newest President of IRU.

Fortunately, I have been tutored by Frank Bigley, our immediate past President, and Tony Joseph prior to that, during my IRU officer tenure. Both are articulate, bright, motivated and accomplished ambassadors of IRU. Frank has set the accomplishment bar very high. I will do my utmost to represent you, the membership in a similar fashion.

An enthusiastic welcome to Mike Sowa who joins the Executive Committee via his role as Secretary/Treasurer. I am looking forward to receiving Mike's valuable input and gain yet another perspective.

Your Executive Committee is comprised of Jess Bongiorno, Mike Sowa, Frank Bigley and me. However, there are 16 other Directors who are also instrumental in guiding your Association. The IRU Board is comprised of an excellent mix of seasoned and younger reinsurance professionals. The mix of talent provides a solid historical and administrative foundation, while also offering a fresh perspective.

And what is your Association about?

Education: Two annual conferences provide Members the opportunity to participate in individual speaker presentations as well as Executive Roundtables. The "Q&A" that typically follows and the ability to interact one-on-one with the presenters and executives enhance the opportunity to gain insight on the subjects offered. The conferences are supplemented by our own Journal of Reinsurance and mini-sessions - crisp, focused, short duration seminars. IRU can even provide Members with tailored educational seminars in your own office on topics such as, reinsurance accounting and reinsurance contract wordings.

The IRU has a network of volunteers from its Member Companies. Their contributions are invaluable. While their contributions are critical to the success of IRU, the leadership skills gained and other intangibles gained by these folks also benefits their own companies as well. The IRU is a platform by which young and seasoned professionals can all benefit by participating.

Need something? Give IRU an opportunity to assist. We are approaching our 45th year of existence in providing topical and timely educational forums.

Please let us hear from you and/or join us. Your input and participation benefits all.

Sincerely,

James Brost
President