by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
Jacksonville attorney Guy Marvin will lead the insurance lobby’s efforts in this year’s legislative session.
Marvin has been named president of the Florida Insurance Council, an association of over 200 companies. He’ll be the chief staff person in the effort along with this year’s FIC president, Mike Jennings of Prudential Financial.
“We feel Guy will be a great leader,” said Rade Musulin, the immediate past FIC chairman who’s active in the lobbying effort. “He’s had plenty of experience in Tallahassee as a lobbyist and he’s highly respected.”
Marvin most recently has been a financial adviser with AXA. Prior to that, he worked with Modis, Independent Life and the Rogers Towers law firm.
“Insurance will certainly be a major topic in the legislature,” said Marvin, “and I feel we have a solid program for consideration.”
Rising insurance rates have affected the state’s business climate and Musulin feels the legislators will be receptive to changes.
“The doctors in South Florida are under so much pressure that they’re taking action,” he said. “They sat out of work for a day; when it reaches that stage, then there’s a situation that will cause action.
“Government is never good at heading off problems before they happen. The doctor ‘strike,’ plus the number of physicians leaving the state, is a situation that can’t be ignored.
“The insurance industry isn’t the leader in getting changes made. We’re the scoreboard; we’re there to help, but it’s the policyholders who will put out the pressure to get things done.”
Marvin stepped into the presidency earlier this month, filling the vacancy left when his predecessor, Cecil Pearce, moved to Atlanta.
“We had to find someone quickly who was experienced and who could do the job,” said FIC vice president Sam Miller. “Everyone looked at Guy. He’s been there and he’s done it. He’s an effective lobbyist and a good person.”