Mike Ardis named Director of Communications & Technology

March 12, 2001 - Mike Ardis has been named Director of Communications & Technology for the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd. (NAPSLO).

Mr. Ardis will be a resource for NAPSLO members to utilize regarding technology issues confronting the surplus lines insurance industry. He will provide NAPSLO members, particularly broker members, with relevant information on technology being employed in the insurance industry in order to assist the members in making more informed and better decisions about employment and purchase of technology. He will also serve in an advocacy role on behalf of NAPSLO and the wholesale insurance business directed toward vendors and other associations in order to positively influence these groups to address the requirements and needs of the wholesale surplus lines industry as they develop their technology and formulate their solutions.

Mr. Ardis also will oversee NAPSLO’s web site (www.napslo.org) and continue to handle major communications efforts on behalf of the Association. His new position is part of an effort to fulfill the Board’s goal to enhance the technological resources available to the Association’s membership.

Previously Mr. Ardis served as Director of Communications for the Association and was responsible for the Association's internal and external communications efforts.

Prior to joining NAPSLO in 1992 he served as Public Information Officer for a state utility regulatory agency, (Kansas Corporation Commission, Topeka); Public Relations Specialist for Trinity Lutheran Hospital, Kansas City, MO, and as a staff writer for the Junction City (Kan.) Daily Union.

He received a Master's Degree in Science (Journalism) and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

NAPSLO is a national trade association representing the surplus lines insurance industry. Surplus lines is a specialized segment of the insurance business that is also referred to as nonadmitted, specialty and/or excess lines. Risks are placed with the surplus lines market when they cannot be placed in the admitted/licensed market.

NAPSLO represents surplus lines insurance agents/brokers and surplus lines insurance companies. NAPSLO has over 1,200 member offices in the United States, Canada and England.