PIANJ Elects Leadership for Coming Year

The Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey elected five independent insurance agents from around the state to its board of directors, at the association’s annual business meeting.

The following individuals were re-elected to serve for a three-year term, expiring in 2023:

Michael Beckerman, CPCU, of Millington, N.J. Beckerman is president of Beckerman & Co./Acrisure in Colonia, N.J. Active in PIANJ, Beckerman is chairperson of the Legislative/Regulatory Committee. He also is a member of the PIANJ Political Action Committee.

Maria Escalona, CPIA, of Jackson, N.J. Escalona is an underwriter for Jimcor Agencies in Montvale, N.J. An active member of PIANJ, Escalona is vice chairperson of the Women’s Business Forum and a member of the Business Issues Committee.

Constance Mahoney, of Westfield, N.J. Mahoney is agency manager for Mark Anthony Associates in Mountainside, N.J. Active in PIANJ, Mahoney served as treasurer of the association in 2019-20; secretary of the association in 2018-19; and is a member of the Executive/Budget & Finance and Membership Services/Programs Committees. Mahoney is treasurer of the PIANJ Political Action Governing Committee and is a member the Women’s Business Forum. She also is a member of the Carrier Advisory Council.

Newly elected to serve on the board for a three-year term expiring in 2023:

Christopher Powell, of Mantua, N.J. Powell is partner in Hardenbergh Insurance Group in Marlton, N.J. Powell is an active member of PIANJ, serving on the Legislative/Regulatory Committee.

Yossi Balanos, of Paterson, N.J. Balanos is president of Yossi United Insurance Agency LLC in Clifton, N.J. Balanos has been a member of PIANJ since 2012.

Officers of the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey for 2018-19 were elected during the association’s annual business meeting.

Steven C. Radespiel of Hillsdale, N.J., was elected president. Radespiel is president of Insurance Center of North Jersey in Maywood, N.J.

Michael DeStasio Jr., TRIP, of Iselin, N.J., was elected president-elect. DeStasio is senior vice president of Assured Partners of New Jersey in  Cranford, N.J.

Thomas Wilkens of Belford, N.J. was re-elected vice president. Wilkens is branch manager and director of McGowan Risk Specialists in Eatontown, N.J.

Constance Mahoney of Westfield, N.J. was elected vice president. Mahoney is agency manager of Mark Anthony Associates in Mountainside, N.J.

Andrew Harris Jr., CIC, AAI of Jackson Township, N.J. was elected treasurer. Harris is president of Liberty Insurance Associates Inc. in Millstone Township, N.J.

Roger Butler, CIC, of Cinnaminson, N.J. was elected secretary. Butler is vice president of The Barclay Group in Riverton, N.J.

Bruce Blum, CPIA, of Somerset, N.J., will serve as immediate past president. Blum is owner of Blum & Walsh Group Inc., a division of T.E. Freuler Agency in Somerset, N.J.