Harper Elected Chair Of New York Insurance Association

Edward Harper of Statewide Underwriting Services has been elected chair of the New York Insurance Association (NYIA) and began serving a one-year term on Jan. 1, 2024. He has served on NYIA’s Board of Directors since 2018.

“Eddie is a tenacious leader who never shies away from a challenge,” Ellen Melchionni, president of NYIA said. “His steadfast commitment to the insurance industry is truly commendable. I am looking forward to
working with Eddie in his new role.”

Harper is president and chief executive officer of Statewide Underwriting Services, which includes Mid[1]Hudson Co-Operative Insurance Company, Claverack Cooperative Insurance Company, Midrox Insurance.
Company and Statewide Underwriters Agency, Inc. He joined Mid-Hudson Co-Operative in 2012, oversaw the affiliation of Claverack Cooperative Insurance Company in 2015 and the creation of Statewide Underwriting Services in 2018.
“I am honored to begin my term as chair of NYIA,” Harper said. “The association’s strong history is made possible by the tremendous professionals that helped lay the steppingstones for NYIA’s foundation. I look forward to working together toward further success in 2024.
Prior to his current position, Harper was an assistant vice president for Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC and served on a team that serviced small mutual insurance companies throughout the United States. Harper holds the associate in reinsurance designation (ARe) and charted property casualty underwriter (CPCU). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Le Moyne College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University at Albany.
Statewide Underwriting Services (SWUS) is a relationship-based independent insurance agency company with over 100 years of knowledge and experience providing solutions to agents on behalf of their policyholders. The affiliation with Mid-Hudson Co-Operative Insurance Company, Claverack Cooperative Insurance Company and Midrox Insurance Company allows each of the three companies to offer its agents more choices, greater ease of doing business through operational consolidation, and most importantly; greater flexibility when shopping insurance on behalf of their clients. SWUS offers relevant products at competitive pricing with timely service. The combined underwriting companies now boast more than 300 agents, 360 years of experience, and coverage of the entire geographic footprint of New York State.