Prechtl Elected Chair of New York Insurance Association.

* Mark Prechtl, executive vice president and chief executive officer at Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, has been elected chair of the New York Insurance Association (NYIA) and began serving a one-year term on Jan. 1, 2020.

"Mark is a truly genuine person whose altruistic nature and positive outlook make him a natural leader," Ellen Melchionni, president of NYIA said. "The emphasis he puts on collaboration and gaining the perspective of others is unparalleled. He is a great asset to the association as well as the industry."

Prechtl has been in the insurance industry for over 30 years. He commenced his insurance career in commercial underwriting for an independent agency in 1985 and then joined Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company in 1989 as a claim adjuster. In 1992, he was promoted to claim manager. He was then promoted to executive vice president and chief executive officer in 1997. Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company is a property and casualty insurance company located in Jamestown, NY.

Prechtl is the organization's primary representative to industry and agent trade organizations, community and...