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Executive Team
James B. Smith
Chief Executive Officer. Jim has more than twenty-five years of experience in the insurance industry. In 1985, he founded SouthwestRe and began implementing a reinsurance program offering limited capitalization, producer-owned reinsurance companies. The program has grown to include more than 3,000 producers nationwide and has resulted in the formation and management of over 600 producer-owned companies. With his extensive background in insurance accounting, taxation, and administration, Jim has been a frequent speaker for national organizations such as the Auto Dealers Services Program and is a member of the Insurance Industry Task Force on Producer-Owned Reinsurance Companies. Jim consults with insurance companies and automobile dealers on insurance alternatives available in today's regulatory climate.
Larry Hinson
Chief Financial Officer. Larry joined SouthwestRe in 2006 and brings over thirty years of experience as a CPA in industries that include insurance and managed healthcare. Prior to joining us, he was CFO, founder, and Director of Rockport Healthcare Group and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Additionally, Larry has been President and CFO of USA Healthcare Network, Inc., Vice Chairman and CFO of USA Health Holding Company and its subsidiaries, and Vice President and Treasurer of Reserve Life Insurance Company of Dallas, Texas. He was also formerly with KPMG, L.L.P. in Dallas and Austin, Texas.
Gabe Galaviz
Executive Vice President. Gabe has more than 20 years of experience with call center applications and systems and claims adjudication for autos, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and personal watercraft. He has served 12 years as Senior Claims Manager and seven years as Vice President of Claims for major service contract administrators. His significant accomplishments include guiding development of in-house claims administration software, implementing training curricula and procedure manuals for a start-up operation, as well as implementing call monitoring and computer and phone systems. Gabe has been an automotive technician for 25 years, is ASE certified, and has completed General Motors Automotive Diagnostics Training. He is also an active member of the Call Center Networking Group of America.
Eddie Eckert
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, Eddie has been in the insurance industry over 40 years. Prior to joining the staff at SouthwestRe, he consulted with us on product and marketing. He has industry experience in senior management roles in accounting, all aspects of administration, and marketing. Previously Eddie served as Executive Vice President of Marketing for Mid/America Insurance Services, a subsidiary of Primerica, and managed other wholly-owned Primerica subsidiaries.