FCCI promotes senior executive

LAKEWOOD RANCH — FCCI Insurance Group today named Executive Vice President Craig Johnson as its new president and CEO. With 700 employees, the insurance firm is one of the largest private employers in the Sarasota-Manatee region.

Johnson replaces President and CEO G.W. Jacobs, who recently announced he would retire May 31. Jacobs, 67, led the insurance company through a 12-year period of growth in clients, revenues, employees and profitability.

Johnson, meanwhile, has been with FCCI since 2003, and served as chief financial officer the last five years. Before FCCI, Johnson worked for several insurance firms in his native Baltimore, including a startup company he co-founded with five colleagues.

FCCI Chairman John Stafford lauded Johnson's financial prowess, his leadership skills, and most importantly, his acute comprehension of the FCCI way, which puts a premium on empowering employees. “He's very well-equipped,” says Stafford.

Johnson was one of six internal candidates for the job.