CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) announced today the selection of Mary Jane Pickens to serve as executive director, effective January 1, 2015. Pickens will succeed Charles Jones, who is retiring from state government on December 31, 2014, after serving as BRIM’s executive director since 1994.
Prior to accepting this position, Pickens worked as counsel in various private law practices and served as general counsel for the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. Her experience in insurance-related matters include, but are not limited to, workers’ compensation; health, property and casualty insurance; and life insurance.
“The members of the Board of Risk and Insurance Management are pleased to welcome Mary Jane to lead the daily operations of our organization. In addition to her extensive experience in the insurance industry, she brings strong leadership skills and a wealth of knowledge that will prove beneficial in our claims management efforts,” said BRIM Chairman Bruce Martin. “It is, though, with a heavy heart that we also say goodbye to a pillar of this organization, Chuck Jones, who has served the state of West Virginia greatly with his service.”
Cabinet Secretary Jason Pizatella of the Department of Administration, under which BRIM is organizationally structured, also applauded the hard work and successes of the organization. “Under Chuck’s leadership, BRIM and his staff have realized many accomplishments which have served the state well. I wish Chuck the very best during his retirement and welcome Mary Jane to the Department of Administration,” said Cabinet Secretary Pizatella.
Pickens earned a bachelor of art’s degree in political science from West Virginia University. Additionally, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University, Claud W. Petit College of Law.
The five-member board overseeing BRIM is appointed by the governor, with the executive director responsible for managing daily operations. BRIM’s primary responsibility is to provide casualty insurance coverage for state agencies. BRIM operates a similar insurance program for other public entities, including boards of education, county commissions, municipalities, other governmental entities, and many non-profit organizations throughout the state. With the exception of boards of education which are mandated to obtain BRIM coverage, there are nearly 1,000 other public entities that voluntarily participate in this program, referred to as the Senate Bill #3 program.