EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has brought in industry veterans to assume two of its VP positions. Jimmie Banta (pictured above) has joined EPIC’s private client practice as vice president, private client advisor, while Ron Kifer (pictured below) was named vice president of claims at JWF Specialty, the firm’s alternative risk solutions division.
Jimmie Banta’s new role will take him to EPIC’s Pasadena office in California. He will be reporting to Steve Nelson, chief growth officer of the private client practice, as he assumes responsibility for the relationship development and enhancement of the dynamic private client business segment.
“We are super excited to have Jimmie as part of our team,” said Nelson. “His private client expertise will further expand our overall capabilities both in California and nationally. We could not be more pleased to have such a quality professional join our organization.”
Banta’s experience as a private client advisor spans 18 years, most recently working with Alliant Insurance Services. He has also spent 12 years working with major brokerages, advising high net worth individuals and family offices.
“Jimmie’s experience in designing protection for successful individuals and their families is a welcome addition to the practice,” said BobbiJo DeNofa Broad, president, Orange County. “His strong record of client advocacy is a great fit with EPIC’s culture.”
Ron Kifer
Ron Kifer, meanwhile, joins EPIC’s JWF Specialty after more than three decades of experience with property and casualty claims. As the leader of the division’s claims department, he will be responsible for providing executive engagement and upholding the firm’s quality guidelines for claims handling, while also working closely with carriers on claims and coverage determination on behalf of clients.
“Ron’s strategic leadership skills and his strong ability to understand client needs is coupled with his success in developing solutions that lower the cost of risk and lead to superior outcomes for clients,” said Tom Dickman, managing vice president of JWF Specialty. “We are pleased to have Ron join our team and continue his focus on organizational excellence.”
Kifer has worked with major insurance carriers and third-party administrators. He has experience working on multi-jurisdictional workers' compensation, commercial, automobile liability and property claims, managed care, large account transitions, data analytics, and project management. Before moving to EPIC, he was the senior director and senior sales executive for casualty claims at the IT consultancy Conduent.
