Arbella Insurance Group co-founder celebrates 100th birthday

On May 9, a joyous occasion took over the lobby of Arbella Insurance Group in celebration of the 100th birthday of its co-founder and vice chairman, Frank Bellotti (pictured right).

Hundreds of employees, well-wishers and family members gathered together to fete Bellotti on this milestone. Bellotti, a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, who has over seven decades of experience in the public sector, is a fierce purveyor of public service and community engagement, previously working as the state’s Attorney General and as a subsequent lawyer.

Making the best out of a hard market

Bellotti played a pivotal role in forming Arbella — a regional property and casualty insurance company servicing the New England area — in the 1980s, in lieu of Kemper Insurance Group’s announcing its intentions to exit the Massachusetts auto market.

“Fix and establish” premium rates and high residual market changes led to stricter capacity in the area, as well as the exit of many leading national carriers. At the time, Kemper was the third largest auto insurance writer in the state, and its withdrawal would have a seismic impact for brokers and insureds alike.

Kemper proposed a $100 million plan to fund a replacement company, with Arbella — then in private practice — joining forces with John Donahue, a former assistant attorney general, to get the proper legislation passed to not penalize Kemper’s other insurance divisions due to its exit.

As a result, Arbella was born, and has since grown to become a nearly $1 billion per year insurance company and one of the largest firms in the state.

Bellotti is still actively working with the firm as vice chairman and can be seen going into the office several times a week to mingle with colleagues and complete his duties.

A devotion to the people of Massachusetts

In 1962, Bellotti was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts before serving three terms as the state’s Attorney General, from 1975-1987.

Throughout his tenure in office, Bellotti was honoured by the National Association of Attorney Generals twice. He was later awarded the President Lifetime Achievement Award from the association for his lifelong service and steadfast commitment to the attorney general community.

A momentous celebration

A spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” resounded through the office’s halls during this birthday festivity, while confetti and party hats illuminated the space with a technicolor joy.

A triple-layer cake by George Montilio, a local pastry chef and owner of Montilios Bakery in Quincy, was created especially for Bellotti as a symbol of gratitude for his immense contributions to the community.

In other news

In other Arbella news, the company recently appointed Robin Jones as executive director of its charitable arm, the Arbella Insurance Foundation.

Jones succeeded Beverly Tangvik, who retired on March 31.

With 18 years of experience in consulting, Jones has led an independent consulting practice that provided advisory and strategy services to a mix of non-profit organizations and funders. She has also served as a staff member and director on non-profit boards.

“I am thrilled to welcome Robin to Arbella and have her continue to build on the excellent work we have done in our communities over the last 18 years,” said Donahue, the president and CEO of Arbella Insurance Group.

“During her tenure as president of the foundation, she has overseen millions of dollars in charitable donations to several hundred different charitable organizations annually, and her impact on the culture of the foundation cannot be understated.”

In response to her appointment, Jones said, “I would like to thank John and the board for their confidence in me. I am both honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented leadership team, employees and agents.

“As we look ahead, the foundation’s mission remains the same: to support non-profit organizations and causes that provide services to individuals in need. Together, we will continue to grow and strengthen our local communities.”