It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of longtime ACORD Board Chair John Leonard, whose tenure on the Board spanned from 2001 to 2018. John was not only a tireless advocate of the benefits of ACORD membership in the US, but was also instrumental in increasing ACORD's global reach, including the opening of our London office and the adoption of ACORD Standards in new geographies from Germany, Switzerland and Australia to South Africa, China, and Singapore.
After a lengthy career with Travelers, where he led the Commercial Lines Agency Marketing and Underwriting Division, John Leonard became the first President and CEO of MEMIC in 1993. He led the charge during the state's historic workers' compensation crisis, revolutionizing the industry with proactive and preventative measures that revitalized Maine's economy, transformed workers' compensation into a positive service, and saved the state and industry billions of dollars.
He was also an involved and engaged member of the Boards of Directors of MEMIC, MEMIC Indemnity Company, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
John's longtime friend and colleague, Greg Maciag (ACORD President & CEO, retired), reflects on his legacy:
"John was a leader that coached other leaders. He was truly the role model. John and I shared a vision for ACORD that was not limited by lines of business, distribution channels or geographies. He understood and appreciated the value of all stakeholders and that was key to all our relationships.
His leadership was key to our success. He led with dignity, clarity and a focus on always doing the right thing. I personally and ACORD will always be indebted to him for his support. His legacy will continue at ACORD in the work that we continue to do as it will in all the organizations he touched."
John's family encourages those wishing to honor his memory to donate to a charity of their choice in his name.