The Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies has appointed Shellé Thompson as chairwoman of its board of trustees.

Ms Thompson, who has served on the board of trustees since 2017, succeeds outgoing chairman Stephen Jones.

She has also served on the BFIS scholarship committee since 2012, moving to committee chairwoman in 2022.

Having joined the industry in 2005, Ms Thompson is product lead, Bermuda Healthcare Division, at Allied World.

She holds the chartered property casualty underwriter designation from the American Institute for CPCU and Insurance Institute of America.

“Shellé is eminently qualified to lead the foundation,” BFIS executive director Victoria Cunningham said.

“Having Shellé take the reins from Stephen is especially gratifying as both were some of our earliest BFIS scholars.”

Ms Thompson won a BFIS 2002 scholarship and attended Bryant University after graduating from The Berkeley Institute. BFIS also connected her with a mentor and internship experience.

Addressing the organisation’s annual meeting, she said: “Scholarships are not just about funding; they are about transforming lives. The need for scholarships for Bermudian students continues to grow as more students face rising tuition costs and financial hardships.

“I am honoured to take over the role as chair of BFIS. This role represents an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact by empowering students to achieve their dreams through education as they work towards becoming the next generation of insurance professionals.”

Ms Cunningham acknowledged the contributions of Mr Jones.

“I would also like to thank Stephen Jones for his commitment to chairing this organisation since 2018. He has navigated us through a definite period of transition.

“Stephen was at the helm in the pandemic when we had to go virtual for all our programmes. He’s been pivotal in our digital transformation journey as we shifted to using technology.

“And he was also the first BFIS alumnus to chair the organisation. That makes me extremely excited that we’re going to welcome Shellé, who is another alumnus to chair us going forward.”

David Sam, the president of Bermuda College, has been appointed to the BFIS board of trustees.

“BFIS has always valued its close relationship with Bermuda College, and this continues the trend,” Ms Cunningham said.

“When retired president Dr Duranda Greene stepped down from her trustee position last year, we were keen to have her successor join us. Dr Sam’s educational expertise will be valued, both on the board of trustees and on the scholarship committee, which he will also be joining.”

Dr Sam said: “Bermuda College is proud to strengthen its collaboration with the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, who support the largest employer group on the island.

“This partnership underscores the shared commitment to empowering Bermudian students with the education and training necessary to excel in the insurance industry.

“BFIS’s unwavering support through its annual scholarships has opened countless doors for Bermuda College associate degree students, enabling them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

“Together, we remain committed to continuing to invest in the future of our community, and the development of industry-ready professionals.”

BFIS, founded in 1996 to ensure a continued pipeline of industry talent, said it provides complete start-to-finish programming including scholarships, mentoring, networking, internships and job search.

To date, the organisation said, 275 students focused on careers in Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance industry have received funding valued at more than $8.8 million.