A Message from President & CEO Michael G. Fann

As we begin a new fiscal year, I want to thank each of you for your continued trust in Public Entity Partners. Your commitment to serving Tennessee communities inspires us every day, and we are honored to support your important work.

Longtime members know that with Public Entity Partners, you're not simply purchasing insurance coverage. As my old friend and colleague Jeff Thompson, Pool Administrator of the Texas Municipal League Pool, likes to say, what you are really doing is protecting a promise that cities, towns and local service agencies make to one another. When something goes wrong — a storm hits, one of your workers is seriously injured, a lawsuit lands or some other disaster strikes a small town that could not possibly carry it alone — no one stands alone. We guard a promise, not a product.

You're participating in a comprehensive risk management program designed to support your organization every step of the way. We work alongside our members to identify risks, promote strong safety cultures, and reduce losses through proactive and innovative risk management strategies.

This year marks an exciting milestone for PEP. On May 1, we formally acquired our claims department, previously known as Public Risk Services. After many years of successful partnership, we are pleased to welcome the team fully into the PEP family. Bringing claims operations in-house allows us to provide a more streamlined experience while continuing the exceptional service our members have come to expect.

I also want to share a few highlights from our recent Board of Directors meeting. Following a strong response from highly qualified candidates, the Board voted to place Somerville Mayor Ronnie Neill and Columbia City Manager Tony Massey on the ballot for the two Board seats that will be open as of Aug. 31, 2026. These nominees will be presented for confirmation during the Insured Organization Meeting on Aug. 27 at our Risk & Insurance Symposium.

I encourage all members to attend our 10th Annual Risk & Insurance Symposium Aug. 26-28 in Franklin, and participate in the member confirmation vote during the Excellence in Risk Management Awards Luncheon and Insured Organization Meeting. The Symposium continues to be an outstanding opportunity to connect with peers, learn from industry experts and strengthen our collective commitment to effective risk management.

We also hope to see many of you at the Tennessee City Management Association Fall Conference in Gatlinburg, Sept. 16-18. PEP is proud to sponsor keynote speaker Paul Butler and support another valuable opportunity for professional development and networking.

Thank you for your partnership, dedication and service to Tennessee's communities. We look forward to another successful year together.

Best wishes for a safe, productive and rewarding fiscal year ahead.

Still standing watch over the promise,

Michael G. Fann

President & CEO