Citizens’ Board of Governors on Tuesday named General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer Tim Cerio to lead Citizens Property Insurance Corporation on a permanent basis after bidding farewell to President, CEO and Executive Director Barry Gilway, who retires today after more than 10 years of leadership.

Cerio, who was appointed by the Board to succeed Gilway on an interim basis in December, will take over February 1 as the state’s insurer of last resort adopts recently enacted legislative reforms and prepares for the 2023 Legislative session that begins in March.

“Tim brings institutional knowledge and a strong track record of leadership and service to all Floridians,” Citizens’ Board Chairman Carlos Beruff said. “I’m going to sleep well knowing that Citizens is in good hands.”

Prior to joining Citizens as General Counsel, Cerio had over 25 years of experience practicing law and advising clients who operate in highly regulated industries and at the highest levels of state government. He serves on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission and is a member of the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. Cerio is also on the board of the James Madison Institute; and previously served on the 2017-2018 Florida Constitution Revision Commission.

"Over the past decade under Barry Gilway's leadership, Citizens has become an industry leader on so many fronts," Cerio said. "I'm excited and honored to continue that legacy as we address new challenges and work toward stabilizing the Florida property insurance market."

During Tuesday’s meeting, Beruff said it was important to have a permanent leader in place prior to session to implement major reforms passed by the Florida Legislature in December. Cerio’s appointment must be confirmed by the Florida Senate.