LOS ANGELES COUNTY INSURANCE COMMISSION
ELECTS
SCOTT J. SVONKIN CHAIRMAN

The Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance has unaminously elected Scott J. Svonkin to be its Chairman.  Scott was first appointed to the Commission on November of 1997 by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and has shown a tireless work ethic that is befitting the selection by his fellow commissioners to lead them.

Svonkin, a native of Los Angeles County, looks forward to crafting an agenda that will bring consumer insurance matters to the forefront of the legislative process.  " I am honored to be elected Chairman for one of the most important and vital commissions functioning today that affects the lives of all the residents of Los Angeles.  I feel very fortunate to be in a position to expand the awareness of the public concerning insurance matters."

Svonkin is currently serving as Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Paul Koretz.  As Chief of Staff, Scott is a key player in shaping Paul's legislative agenda and has continually shown the ability to confront challenges with a professional attitude that is beyond reproach.  "Scott is a bright and talented individual who has given so much time and effort to his community, said Assemblyman Koretz.  He had done an outstanding job as my Chief of Staff and I am certain his qualities as a leader will flourish in his newly deserved position as Chairman of the Insurance Commission," he concluded.

Svonkin's experience as a leader has enabled him to use his vision to develop solutions for people's problems.  Furthermore, his work ethic is a reflection of his willingness to help others in need.  "In an effort to improve the quality of life and protect the people of Los Angeles County, under my leadership the Commission will be looking at how to improve access to health care, auto and other forms of insurance.  We also plan to have hearings on the problems of unsettled earthquake claims from the Northridge quake."

Duties of the 10-member Commission include apprising the Board of significant developments concerning consumer insurance matters, crafting recommendations for reducing the cost of insurance, improving public education and community awareness regarding insurance issues, and conducting public hearings and presenting testimony before federal, state, and local legislative bodies.

Svonkin attended public schools and was a student leader at Pasadena City College, where he served as the first two-term Student Trustee.  He went on to receive his B.A. from California State University, Northridge.  His parents, Paula and Stan Svonkin, taught Scott the importance of community service through their active and generous example.  His father taught for the Los Angeles Unified School District for thirty-six years at Griffith Middle School in East LA, where he was a Dean and Union Representative.  His mother owns a small business and has worked for various non-profits dedicated to youth.  Scott is proud of his family's commitment to public service and to helping others.

As a Health Care Executive with Prudential, Scott arranged for his company to donate almost one thousand computers to public schools.  During his six and a half years with Prudential, Scott received their Community Rising Star Award for his commitment to helping others, as well as their Hero Award for creating a voter registration and grassroots lobbying program.  Prior to his tenure with Prudential, Scott worked two years for Mayor Tom Bradley.  He was honored for helping to save one of LA's most historic buildings, as well as for reaching out to many of LA's ethnic and religious organizations.

Scott's contributions to the local community span civic, political, cultural, and Jewish activities.  He is Chair of the LAUSD Advisory Council District Four, B'nai B'rith Southern California Public Policy Chair, Immediate past Vice President of the Jewish Federation/Chair for the Valley Alliance of the Jewish Federation's Community Relations Committee (CRC), and past Chair for Hillel at Pierce and Valley Colleges.  Scott is also a member of the Santa Monica Mountain's Conservancy, the Children's Hospital LA Huckleberry Fund, and the Valley College Foundation Board.  He has also served on the LA PROSPER Board of the Los Angeles Community College District, the CSUN Legislative Advisory Council, the Saxophone Club Steering Committee, the Center for Southern California Studies Advisory Board, and he was Vice President of the Council Deputies Union.

Two years ago Scott was appointed Deputy Councilman for Paul Koretz.  He has worked in this capacity on important legislation, community liaison activities, inter-governmental relations, media relations, and constituent services for the City of West Hollywood.  Scott has been involved with important legislative projects such as: controls on tobacco and its advertising; an aggressive anti-crime program focused on getting guns off the streets; support of public education; and improving city services.

Scott is regarded as an outstanding leader of passion and dedication.  He has served as a builder of bridges between his community, elected officials, and various ethnic and religious groups.  As a former businessman with Prudential Insurance, a former member of Mayor Tom Bradley's staff, and a Community College Instructor, Scott has demonstrated that he is a leader with vision who will undoubtedly bring his professionalism to his newly appointed position as Chairman of the LA County Commission on Insurance.  He is especially proud of the dedication of his wife, Jennifer, who works for a Community Mental Health Center as a mental health care professional.  They have a new baby Rose Alise who was born on February 2001.

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