Sandra Starnes
Sandra Starnes, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s recently retired Director of Property & Casualty Product Review passed away this weekend. Many of you were aware that about a year and a half ago she shared that she was diagnosed with tongue/mouth cancer. She used the Caring Bridge platform to keep us abreast of her treatment, experiences, joys and challenges. Caring Bridge is a private website that keeps caregivers, friends and loved ones informed of a patient’s thoughts and journey. She was unable to speak because of the surgery so using this platform gave all of us a tremendous sense of being close to her.
She was so brave and we were “with her” every step of the way. One of her lifelong friends said recently when Sandra told us she had a few weeks left, that “we’ve been on this journey with you in spirit for so long, praying for the best but also so thankful for the time we’ve had to say goodbye. I’m humbled by your kindness and caring for others even while fighting this fight. I love you Sandy. You’re a pure soul and your story isn’t over yet. It will carry on through those of us you have touched with your light.”
So very true. Not only was Sandra a golden human being, always optimistic and with a ready smile no matter the circumstance in the Office (and always willing to share her office candy with visitors!), but she was backward and forward wickedly smart at insurance regulation. There wasn’t a major data call or report on the property insurance side that she didn’t either outright author or significantly contribute to. From PIP to workers’ compensation to homeowners insurance, Sandra had the right data, institutional and historical knowledge, and keen insight to provide a clear picture of the situation and regulatory policy alternatives when needed.
Sandra spent more than 21 years with OIR, joining the Office fresh out of Florida State University in 1996, as an actuarial analyst in the workers’ comp area and was soon promoted to the senior actuarial analyst position in the commercial lines area. She left OIR in 2002 to work for the National Council on Compensation Insurance as an actuarial consultant, but returned to work for OIR in 2007 as Deputy Director and then in 2011, was promoted to Director of Property & Casualty Product Review.
For those who worked with Sandra at OIR and her many friends outside the Office, to know her was to love her. Our condolences go out to them and to her family, and especially her nieces who had a special place in Sandra’s heart.
LMA Newsletter of 5-22-23
