Specialty Underwriters’ Alliance, Inc. announced that Mark E. Pape has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors to fill a vacancy on the SUA Board. Mr. Pape, a seasoned insurance executive, is currently a partner at Tatum LLC, the largest executive service firm in the nation focused on providing temporary CFOs and other employees for companies. Mr. Pape previously served as a director and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc. He has also held positions in several other insurance companies, including Torchmark Corporation and American Income Holding, Inc.

Mr. Pape was appointed to SUA’s Board pursuant to the previously announced agreement among SUA, Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and certain other parties. Mr. Pape will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Peter E. Jokiel as a director of the Company. Mr. Jokiel resigned as a director pursuant to that agreement, but he continues to serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Courtney C. Smith, Chairman of the Board stated, “I would like to express our sincere thanks to Pete for his valuable contributions to the board. He has been a director since our inception and SUA would not be the company it is today without his dedication, imagination and wisdom.” Mr. Smith continued, “Our board members are excited to be working with Mark, and we look forward to his contributions. His industry experience and expertise are an ideal addition to our board.”

Specialty Underwriters’ Alliance, Inc., through its subsidiary SUA Insurance Company, is a specialty property and casualty insurance company providing commercial insurance products through exclusive wholesale Partner Agents that serve niche groups of insureds. These targeted customers require highly specialized knowledge due to their unique risk characteristics. Examples include tow trucks, professional employer organizations, public entities, and contractors. SUA’s innovative approach provides products and claims handling, allowing the Partner Agent to focus on distribution and customer relationships.