Heffernan Insurance Brokers Promotes Jeff Hamlin to San Francisco Branch

Heffernan Insurance Brokers, one of the largest independent brokerage firms in the United States, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Hamlin to the position of San Francisco Branch Manager of the firm's property and casualty division. Hamlin is replacing Steve Williams, Heffernan's President of Financial Services and Employee Benefits, who is expanding his leadership efforts to support the rapid national growth of both of these divisions.

"Jeff has excelled as a leader and has been the top P & C salesperson in the San Francisco office since he joined the firm," said Williams. "This transition is a great opportunity for Jeff to grow professionally and for me to focus on the strategic leadership and expansion of Heffernan's Employee Benefits and Financial Services divisions."

Heffernan's Employee Benefits division has a growing national platform with brokers in the firm's Northern California, Los Angeles, Orange, Chesterfield, and Portland offices. The division's experienced team is poised to support and educate clients on the impact of the new healthcare reform legislation countrywide. Heffernan Financial Services ranks among the top independent financial advisory practices in California with a focus on 401k/retirement plans, individual wealth management, financial planning, and life insurance, and has recently added its first hedge fund, Atlin Capital Partners, LP. Williams drives the expansion of both divisions, constantly developing innovative offerings that support the clients' needs.

A fourth-generation insurance broker, Williams merged his family's insurance agency with the Heffernan Group in 1997. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Council of Employee Benefits Executives, part of the Washington D.C.-based Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. Williams graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a minor in Finance.

Prior to joining Heffernan in 2001, Hamlin worked with large national insurance carriers for nine years. His client base consists of transportation, manufacturing and non-profit entities. He earned his bachelor's degree in Economics in 1991 from University of California, Berkeley.

"Steve has built a great team in San Francisco P & C and left me in a strong position to grow our branch," said Hamlin. "I am looking forward to providing new leadership and ideas to help our entire staff succeed and provide our customers with the best experience possible."

About Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Heffernan Insurance Brokers, formed in 1988, is one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in the United States. Heffernan provides comprehensive insurance and financial services products to a wide range of businesses and individuals. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Heffernan has additional offices in San Francisco, Petaluma, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, and Orange, California; Portland, Oregon; and Chesterfield, Missouri.

Heffernan Insurance Brokers was named the Top Mid-Sized Broker in the United States to Work for in 2009 by Business Insurance Magazine. The firm has been among the Top Greater Bay Area Philanthropists since 2003 by donating more than $2.5 million to local charities. Each of the firm's 420 employees is granted four paid days off per year to volunteer their time at a local nonprofit. The Heffernan Group provides a Workplace Wellness program for all employees and many participate in active volunteering events such as the Avon Breast Cancer Walk.

About Heffernan Financial Services

Heffernan Financial Services advises individuals, corporations and endowments. Founded in 1991, the firm specializes in integrated financial advice and offers a full array of in-house services that include investment advisory, corporate retirement plan design and implementation, estate and financial planning, nonprofit consulting, and cash management.

About Atlin Capital Partners, LP

Atlin Capital Partners, LP is a dedicated precious metals and mines investment fund. Atlin seeks capital appreciation and protection against inflation and monetary instability by investing in equity securities of companies predominantly involved in the mining, fabrication, processing, marketing or distribution of metals including gold, silver, platinum, palladium and diamonds. In addition the Partnership will maintain a substantial position in physical gold and silver. This fund is designed for investors desiring to diversify their portfolio and hedge against inflation or currency devaluation.