HONOLULU – The First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) board of directors has elected Jeff Shonka senior vice president, chief operating officer (COO). Shonka joined FICOH in 2002 as its chief financial officer. With this promotion, Shonka has assumed responsibility for key operational areas of the company, including Claims, Personal and Commercial Lines, Legal, Surety & Fidelity, and First Risk Management Services (FiRMS), a subsidiary brokerage operation for non-standard risks.

“Jeff is an invaluable member of the executive team who during his 10 years with First Insurance has not only earned the respect and trust of our officers, but of his department, our company and other industry leaders in Hawaii,” said Allen Uyeda, president and CEO of First Insurance.

TANYA HAWKINS AWARDED CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST DESIGNATION BY THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS

Honolulu – Tanya Hawkins (RA) has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors®.

Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 31,000 Realtors® nationwide have earned the credential.

Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict Realtors® code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.