Garland continues to gain national recognition for leadership.  Rick French, Benefits Manager for the City of Garland, was elected National President for the State and Local Government Benefits Association (SALGBA) for 2009-2010.
 
Mr. French is a Certified Government Benefits Administrator (CGBA), holds a Masters degree in Business and Human Relations, and has been in the benefits profession for more than 30 years.  In 2007, SALGBA recognized the City of Garland with its first ever “Exemplary Benefits Program” for the proprietary wellness initiative Mr. French developed collaborating with the City HR and Risk Management Departments as well outside vendors and the Garland Chamber of Commerce.
 
Priscilla Wilson, Senior Managing Director of Human Resources, says Mr. French’s election to the Board of the SALGBRA Organization is one of great distinction.  “This is a role that we believe he will serve with diligence and integrity.  Rick's commitment to the benefits profession is exemplified daily in his oversight of the City's comprehensive benefits program.”
 
“I am very humbled by this honor; and I firmly believe it will provide the City with an opportunity to pinpoint benefit programs that are in the best interest of our employees, retirees, and the City,” says Mr. French.
 
SALGBA is a national organization whose members consist of municipal, county, and state government employee benefits professionals. The Association membership includes 48 state entities and 144 local jurisdictions within its rank.  Jurisdictional members cover more than 5 million public employees, and control gross health benefits expenditures of more than $14 billion each year.  Members are in policy and decision making positions for their respective entities.   Represented are Human Resource Managers, Risk Managers, and Employee Benefits Directors, as well as many other jurisdictional representatives in positions of responsibility.  Saga’s purpose is to provide members with educational programs and networking opportunities to ensure best practices in the health care industry are communicated effectively in a national forum.
 
Mr. French will serve as SALGBA President through April 2010 and will preside over the 28th annual conference scheduled for Indianapolis, Indiana.