Scott Boutin named president of Standard Security Life

Gary Balzofiore, president of Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York (SSL) has announced his retirement, effective February 28, 2023. Scott Boutin, senior vice president and Chief Claims Officer for Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company and Matrix Absence Management, has been named his successor, according to Reliance President Chris Fazzini.

Balzofiore joined Standard Security Life in 1980 as a member of the Internal Audit team. He rose through the Finance ranks to become Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer before being named President in 2016.

Reliance Standard acquired SSL as a wholly owned operating subsidiary as of January 1, 2022.

“Gary’s contributions to SSL’s culture and success across five decades can’t be overstated,” Fazzini said. “In the time we’ve worked together, from prior to the acquisition through successful completion and operational integration, he and his leadership team have been outstanding colleagues.”

Scott Boutin joined Reliance in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Claims. In 2019 he was promoted to Chief Claims Officer of the Reliance Matrix enterprise, now overseeing an organization of approximately 1,200 individuals nationwide. Prior to joining Reliance Scott spent 14 years with MetLife, ultimately serving as Vice President of Global Claims Operations.

“I am thrilled to announce Scott Boutin will be succeeding Gary in this role,” Fazzini said. “In addition to his current position as Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer for Reliance Standard and Matrix, Scott will assume the title of President, Standard Security Life, when Gary departs the organization in February. In the interim, Scott and Gary will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition and knowledge transfer.”

In a related announcement, Fazzini confirmed Dan Keesey has been promoted to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Standard Security Life, from Assistant Vice President/Controller, effective January 1, 2023. During a 21-year finance career spent exclusively in the insurance industry, Keesey held senior finance and management roles with Nassau Financial Group, AIG, and Fidelity & Guaranty Life (formerly Old Mutual US).