The Arbella Insurance Group (Arbella) is pleased to announce the appointments of Aisha Francis, Ph.D., a local non-profit and higher education leader, and Aaron Thomas, a proven advertising and marketing executive, to its Board of Directors. Both Francis and Thomas strengthen Arbella’s consumer brand and its commitment to charitable giving, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and public service.
As the first female President and CEO of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (BFCIT), Dr. Francis led the college through its most transformative years, launching a $60 million capital campaign, purchasing the college’s new real estate, and rebranding the organization. Additionally, Dr. Francis serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Association of Independent Colleges of Massachusetts (AICUM), Boston public radio station WBUR, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable (MBR) and the New England Board of Higher Education. She is also an advisory board member of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Eastern Bank, the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM), and New England Women in Energy (NEWIE).
“Dr. Francis brings an impressive background in public service, non-profits and higher education to Arbella’s Board of Directors,” said John Donohue, Chairman of the Board. “Her commitment to workforce outcomes and social impact have fostered relationships in underserved communities and improved access to equity of educational and economic opportunities. She will bring a fresh perspective to Arbella’s seasoned board.”
Currently serving as Vice President of Partnerships for NBCUniversal Boston, Thomas has twenty-four years of proven success in partnership development, advertising sales, sports marketing, and media. He has played a pivotal role in redefining sales leadership structures, implementing impactful sales strategies, contributing to platform development and shaping people and company culture initiatives.
“Aaron is results-driven leader known for his ability to grow revenue and guide organizations through the dynamic and rapidly evolving media landscape,” added Donohue. “With a passion for building powerful brands and strong employee cultures, Aaron’s tenure in media and advertising will benefit Arbella as we continue to succeed in a highly competitive industry. Arbella’s Board of Directors and I are looking forward to working with our two newest members.”
About the Arbella Insurance Group
Established in 1988, the Arbella Insurance Group (www.arbella.com) has an AM Best Financial strength rating of A “excellent” and more than $1 billion in revenue and over $2 billion in assets. Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Arbella is a customer-focused, regional property and casualty insurance company, providing commercial insurance products in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and personal insurance products in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Recognized as one of the Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” for 17 consecutive years, Arbella is deeply committed to maintaining high levels of employee satisfaction and supporting a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Arbella attributes its success to their dedicated employees, strong agent partnerships and community focus.
