AMERISAFE Names Geoff Banta President

DERIDDER, La., Aug 04, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- AMERISAFE, Inc., a specialty writer of high hazard workers' compensation insurance, today announced the promotion of Geoffrey R. Banta to President of AMERISAFE, in addition to his continuing role as Chief Operating Officer.

C. Allen Bradley, Jr., AMERISAFE's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in making the announcement stated: "For the past two years Geoff has served AMERISAFE well as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. This promotion is the well deserved recognition of Geoff's diligence and dedication in that position, as well as acknowledgement of the key leadership role he will continue to play in the future of AMERISAFE."

Banta most recently served as the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 2008. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since joining AMERISAFE in 2003. Prior to joining the Company in 2003, he held the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer from 2001 until November 2003, and Chief Operating Officer from 1996 until 2001, at Scruggs Consulting, an actuarial and management consulting firm. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Banta was Chief Financial Officer of the Atlanta Casualty Companies, an issuer of non-standard auto insurance whose holding company was a subsidiary of American Financial Group, Inc.

Bradley will continue as the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

About AMERISAFE

AMERISAFE, Inc. is a specialty provider of workers' compensation insurance focused on small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, and agriculture. AMERISAFE actively markets workers' compensation insurance in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The Company's financial strength rating is "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best.