October 19, 2025 by matray

Physicians Insurance A Mutual announced that David Carlson, DO, will assume the role of president and chief executive officer effective Nov. 1, 2025. Dr. Carlson will succeed William Cotter, who is retiring from the organization after a distinguished 35-year career that includes six years of exemplary leadership at Physicians Insurance.

Carlson is a physician executive with 25 years of experience in C-suite positions. He previously served as chief physician officer at MultiCare Health System in Washington state, Hospital Sisters Health System in Illinois and Conemaugh Health System in Pennsylvania. He currently serves as chief medical officer and vice president of medical operations for King County at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Washington state.

Carlson has served on the Physicians Insurance Board of Directors since 2018 and as board chair from 2019 to 2023. In these roles, he has overseen performance, operations, regulatory compliance, governance, executive compensation and investment strategies.

“As Physicians Insurance enters its 45th year, it's fitting that a company founded by physicians will be led by one,” said Shane Macaulay, MD, Physicians Insurance chairman of the board. “Dr. Carlson is deeply familiar with both the clinical and business challenges our members face and is a passionate advocate of our mission to protect, defend and support our members. I'm excited to work with him as PI moves into its next chapter. I also want to extend my gratitude to Bill for his tremendous leadership and his service to our members during his successful tenure.”

William Cotter has served as Physicians Insurance’s president and chief executive officer since 2019. During this time, he led the organization through

Dr. David Carlson

several significant advances, including strengthening underwriting acumen and flexibility, expanding the company’s national reach and integrating the Physicians Insurance RRG into the Physicians Insurance family.

“It has been my privilege to be of service to our members and to lead a team of individuals so wholly dedicated to the protection and success of our members,” Cotter said. “Dr. Carlson has long embodied our commitment to good medicine and strong advocacy for physicians and healthcare organizations. His leadership will be a powerful asset for PI.”

“In his board roles, Dr. Carlson has been closely involved in the creation of our multi-year strategic plan that fortifies our financial strength and keeps our members' best interests at the center of every decision,” said Christina Galicia, Physicians Insurance chief operating officer. “On behalf of the executive management group, I'm delighted to welcome him to his new role.”

“Physicians Insurance proudly supports its Members by doing the right thing—devoting exceptional resources to their defense at trial and paying their claims when needed," Carlson said. “I'm honored to have been selected to continue leading this decades-long mission of protecting, defending and supporting PI's Members, so that they can continue taking care of their patients."

Carlson is a board-certified family practice physician with a subspecialty in geriatrics. He holds a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University, a medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a master's degree in business administration from Alvernia University.