May 22, 2024 by matray

Matthew L. Perkins, MD, of Smyrna, Tenn., became the chair of the State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company (SVMIC) Board of Directors on May 14, 2024. An internal medicine physician and pediatrician, Perkins has spent 16 years on the SVMIC Board, having previously served as treasurer and vice chair.

“I am honored to lead the board of SVMIC,” Perkins said. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members and management to continue building on the strong foundation laid by Dr. Francis serving the physicians of the southeast.”

Perkins replaces outgoing board chair, Hugh Francis III, MD, of Memphis, who held the role since 2015 and will remain as chair emeritus. Francis has served SVMIC in various leadership positions since 1994, including 27 years on the board.

Katrina M. Hood, MD, of Lexington, Ky., is the new vice chair of the SVMIC Board of Directors. A pediatrician who has been on SVMIC's board since 2009 and previously held the position of secretary; Hood has served on various committees of the board since 2006.

Craig A. Myers, MD, of Knoxville, Tenn., is the new secretary of the SVMIC Board of Directors. Myers is an obstetrician-gynecologist who has served on SVMIC's board since 2021 and has held positions on SVMIC committees since 2007.

Chad T. Couch, MD, MBA, of Bristol, Tenn., continues as the treasurer of the SVMIC Board of Directors, a role he has held since 2022. Couch has been on SVMIC's board since 2008 and has served on its committees since 2006.

“We are thrilled to welcome the new leadership of our board of directors,” said John H. Mize, FCAS, MAAA, SVMIC chief executive officer.  “Their impressive backgrounds, innovative approaches, and experience with SVMIC's leadership align perfectly with our vision and mission. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hugh Francis III for his unwavering commitment and leadership as chair and are grateful that he will continue to serve SVMIC on the board of directors."