Directing the HEATâ is an interesting and exciting assignment. I have the good fortune to work with people every day who are dedicated to fighting auto theft in Michigan. Their jobs vary; law enforcement officers, insurance company claims people, community leaders and members of the media. However, their goal and ours is to Help Eliminate Auto Thefts.

The mission of our program is to educate citizens about the economic impact of auto theft, and provide information to keep them from becoming a victim. We provide speakers for police roll calls and community meetings and have a variety of materials available at no cost for distribution to such groups.

We are very fortunate to have had a number of prominent Michigan leaders on the HEAT team: former Detroit Tiger standout Kirk Gibson, former Detroit Piston Grant Hill, Detroit Chiefs of Police Isaiah McKinnon and Benny Napoleon, Governor Jennifer Granholm, former Lieutenant Governor Dick Posthumus and Attorney General Mike Cox have all participated in HEAT promotions and events. We plan to continue efforts to form alliances with community and law enforcement organizations across the state. While crime statistics seem to be dropping, we cannot become complacent. Your support and involvement will mean continued success.

For those of you that I have not had the pleasure of meeting, I’d like to briefly introduce myself. I have been in the insurance industry for over 20 years, primarily in Michigan. My assignments have included commercial and personal lines underwriting, product development and underwriting management. I also come from a law enforcement family, with an uncle who served in Texas and a sister who is an LAPD sergeant. I have been with the MAIPF and HEAT since June, 1999.

I’d like to acknowledge Nina Hier, who keeps the HEAT program "alive and well" by taking care of all of the administrative details. I’d also like to recognize our web experts, Christine Grabowski and Cindy Pirie, for their efforts in bringing you this web site. Their dedicated involvement in the program over the years has helped make it what it is today. And thanks to all of you who have lent your support.