SAFEO Names Ed Heffernan vice president of Government Relations

SAFECO today named Ed Heffernan, an
executive with extensive federal government experience, as vice president of
Government Relations.

In his new position, Heffernan, 38, manages SAFECO’s nationwide
legislative agenda and its relationships with key government agencies,
including departments of insurance throughout the country.

“Ed has a proven track record of working with governments to generate
positive results for the public,” said Mike McGavick, SAFECO chief executive
officer. “He’ll work closely with legislators and government officials to
help SAFECO develop insurance products that meet the changing needs of
customers and distribution partners.”

Heffernan served at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from
1994 to 2001, holding key positions including chief of staff for NASA
Administrator Dan Goldin; associate administrator for legislative affairs; and
liaison to the White House. In these roles, he specialized in working with
federal, state and local agencies and securing Congressional support for key
NASA programs, including the International Space Station.

Between 1993 and 1994, Heffernan was a consultant, providing research and
analysis on federal legislative issues including health care, education and
tax policy.

In 1992, Heffernan ran for Maryland’s 8th District Congressional seat,
defeating seven other candidates and winning the Democratic primary election.
From 1987 to 1992, he served as legislative assistant to Dick Durbin, at
the time a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois and
currently assistant Democratic floor leader in the U.S. Senate.
A long-time resident of Maryland, Heffernan earned a bachelor of arts
degree from Tulane University in 1986.

“SAFECO has assembled a dynamic leadership team to guide the company
through a period of time when the industry is embracing new technologies to
develop innovative products for consumers,” Heffernan said. “I’m excited
about joining SAFECO and helping it grow as an industry leader with a
reputation for outstanding corporate citizenship.”

Founded in 1923, Seattle-based SAFECO and its more than 17,000 independent
agents and financial advisors provide insurance, investment and related
financial products to individual and business customers throughout the
United States. More information about SAFECO is available online at
http://www.safeco.com.