Distinguished Programs Introduces Commercial Surety Division Led by Miguel Ferreira

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Distinguished Programs, a national insurance program administrator, has announced the launch of its Commercial Surety division, marking a significant expansion of its Surety program. The new division, led by industry veteran Miguel Ferreira, joins the Contract Surety unit introduced in 2024 and is expected to begin underwriting in the second quarter of this year.

The Commercial Surety division will offer customized bonding solutions for a wide range of industries. These bonds, often mandated by government agencies or regulatory bodies, help ensure legal compliance, safeguard public interests and reduce the risk of fraud or misconduct.

Ferreira, who brings 25 years of experience in the surety market, will serve as president and head of the division. He is joined by Brian Peters, who will serve as vice president. Together, they bring deep expertise and a track record of delivering results in the commercial surety space.

“We’re proud to welcome Miguel and Brian to Distinguished,” said Steve Sitterly, Chief Operating Officer at Distinguished. “Miguel is a standout leader in the surety industry with the experience, vision and relationships to build a top-tier commercial surety operation. His leadership will be a driving force in the success of this division.”

“Launching this division is a tremendous opportunity, and I’m honored to lead the effort,” Ferreira said. “We’re focused on building a high-performing commercial surety team that is dedicated to offering great service and truly understands the needs of our agents and clients. With strong support from American Surety and the existing Distinguished contract surety team, we’re ready to bring a competitive, responsive and trusted offering to market.”

“We’ve built a strong foundation in contract surety, and the addition of Miguel allows us to extend that same level of focus and excellence into commercial surety,” added Trevor Hash Sr., president of Distinguished’s Surety program. “It’s a natural next step for our program, and one we’re thrilled to take with leaders like Miguel and Brian.”

The division will be backed by American Surety, a wholly owned subsidiary of Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc., which also supports Distinguished’s Contract Surety unit—representing a deepening of the companies’ existing relationship.

The Surety program complements Distinguished’s portfolio of specialty insurance offerings, which includes programs for fine art and collectibles, environmental, real estate, community associations, hospitality, restaurants, executive lines and inland marine.

Distinguished enlisted the assistance of U.S. Recruiting Inc to recruit the Surety team.

About Distinguished Programs
Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Administrator and MGA providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Fine Art and Collectibles, Environmental and Construction Professional, Executive Lines, Inland Marine, Real Estate, Community Associations, Surety, Hotels, and Restaurants. Property and Liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished’s high-limit Umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its area of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1995, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees. For more information, go to www.distinguished.com.

About Core Specialty

Core Specialty offers a diversified range of specialty insurance products for small to mid-sized businesses. From its underwriting offices spanning the U.S., the company focuses on niche markets, local distribution, and superior underwriting knowledge; offering traditional as well as innovative insurance solutions to meet the needs of its customers and brokers. Core Specialty is an insurance holding company operating through StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, a U.S. excess & surplus lines insurer, StarStone National Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey and American Surety Company, each of which is a U.S. admitted markets insurer, and Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company, a life, accident and health insurer. For further information about Core Specialty, please visit www.corespecialty.com.