Ron began his professional insurance career in 1991, as a Prudential Ordinary Agent. He earned Series 6 and 63 security licenses and specialized in estate planning, mutual funds and life insurance. In 1994 he was hired as an Account Executive for PCA Health Plans of Texas and was instrumental in introducing the HMO concept in the North Texas region. Utilizing a comprehensive network of independent agents and key agencies, PCA grew to be a significant HMO carrier in both the public and private sectors. After Humana’s acquisition of PCA and subsequent closing of the Wichita Falls’ office, Ron took a position of Regional Marketing Director for the Seton Health Plan (SHP) in Austin, Texas. In that capacity he worked in the individual and large group Central Texas HMO markets. In 2002, the SHP Board ceased all commercial marketing efforts and withdrew from commercial lines of insurance. Ron faced a major career decision. He decided to “cross the isle”, leaving the carrier side to become an independent agent. Ron started The Buffum Group in December 2002 headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, specializing in individual/group health and life insurance. In 2009 he was asked to serve as a consultant to develop health coverage for the working uninsured in Texas. The Tex Health Program, utilizing state funds, has evolved into a viable small group insurance product in the Central Texas region. He currently serves on the Tex Health Board of Directors. Present day, Ron serves as the on-site Health & Life agent for the offices of TWFG in Pflugerville.
Association Involvement:
Ron joined Texoma AHU in 1996. He served in numerous committee positions including: Program Chair, Newsletter Chair and Awards Chair. In 1997, he was elected President, Texoma AHU and served two (2) consecutive terms. During his tenure, Texoma AHU achieved TAHU’s “Small Chapter of the Year”. Upon relocating his family to Austin, Ron became active in the Austin AHU Chapter. In 2003, he served on the TAHU “Day at the Capitol Committee”. Later that year he was elected Austin AHU’s Treasurer and joined the Austin AHU Executive Committee. In the Summer of 2003, Ron was appointed as the TAHU GRIP Chair. Implementing the Board’s decision to emphasize TAHUPAC, he increased TAHUPAC revenue to historically high levels. In addition, Ron served on the TAHU Legislative Council and was a member of the Legislative Day 2004 Steering Committee. In the Spring of 2004, President Elect Linda New asked Ron to serve as 2004-2005 Director of Legislative Affairs, a.k.a. State Legislative Chair. Ron aggressively assembled his TAHU Legislative Council. Since inception, the Lege Council has set new standards of excellence. TAHUPAC fund raising set new records and communication between NAHU and the local chapters was streamlined. Capitol Conference 2005 and Day at the Capitol 2005 were great successes. As State Lege Chair, Ron was actively involved in NAHU Region VI legislative activities compiling detailed monthly regional reports and participating in regional conference calls. During 2004-2005 Ron also served on the TAHUPAC Board as it made decisions effecting fifty-four state races. In 2005, he was elected TAHU 2nd Vice President, where he was responsible for: Membership, Retention and Chapter Support. In this capacity he traveled to: Austin, Dallas, East Texas, Houston, Panhandle, Texoma and the Valley. In 2006, Ron was elected TAHU First V.P. and he assumed responsibility for: Media, the TAHU Website and Sysop. He led the development of a total redesign of the TAHU website. Additionally he accomplished specific projects, such as the search and acquisition of TAHU’s first legal consultant. In 2007-2008 he served as President Elect and was responsible for directing an innovative move to relocate the TAHU convention to El Paso, Texas. After a successful convention, he assumed the duties of TAHU President 2008-2009 and is currently in his third year as a TAHU Trustee. In addition, when Austin AHU’s President Elect was suddenly relocated by their employer, the AAHU Board of Directors turned to Ron and asked him to serve as AAHU Chapter President 2011-2012. He willingly assumed those duties to stabilize and maintain consistency in AAHU leadership. While serving as President, AAHU was recognized for Volunteer Service and Large Chapter Membership Growth.
Personal:
Ron has been active as a civic and political leader. He has served on numerous boards: Rotary, YMCA, United Way and N. TX. Rehab Center. He was elected to the Wichita Falls City Council in 1986 and 1988 and in 1990 he ran for Mayor of Wichita Falls. In 1998 Ron won the Republican Primary for State Representative District 69. After moving to Round Rock, Texas, Ron was elected to the Forest Ridge POA Board in 2001 and served as Secretary until 2004. He has served as Board President of the Round Rock Volunteer Center. In 2009 he was re-elected to the Forest Ridge POA Board and currently serves as President. In 2012 the newly formed Cedar Ridge High School PTSA (CRHS PTSA) was searching for a person to serve as President. Ron was asked and elected President of the CRHS PTSA. In this capacity he chairs the forty member Executive Committee, serving and supporting 2,800 students and 225 staff members.
Ron’s achievements have been recognized by both NAHU and TAHU. He has received NAHU’s Distinguished Service Award (2008) and a Presidential Citation Award. During his TAHU Presidency, TAHU achieved the NAHU Landmark Award. Last Spring, Ron was the recipient of The Hollis Roberson Award, TAHU’s most prestigious award. His home Chapter, presented him with the coveted Hutzler Award in 2009, which is AAHU’s highest honor.
Ron and his wife Karen have been married for 28 years. They have three children: Laura, 40, Steven, 38, Ian, age 23 and three grandchildren, Addie and Cooper, age 11 and Callen age 5.
