John M. Word III
	Co-Founder

John M. Word III is renowned for transforming the California insurance broker’s role in the small group health benefits marketplace through his pioneering technological and marketing advances since 1972.

Together with Edward J. “Rusty” Brown Jr., John founded the Word & Brown General Agency in 1984 to market and distribute health plans through California’s huge brokerage community; by 1986, the company was recognized as the largest independent small group health distributor in the nation. That same year, the company launched the nation’s first COBRA administration operation, sensing that employers needed assistance and qualified support with federal COBRA laws. CaliforniaChoice^®, a groundbreaking enterprise empowering small business employees to select from multiple health plans within one program, was launched in 1996.

A highly sought-after speaker and collaborator, John has written numerous articles, conducted classes, and delivered keynote addresses to vast audiences. His credentials include Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), and Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC).

	Edward J. "Rusty" Brown, Jr.
	Co-Founder

Edward J. “Rusty” Brown Jr. is highly respected throughout the health care insurance industry for establishing and delivering standards of performance and service designed to exceed all customers’ expectations, and for enhancing California health insurance brokers’ ability to serve their clients’ needs and best interests.

Rusty began his career in the early 1970s as an agent for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company in upstate New York, where he was the youngest producer to be honored with entry into the President’s Honors Club.

In 1980, Rusty transferred to the West Coast to assume the role of Sales Manager for Hancock’s Newport Beach, California, office. There, he built strong and long-lasting relationships by focusing on delivering a superior level of service. Rusty’s office quickly emerged as the company’s top-producing employee benefits agency in the nation.

Michael L. Close is the Chief Executive Officer of CHOICE Administrators where he is responsible for two health insurance programs: America’s longest standing, state-approved private multi-carrier health insurance exchange, CaliforniaChoice, and the nation’s first ancillary benefits exchange, ChoiceBuilder.

Michael previously served as the Chief Operating Officer where he oversaw information technology, marketing, and strategic business development. Michael worked closely with all of the Word & Brown Companies to ensure strategic alignment between corporate short-term and long-term strategic goals.

Michael was President of Quotit Corp and HealthCompare, two national health insurance distribution platforms, before their acquisition by National General Holdings Corp. in early 2017. Michael was also President of CONEXIS, a leading benefits administration company, before its acquisition by WageWorks in 2014. Michael joined The Word & Brown Companies in 2003.

Michael’s professional background makes him uniquely suited to lead CHOICE Administrators. He has an impressive career spanning more than 25 years in employee benefits and health care. Prior to joining The Word & Brown Companies, he held senior executive positions with Health Net of California, including Vice President and General Manager for a $200 million business unit, and Senior Vice President of a $2 billion sales organization, where he managed 600 employees. He also served as chief sales and marketing officer at American Specialty Health, one of the country's leading complimentary care organizations.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio State University. He is an active member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).