Eric S. Poe, Esq., CPA, Chief Operating Officer with CURE Auto Insurance (CURE) and recognized whistleblower within his own industry, has been named a 2020 New Jersey Trailblazers. Nominated by one of his peers and an executive with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), he has been crusading for a state and nationwide ban on the use of “income proxies,” such as education, occupation and credit scores, in determining car insurance rates. Mr. Poe is one of a select group of 31 attorneys recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal, who represent “agents of change” in their respective practice area. The list highlights innovators and thought leaders who have made strides in practices and policies that advance the industry. Over the years, Mr. Poe’s work has involved testifying before Congress twice (as recently as March 2020) and before different state legislatures, including the New Jersey State Senate Commerce Committee, on this critical issue.

Mr. Poe was also recognized for his thought leadership and unique work within the medical malpractice insurance industry. As an Executive and Complex Claims Litigation Officer with NJ PURE, he is well-known for his commitment to advocacy and shaping the legal landscape before state courts and government. In 2020 alone, Mr. Poe has closely reviewed key state court rules and penned recommendations to the New Jersey Supreme Court on matters of attorney ethics and litigation procedures. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he respectfully wrote to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and requested he issue an Executive Order to protect and immunize health care professionals during the pandemic.

“I’m extremely humbled to have my passionate efforts recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal and be part of such an accomplished group,” Poe says. “It is both empowering and inspiring as I strive to foster greater equity in the law and public policies that can make a difference here in New Jersey and nationwide. I want to thank the selection committee and congratulate my fellow honorees.”

Headquartered in Princeton, N.J., Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange, (CURE) is a not-for-profit reciprocal exchange. Founded in 1990 by New Jersey Insurance Commissioner James J. Sheeran and award-winning insurance expert, Dr. Lena Chang as an answer to the insurance crisis in New Jersey, CURE continues to lead the way as the not-for-profit solution for responsible drivers and the "cure" for continuously evolving auto insurance problems. CURE is currently available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. More information can be found at cure.com or by calling 800-535-CURE. Also headquartered in Princeton, N.J., NJ PURE is a medical professional liability insurance provider founded during the medical malpractice crisis in 2002. For more information about NJ PURE, visit www.njpure.com.