Risk Strategies Co., a national insurance brokerage and risk management firm, is looking to build its presence even more within the credit union industry.

The Boston-based company took a step in that direction by hiring Jim DiFalco as executive team leader of RSC's Credit Union Health Benefits of America Employee Benefits Captive program.

RSC said it distributes property and liability insurance and employee benefits insurance products to both privately held and publicly traded commercial clients.

DiFalco's background includes six years with Blue Shield of California, a $9 billion health plan focused on the California market, according to RSC. At Blue Shield, he managed the development and distribution of self-funded products to mid-size and large employers.

More recently, DiFalco served as vice president of business development for WorldMed Assist, a provider of medical travel facilitation for consumers and vice president of sales for Andreini and Co.

Fred Cannon, executive vice president of RSC, said DiFalco's addition to the CUHB team will help accelerate the growth of that division within the credit union industry.

“With medical premiums increasing 10% to 15% annually, there is pent-up demand for cost-effective solutions among mid-market employers desperately seeking alternatives to traditional health insurance plans,” Cannon said.