M. Hughes Waren Jr. has been elected president of the Coastal Association of Health Underwriters for 2015-16, according to a recent news release.

Waren, a local benefit consultant, has many years of experience with the health insurance trade associations and has volunteered on a local, state and national level, the release stated.

“His long standing service was recognized by being awarded the Frederick W. Joyner Distinguished Service Award from the North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters in April,” the release stated. “Hughes is excited to enhance the Wilmington association’s role in supporting and educating the 60 local health insurance agent members on Affordable Care Act laws, compliance, and how to help consumers.”