The Insurance Scene 

Richard Hoberman, left, managing partner of the Southern Connecticut General Office of New York Life, presents Manchester, Conn. resident Donald McAllister with a $10,000 check for winning New York Life’s Cube Toss Challenge. New York Life’s presenting sponsorship of the Big East Women’s Basketball Tournament paid off big for McAllister on March 6. By rolling three cubes that resulted in three New York Life logos, he instantly won $10,000 during the Cube Toss Challenge contest during a timeout break of the Syracuse vs. Providence game.Simsbury, Connecticut resident Adam Silverman, also won two tickets to the Big East women’s championship game on Tuesday night. Silverman rolled three “Safe and Secure” phrases on the cubes to win.Mark Pfaff, executive vice president of New York Life, who attended the Saturday games, said, “The Big East fans were treated to exciting basketball action throughout the day, and during the break, New York Life was proud to keep the excitement going with a fun contest to help the fans learn about the selfless gift of life insurance and the importance of buying from a safe and secure insurer. What an outstanding venue and a terrific, family environment! Our congratulations to the winners of the contest and to all of the athletes competing in this great tournament.”

 

Royal Neighbors of America recently announced the promotion of Chris Seistrup to Chief Operating Officer for the Rock Island, Ill.-based non-profit fraternal organization. In his new role, he will oversee the organization’s national sales operations and the customer support, member services, claims, document management, and underwriting departments.

Seistrup began his tenure with Royal Neighbors of America in 2007 as the National Sales Executive. A 30-year veteran of the insurance industry, he has extensive experience in sales, operations, and underwriting. Prior to joining Royal Neighbors, he held executive positions at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company in California, Vik Brothers Insurance Company in North Carolina, and Crum & Forster Insurance Company in New Jersey. Seistrup has recently served on the Board of Directors of The San Diego Burn Institute. An Illinois native, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University.

“Chris was instrumental in our record-breaking life insurance and annuity sales in 2009,” said Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. “Under his leadership, we successfully expanded our product distribution system and now have nearly 5,000 agents selling our insurance offerings nationwide. His expertise and experience in the insurance field will help us continue the growth we’ve seen in the past few years.”

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

 

Baltimore Life’s Board of Directors recently approved three officer-level promotions. Pictured from left are Brian Stricker, Richard A. Spencer III and Harold Rojas.

Spencer was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Spencer has served as Baltimore Life’s Controller since joining the company in August 2002. Before joining Owings Mills, Md.-based Baltimore Life, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Acting CFO of InsLogic Corporation, a private label insurance broker. He also directed the delivery of audit and strategic risk management consulting services in the Washington, D.C. offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Harold Rojas was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Rojas has served as Baltimore Life’s Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for more than four years. In his new role, Rojas has responsibility for the legal and compliance, underwriting and claims functions of the company. Before joining Baltimore Life, Rojas was Assistant Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with Old Mutual Financial Network, and he held various compliance and legal counsel positions with Conseco, Inc., Jackson National Life and Columbian Mutual Life.

Brian Stricker was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. Stricker will lead all product development, acquisition and alliance-related growth initiatives, and has served as Baltimore Life’s Vice President, Business Development since 2006. Having joined Baltimore Life in 1983 as a pricing actuary, he was elected Vice President and Actuary in 1996, and Vice President, Insurance Services in 1999, where he assumed responsibility for underwriting, claims, new business, customer service and compliance.

“The expertise provided by Harold, Rick and Brian has been instrumental in Baltimore Life’s continuing period of profitable sales growth,” said David K. Ficca, President and CEO of Baltimore Life. “Their experience and dedication will continue to serve us well as we move forward.”

 

Resource Brokerage, LLC recently sponsored a fund drive for Haitian Earthquake Relief efforts in conjunction with the MDRT Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Here, John Rippinger, president of Resource Brokerage, LLC presents checks totaling $6,220 as well as the Resource Brokerage match of $6,220 to Gil Haggart, Treasurer of the MDRT Foundation, at the MDRT headquarters in Park Ridge, Ill.

Resource Brokerage is a Schaumburg, Ill.-based Master General Agency for Group & Individual Health, Life, Disability, Annuities and Long-Term Care products.

Resource Brokerage’s campaign promised a “dollar for dollar” match of all contributions received from their brokers, employees, business associates and friends to the MDRT Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Those dollars will be matched again, dollar for dollar by the MDRT Foundation, thus effectively turning each dollar donated into four dollars towards Haitian Relief.

With the MDRT Foundation match of its efforts, Resource Brokerage raised a total of $24,880 for Heifer International and Mercy Ships, the beneficiaries of the MDRT Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, both of which are currently on the ground in Haiti assisting with relief efforts.

Resource Brokerage will continue its efforts to raise funds for Haiti relief, and offer its match, in conjunction with the MDRT Haiti Disaster Relief Fund which closes on February 28, 2010. For more information, visit www.resourcebrokerage.com.

 

The board of directors for Indianapolis-based OneAmerica® Financial Partners, Inc. has elected Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie, PhD, as its newest member.

As a board member, McRobbie will provide the executive leadership team with sound judgment, insight and knowledge to further position the OneAmerica® companies for growth in the life insurance, employee benefits and retirement services markets.

“I am extremely pleased and honored to be selected to join the board of directors at OneAmerica Financial Partners and to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest and most respected individuals in the financial services industry,” McRobbie said. “In these uncertain economic times, I look forward to helping OneAmerica meet the ongoing challenges of providing maximum value to customers, maintaining a client-centered approach and solidifying its position as a nationwide leader in the financial marketplace.”

As Indiana University president, McRobbie is responsible for IU’s eight-campus system, which has a total budget of approximately $2.7 billion, and more than 5,000 faculty, 11,000 staff, and 100,000 students. A native of Australia, McRobbie came to IU from the Institute of Advanced Study at the Australian National University (ANU), where he was a professor of information science and chief executive officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Computational Systems.

“Dr. McRobbie's experience in research and information technology makes him a natural fit to serve on the OneAmerica board of directors as we look to leverage and enhance our technology offerings to best serve the needs of our policyholders,” said Dayton H. Molendorp, OneAmerica chairman, president and CEO. “He is a recognized leader who will provide the technology expertise we have not had on our board until now, and I am excited that he has agreed to serve on our team.”

 

Brian Laubacker, an insurance industry veteran, has joined The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. as regional vice president of sales of the western United States for the company's Individual Life Insurance Division.

Laubacker, who previously managed the assisted sales division at Saybrus Partners, will co-lead the sales organization with Ron Herrmann, The Hartford's regional vice president of the eastern region of the country, and will report to executive vice president Brian D. Murphy.

Laubacker joins The Hartford as it prepares to launch an aggressive new plan to expand from banks and wirehouses into the independent agent channel. The company has more than 200 account executives, making it the largest assisted sales force serving advisors and brokers.

"Brian Laubacker brings an enormous repertoire of skills to the position," said Murphy, "including demonstrated executive leadership capabilities, superb client relationships, and the ability to build and run a successful sales team."

More information on the company is available at www.thehartford.com.

 

Kevin Lynch, ChFC^®, CLU^®, RHU^®, REBC^®, CASL^®, CAP^®, LUTCF, CFP^®, recently joined The American College as an Assistant Professor of Insurance. He brings with him four decades of experience in the financial services industry.

Lynch, an Army brat, was raised in Germany until high school. He served in Vietnam, as did his father and brother. He is now the father of an Iraq War veteran.

Prior to joining The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Lynch was an agency owner with Nationwide Insurance & Financial, in Grand Prairie, Texas. In just 38 months, the property and casualty agency Lynch built went from zero to more than 2,800 policies in force.

In 2004, he joined The American College as Associate Vice President of Advancement. After working in Advancement, Lynch returned to the financial services industry for four years. His most recent contribution to the financial services field was as a Financial Consultant and Regional Management Associate with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

In 2009, Lynch returned to The American College. His course responsibilities include Techniques for Prospecting, Essentials of Disability Income Insurance and Essentials of Annuities. In addition, he teaches insurance subjects in the Huebner School.

“Kevin’s practical experience as a financial services practitioner brings added depth and understanding to his academic scholarship and instruction,” said Walt Woerheide, Ph.D., CFP^®, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, holder of the Frank M. Engle Distinguished Chair in Economic Security Research and Professor of Investments at The American College.

Professor Lynch’s many areas of expertise include annuities, life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care. He has been quoted in a variety of prestigious publications speaking about the importance of continuing education in the financial services industry and long term care insurance.

Lynch was the first person in his family to graduate from college and has been devoted to both higher and continuing education ever since. After receiving his first of three Associate of Science degrees in 1973, he went on to earn four additional college degrees and has started the Doctorate in Business Administration at Wilmington University as well as his eighth American College designation, the Chartered Leadership Fellow^® (CLF^®).

Lynch and his wife, Kim, have been married for 35 years and have two children, Katherine and Kristian. When not rigorously pursuing his continuing education, he enjoys roller figure skating and pistol and rifle target shooting.

 

Sircon (www.sircon.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Vertafore, Inc., recently announced that Sam Meyer has been appointed as the Governance Chair on the Securities & Insurance Licensing Association (SILA) Board of Directors. Meyer currently serves as Okemos, Mich.-based Sircon’s National Account Director, including responsibility for all state insurance regulator partnerships. This includes providing guidance to Sircon states and expanding Sircon’s services to additional states.

SILA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing education and best practices for the insurance and securities industry. SILA provides a venue for industry and regulators to work together to streamline and improve licensing and registration across the country. SILA is governed by a board of directors who provide direction and guidance regarding SILA’s operations and functions. The members are comprised of volunteers nominated by SILA membership and voted into office by the Board of Directors.

“I have been actively involved in SILA since 1992 and consider this to be one of the best and most beneficial insurance industry organizations in America,” said Meyer. “I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve SILA and its members in this capacity.”

The Governance Chair is appointed by SILA's president and is responsible for overseeing bylaw compliance, making recommendations for bylaw changes and overseeing eligibility issues.

 “SILA is very fortunate to have Sam serve as our Governance Chair,” said Lois Hennen, president of the SILA board of directors. “Sam has been a SILA member and supporter for many years. With his regulatory background, I feel confident that he will keep SILA compliant with our bylaws and suggest changes where needed. Also with his experience working with the NAIC and PLMA, Sam will have valuable input into the 2010 National Conference and meeting SILA's strategic plan.”

From 1992 to 2003 Sam served as assistant director of the South Dakota Division of Insurance. During his term in South Dakota, he served as a member of four NAIC Working Groups including the Producer Information Network (PIN) Working Group, the EX3 Subcommittee for Regulatory Re-engineering, Co-Chaired the Producer Licensing Working Group with Gene Reed of DE, and Chaired the Crop Insurance Working Group. The Producer Licensing Working Group authored the Producer Licensing Model Act (PLMA), which has been adopted in 48 states.

 

CANNEX Financial Exchanges, which facilitates the sale of financial products in the U.S. and Canada and is a leading provider of comparative information about income annuities, on Jan. 26 announced the appointment of Gary Baker as president of its U.S. division. Baker, who has extensive experience in the insurance and retirement income markets, will lead the CANNEX operation in the U.S. market, where retirement income is an issue of growing concern and opportunity.

“Advisors are demanding unbiased information about income annuities which are increasingly seen as a separate asset class required for clients’ optimal retirement income portfolios,” said Lowell Aronoff, CEO and co-founder of CANNEX. “With Gary leading our expansion in the U.S., we’ll be able to help more advisors and, ultimately, more consumers make financially sound retirement income choices.”

CANNEX, which launched its service facilitating the sale of income annuities in the U.S. in 2001, enables advisors to provide their clients with custom, apples-to-apples comparisons of annuities, including features and details specific to their clients’ needs. CANNEX is able to do so because insurance carriers provide it with their proprietary methods of calculating income annuities, which CANNEX reprograms onto its servers. The carriers maintain the parameters and guarantee the results.

“For many years, income annuities have been regarded by the academic community as an essential component of an optimal retirement portfolio for most retirees. With new educational programs and software tools, a growing number of advisors today understand that they need to incorporate income annuities in their clients’ retirement income plans,” said Baker. “Our goal is to help them do that as efficiently and insightfully as possible by putting critical decision-making information at their fingertips.”

Most recently, Baker was vice president, income solutions, for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), where he facilitated the development of a retirement income strategy and led initiatives to help the business develop new products and new markets. Prior to joining MassMutual, Baker had an 18-year career with GE Capital, where he held senior positions in retirement solutions and marketing. Overall, his experience in the retirement market has broadly covered retail and institutional businesses as well as insurance and money management.

Baker is an active participant in industry forums and organizations associated with both the retirement income and managed money markets. He also has had numerous speaking roles at industry events and has written extensively in industry journals on the topic of retirement income. Baker holds a BS in finance from Pennsylvania State University.

 

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) on Jan. 22 announced the hiring of Karen Alvarado as its new Vice President for Compliance and Regulatory Affairs – rounding out the first-ever IRI government affairs team and bringing true industry and product expertise in-house. Alvarado’s hiring is latest in the transformation of the new IRI.

“Karen Alvarado is a true industry leader who brings years of experience to the IRI and immense value to our members,” said Cathy Weatherford, IRI President and CEO. “Karen will help give our members an even bigger, more credible voice with regulators, provide real thought leadership on critical issues and help bring our work on standards to the forefront of the industry.”

Before coming to IRI, Alvarado spent the last four years as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Aegon Insurance Group, Transamerica Capital Management. Prior to that, she spent a decade with Pacific Life as Assistant Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and seven years in that same role with Delta Life & Annuity Company.

“For many years, I have had the pleasure of working with IRI as an industry representative, co-chairing a number of IRI committees and spearheading initiatives,” Alvarado said. “After spending 25 years in the insured retirement industry, I am excited about this rare opportunity to serve our industry and advance our members’ interests.”

In addition to Alvarado, Washington D.C.-based IRI has greatly expanded by recruiting top talent. Cathy Weatherford, who spent the last 12 years as head of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) after serving as the elected Insurance Commissioner for the state of Oklahoma, came on board over a year ago as President and CEO. She then added to her team the former Insurance Commissioner for the state of Ohio; the Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor and Communications Director for United States Senators and members of the House; government affairs experts and seasoned communicators with over three decades of experience at the highest levels of Capitol Hill, the Executive Branch, presidential and Congressional campaigns; and a national authority in standards development.

“This is a critical moment in our industry that requires a new, reinvigorated approach,” Weatherford said. “IRI is becoming a trusted resource for consumers and financial advisors looking for guaranteed income in an economy and times where there is little certainty. We are providing the knowledge and confidence in retirement planning that can no longer be taken for granted.”

Visit www.IRIonline.org to experience the new, vast resources of the new Insured Retirement Institute for yourself.

 

Congratulations to Charles M. Kardon, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, of Dayton, Ohio. Chuck is the winner of a vacation in Paradise. Chuck’s 2009 donation to the Foundation for Financial Service Professionals made him eligible to participate in a drawing for a 7-day vacation for four at Hacienda del Mar in Cabo San Lucas. All 2009 contributions of at least $20 were eligible. The Foundation thanks all its donors and, extends special appreciation to Dickson Buxton, CLU, ChFC, of Novato, Calif., whose generous donation of his vacation home made this drawing possible and helped the Foundation raise over $10,000. A gift to the Foundation makes a difference in the lives of individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis by supporting the Financial Education Partners (FEP) program. FEP utilizes the expertise of FSP members to provide pro bono financial counseling to individuals referred by National Multiple Sclerosis Society (and other charitable entities, such as the American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity). Foundation gifts also help sustain other key projects, including:

• Paul Mills Scholarships, given annually to deserving professionals for outstanding leadership, significant contributions to the field of education, and exemplary civic/community service.
• American Business Ethics Awards, widely recognized as the “most prestigious ethics award” in the country, the ABEA honors companies that exemplify high standards of ethical behavior.

 

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Don Mills, president of SIA Group (www.siagroup.net), a full-service insurance agency with seven offices throughout North Carolina, recently announced that the firm’s employees collected 160 coats for donation to two Onslow County (N.C.) elementary schools.SIA Group donated 80 coats for students to both Bell Fork Elementary and Summersill Elementary. “At SIA Group, we feel that it is important for us to support the community in which we work, especially during the holiday season,” said Mills.“I am confident that these 160 coats will be put to great use by our local schools.” Active in the local community, SIA Group recently presented The Onslow County Fireman’s Association with a $6,500 grant through the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.The grant was used to purchase an interactive robot designed to teach critical fire safety for children from prekindergarten to fifth grade.

 

Susan D. Waring, CLU, ChFC, recently became the first woman to ever be inducted into The American College’s Alumni Hall of Fame. The Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer - State Farm Life and Vice President - Health was nominated by her peers and selected based on her active participation in volunteer efforts for The College. Waring, shown here with Dr. Larry Barton, President and CEO of The American College, was inducted in a ceremony at The College’s annual Knowledge Summit in Boston.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates of The College who have made extraordinary contributions in time, effort and energy to the nation’s premier financial services educator. Individuals must be long-term volunteers of The College and active participants in The College’s community and learning environment. Waring is only the fifth individual to be inducted into The American College Alumni Hall of Fame.

“Susan Waring’s selfless dedication to The College and her service as a champion of women in financial services make her more than deserving of this honor,” Barton said. “Her work on The American College Foundation Board of Directors, leading committees and helping create the State Farm Chair in Women and Financial Services, demonstrates her commitment to professional education.”

“I am a passionate supporter of lifelong learning,” said Waring. “My entire career has been about moving forward and embracing new challenges in various positions at State Farm. None of that would be possible without a desire to confront challenges and always learn and grow.”

Waring is a true example of climbing the corporate ladder. She worked in academics for 15 years before becoming an insurance agent with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in Mercersburg, Pa. in 1986. Over the next two decades, she steadily progressed in roles of increasing responsibility with the company, achieving her first promotion to Agency Manager in Hanover, Pa., in 1990. Four years later, she moved to Concordville, Pa. to assume the position of Agency Director. In 1996, Waring was named Executive Assistant - Agency in the President’s Office and moved in 1997 to Ballston Spa, N.Y. to become Vice President - Agency. Three years later, she advanced again to Vice President - Mutual Funds, moving back to the Home Office in Illinois. In 2001, Waring became Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at State Farm Life Insurance. She assumed her current position of Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer - State Farm Life and Vice President - Health in 2004.

Waring has a significant history of support for The American College and strives to strengthen education for women in financial services. In 2004, she was instrumental in the creation of the first State Farm Women’s Symposium on the institution’s campus in Bryn Mawr, Pa. In 2007, she led a panel to create and endow the State Farm Chair in Women and Financial Services, a post recognized for its production of top academic research and publication.

 

Richard Liddy, CLU (left) and Gloria La Grassa, CLU, ChFC (center) were presented by Larry Barton, Ph.D., President and CEO of The American College with the institution's highest honor – the Huebner Gold Medal.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to their alma mater and the financial services industry, The American College recently presented La Grassa, former president of the New York City Chapter of Financial Service Professionals, and Richard Liddy, retired Chairman of the Board of GenAmerica Financial Corporation, with the Huebner Gold Medal. The longtime friends and supporters of the nation’s leading educator of financial service professionals were honored during the 2009 Knowledge Summit at the President’s Circle Dinner, a black-tie affair that took place at the JFK Presidential Museum and Library in Boston.

 

Employees of Royal Neighbors of America, based in Rock Island, Ill., are once again spreading holiday cheer throughout the Quad Cities through the organization’s “Neighbor-it-Forward” program. Six teams of employees have selected their projects and are using their respective $2,500 checks to assist those who need help to rise up to meet their challenges to get where they want to be, to claim ownership of their dreams, and to achieve their full potential.

The “Neighbors 4 A Cause” team will continue its work on Saturday to create a family library from an old office, shown above, at the downtown Davenport Salvation Army Family Service Center (transitional housing). Public donations of new books will be gladly accepted.

Another team also will be working on Saturday in Moline, Ill. The “2500 Club” team will get together to paint the Children’s Therapy Center and provide general maintenance. Additional aspects of the projects include furnishing a bedroom at the Christian Family Care Center, helping a new business owner with a marketing plan, paying for self-improvement classes for several women, and providing necessities for a single mother and her 10-year-old daughter who needs new leg braces.

Neighbor-it-Forward is an element of Royal Neighbors’ Nation of Neighbors Program, through which nearly $1 million has been given to individuals or families in need across the country since 2007. It is a tangible expression of neighbor-helping-neighbor, the philosophy on which the organization was founded. As a non-profit fraternal organization, Royal Neighbors of America exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill a variety of needs for growth, savings, and protection. Members also receive valuable member benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization’s local chapters to make a difference in their communities. The organization’s philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women’s lives through its national programs and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information call (800) 627-4762 or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

At the recent annual meeting of The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation Board of Trustees, John Bishop, President and CEO of Motorists Mutual Insurance Company, was elected to serve as the Foundation’s 2010 Chairman. 2009 Chairman, Dave Washburn, Vice President, CNA Ohio Branch, moves to the Past Chairman role. Other officers elected were Eschol Curl, Vice President, Operations, State Farm Insurance Companies, as Vice Chairman; Michael Fusselbaugh, Senior Vice President, Hartford Steam Boiler, as Secretary; and, Dana Rudmose, Principal, Rudmose & Noller, Financial Advisors, as Treasurer.

“We’re quite pleased with the progress we have made this past year, thanks in no small part to the efforts of our outgoing Chairman, Dave Washburn,” said Bishop. “Over 200 teachers and guidance counselors attended our Insurance Education Institutes, 31 Congressional staff attended our first Federal insurance education seminar series, and we completed our first full year conducting the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, Institute for Insurance Policy, an insurance knowledge certification program for state legislators.”

The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit that provides risk management and insurance (RMI) education programs and resources for K-12 teachers and students, institutions of higher education, and public policymakers. All of the Foundation’s programs are strictly educational. They are developed and presented by noted professors of risk management and insurance from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities.

To learn more about the Griffith Foundation’s “Insurance Education Institutes” for teachers and guidance counselors, visit: http://www.griffithfoundation.org.

OneAmerica companies Chairman, President and CEO Dayton H. Molendorp has been appointed chairman of the LL Global board of directors for 2010. LL Global is the nonprofit parent company of LIMRA and LOMA, two Conn.-based trade associations consisting of more than 1,200 insurance and financial services companies.

“Dayton Molendorp’s exceptional leadership and industry expertise will be a great asset to LL Global as we work to strengthen the LIMRA and LOMA value proposition for our members during these challenging times," said Robert Kerzner, president and CEO of LIMRA, LOMA and LL Global. “Dayton’s continued commitment to our organization, and the life insurance and financial services industry in general, will be vital to our growth and success in the coming year.”

Molendorp’s appointment will last one year. “I am humbled to be selected as the chairman for LL Global, which is a leader in the financial services industry worldwide,” Molendorp said. “As chairman, I hope to carry on LL Global’s mission of providing industry insight, practical solutions and an unwavering commitment to the success of member organizations around the world through research, consulting, assessment, development, and compliance and regulatory services.”

The Baltimore Life Companies’ Board of Directors announced Nov. 12 that David K. Ficca, currently the company’s President, has been elected as Baltimore Life’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1. L. John Pearson, formerly Chairman and C.E.O., will remain active in his role as Chairman.

Ficca joined Baltimore Life in 2002 as the company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He brought more than 17 years of public accounting experience to his position with Baltimore Life, with 13 of those years dedicated to the insurance industry. In May 2009, he was named Baltimore Life’s 11^th President.

“Our transition in leadership is part of an orderly succession process planned by our board,” said John Pearson. “Mr. Ficca continues to be an integral part of our success, and is uniquely qualified to help guide the company and its associates in our strategy for profitable growth in the middle markets we serve throughout the United States.”

Ficca and his wife Meredith reside in Chevy Chase, Md. with their four sons DJ, Matthew, Michael and Christian.

Geena Davis, actress and founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, addresses attendees at MassMutual's 4th Annual Women's Conference, Oct. 21-22 in San Antonio.

Agents from across the country gathered to learn from an impressive lineup of guest speakers, top MassMutual agents and each other about how to enhance their practices and serve new clients. Agents learned about the latest in retirement income planning strategies, and received advice on how to meet the needs of female consumers, business owners, and families with members with special needs, among other groups.

“Of all the networking and industry conferences I attend each year, this one is special because we learn from women who are successes in this industry and who are now giving back by sharing their knowledge,” said Tracy Timmerman, a financial services professional with Levin Financial Group, a MassMutual general agency in Tampa, Fla. “It’s a great way to pass along valuable institutional knowledge and priceless insights.”

Women in Financial Services (WIFS), a national professional association representing women in the insurance and financial services industry, accorded Emily Viner of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, its top award as “Woman of the Year” at the association’s recent national conference. Viner was chosen from among 12 women nominated by their peers for this prestigious industry award.

“Emily has provided outstanding leadership in supporting the advancement of women in insurance and financial services throughout her long and successful career,” said Sabine Robinson, president of WIFS. “In the innovative programs she has developed at Guardian as well as her broad support for women in the industry, Emily is inspiring the next generation of young women pursuing careers in insurance and financial services.”

As Vice President of Agency Management Development, Viner is responsible for the growth, development and retention of Guardian’s financial representatives, which has grown from 2,100 to 3,100 agents during her tenure. She also helped create the company’s nationally recognized “Girls Going Places” program, which provides entrepreneurship scholarships and mentoring opportunities for teen girls.

“My passion is creating the culture and environment for female agents to succeed,” Viner said. In addition to Girls Going Places, she established Guardian’s Women’s Leadership Summit, an annual conference for the firm’s female sales agents that precedes the WIFS national conference.

A frequent speaker at industry events, Viner has also published numerous articles in insurance industry publications on the topics of recruiting and training tomorrow’s leaders.  A resident of Stratford, Connecticut, Viner earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Connecticut State University.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. is giving out thousands of reusable shopping bags along with information about disability insurance during an educational campaign designed to help protect workers’ income as well as the environment.

In The Hartford’s second annual “Food for Thought” campaign, benefits specialists will distribute approximately 240,000 totes at hundreds of health fairs and benefits enrollment events for its employer clients throughout the U.S. The green-and-black bags are emblazoned with the words, “Every year I use this bag, a tree grows another ring” and “Rethink. Reuse. Recycle.”

“Many Americans would struggle to pay for essentials if they could not work due to an injury or illness. Our research shows 97 percent of consumers would have to change their lifestyle if they lost part of their family’s income for three to six months,” said Bob Reiff, senior vice president of distribution, field service and product for The Hartford’s Group Benefits Division. “With The Hartford’s shopping bags, we hope to get the word out that workers can take simple steps to protect their pay and our planet.”

In addition, The Hartford is taking steps to ensure its employees understand their benefits. The eco-friendly shopping bags will be handed out this week at health fairs at The Hartford’s Connecticut offices in Hartford, Simsbury, Southington and Windsor. More information on the promotion is available at www.thehartford.com.

Amy Chisholm from Project Harmony poses with Securities America Chairman and CEO Steve McWhorter along with items collected by the company for Project Harmony, an Omaha-based nonprofit agency that brings together medical, law enforcement and social services professionals to aid children who have been abused or neglected. Securities America employees far surpassed their goal of collecting 25 bags and backpacks along with 25 other items for Project Harmony, with a final tally of 54 bags, backpacks and suitcases and more than 200 items such as toiletries for infants and children, socks, underwear, blankets, shoes and infant formula. This summer, Omaha-based Securities America launched “Investing in our Communities: 25 Weeks of Caring, Giving and Sharing,” to celebrate the company’s 25^th anniversary through community service projects in Omaha and other communities across the country where the firm’s employees live and work.

“Omaha has been so good to our company since we started in 1984, from the business environment to the incredible pool of talented employees,” said McWhorter. “We wanted to find a way to give back to this community and to the other communities where we have satellite offices and even individual employees. The initial response from employees has been absolutely overwhelming, and we look forward to continuing that momentum for the other projects scheduled through the end of the year.”

Monthly, July through December, the company selects two projects, one that employees can do by giving their time and a second that involves donating items or cash to a cause. Just two months into the initiative, employees have exceeded goals for the first four initiatives. Additional information is available at www.securitiesamerica.com.

Mark Granoff has joined The EPIC Life Insurance Company in Madison, Wis., a subsidiary of WPS Health Insurance, as Vice President of Sales.

Prior to joining EPIC, Granoff served as President and Chief Operating Officer of United Wisconsin Group, and in his most recent insurance position, as Senior Vice President of Group Insurance at Shenandoah Life Insurance Company. According to Timothy Heaton, EPIC’s Chief Operating Officer, “Mark’s knowledge and experience will be an asset as EPIC continues to develop market channels throughout the Midwest.”

Granoff has served on the boards of many notable, non-profit organizations, has authored numerous articles in national insurance publications, and is a renowned speaker on the Family and Medical Leave Act.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with minors in Mathematics and Education, from Queens College of the City University of New York. In addition, Granoff received his Master of Arts degree in Economics, with a concentration in Insurance, from Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

Headquartered in Madison, EPIC is licensed to offer products in 27 states, and utilizes an independent agency distribution system. For more information, visit EPIC at www.epiclife.com.

Larry M. Lambert, CLU, CFP, and his wife Debra pose next to a proclamation honoring Lambert’s selection as the 2009 recipient of the John Newton Russell Memorial Award, regarded as the most prestigious honor bestowed on an individual in the insurance industry. Lambert was honored during a gala awards dinner on Sept. 15, held in conjunction with the NAIFA Convention and Career Conference. You can read more about Lambert and the award in the October issue of Life Insurance Selling. Photo by Peter Cutts courtesy of NAIFA.

Illinois Mutual recently recognized Bill McDaniels, right, for his distinguished 50-year career as a general agent with the company, during Illinois Mutual’s 98th annual meeting inPeoria, Ill. “When Bill entered the business on July 1, 1959, he became a general agent, representing Illinois Mutual as his primary company. Bill has worked for the company in that capacity for 50 years and is the only general agent to have ever done so,” said Illinois Mutual Chairman and President Michael A. McCord, CLU, left. “His exceptional sales abilities are only surpassed by his work ethic, integrity and desire to do right for his policyowners and Illinois Mutual. His career has been truly exemplary in every way, and everyone with the Company deeply appreciates that.”

Stephanie Akerstrom, president & CEO Madison Avenue Securities, enjoys an event with fellow producers (left to right) John Hose, Sandy Dismore and Richard Dismore during the Asset Marketing Systems Sales Symposium at the Bellagio in Las Vegas recently. Key AMS producers from across the country attended the four-day event, which featured a speaker lineup full of top industry experts with insights designed to ensure growth and prosperity even in difficult economic times.

Maribeth Kuzmeski, Red Zone Marketing, delivers "Infuse Energy and Confidence Into Your Practice," one of many presentations at Asset Marketing Systems’ annual Sales Symposium, held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas in late July.Key AMS producers from across the country attended the four-day event, which featured a speaker lineup full of top industry experts with insights designed to ensure growth and prosperity even in difficult economic times.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of MTL Equity Products Inc., is the company’s president, Lori Pajeau, CFS, CFE (seated right) and Pauline Banks, commission specialist (seated left). With them, standing from left, are Gary Weimer, principal; Amy Marker, chief compliance officer; Amy Buikema, operations specialist; Lisa Mursu, operations manager; Calvin Rowland, senior operations specialist; and Jarvis Alexander, client services specialist. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company is a full-service registered broker/dealer and a member company of Mutual Trust Financial Group. MTL Equity Products is a member of FINRA and SIPC and a strategic partner with its clearing firm, Mesirow Financial. Through an independent team of professional registered representatives, MTL Equity Products provides customers in 48 states and the Washington D.C. access to outstanding mutual funds, stocks, bonds and variable products. For more information on MTL Equity Products, Inc., visit www.mutualtrust.com.

The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) installed its 2009-2010 Executive Board recently at its 79th annual convention in New York City. Russell B. Childers, president of Russ Childers Insurance, was installed as president. As a NAHU member for almost 18 years, Childers has served as president and legislative chair of both his local and state chapters, regional legislative chair and chair of the national legislative council.

“Our primary goal is to act as a key player in reforming our health care system while preserving private market insurance coverage and the right of every individual and business to have the advice and services of a knowledgeable insurance professional,” he said. “All Americans deserve the right to purchase products that are appropriate to their individual circumstances and that will fund the care that they, in consultation with their physician, decide they need. Anything less is unacceptable.”

The 2009-2010 NAHU Board of Trustees are, front row, from left: Jesse Patton, Colleen Pruitt, Linda Erlenbach, Janet Trautwein, Ruthann Laswick, Katie Beals, Carolynne Muldoon and Bruce Benton. Back row, from left: Tom Harte, Chris Harrison, Don Goldmann, Steve Selinsky, Jim Stenger, Scott Leavitt, Russ Childers, Norm Michaels and Mel Schlesinger.

MDRT Foundation’s 50^th anniversary celebration, held during the Million Dollar Round Table’s annual meeting in Indianapolis in June, was highlighted by a performance from acclaimed Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan. Image courtesy of MDRT.

The California/Western States Chapter of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Association (ESOP), led by Karen Aasen of Thoits Insurance, recently accepted the “Chapter of the Year” award at the association’s annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Aasen was president of the chapter at the time the award was granted. She has served on the chapter executive committee for almost 12 years and worked her way up from secretary to president in 2007. Thoits has been an active member of the ESOP Association since its inception over 30 years ago.

Selected first out of eighteen chapters, the chapter was awarded this honor in appreciation and recognition of outstanding leadership and commitment to furthering ESOP education and expanding the concepts of Employee Ownership.

“It is truly an honor to accept this award for our chapter,” said Karen Aasen, VP of Human Resources at Thoits Insurance. “Our Chapter’s commitment to education and spreading the word of employee ownership has become a passion for all of us involved.”

Thoits Insurance is a full-service, regional, employee-owned insurance brokerage located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Thoits has been providing insurance, employee benefits, and risk management programs for over 110 years.

A team of New York Life volunteers partnered with City Year New York, a New York Life Foundation grantee, to beautify P.S. 154 in the Bronx, NY for the Company's inaugural Global Month of Service in May. New York Life employees, agents, family members, friends and policyholders completed more than 50,000 volunteer hours – the equivalent of 29 people working full-time for an entire year and the estimated value of this volunteer time is more than $1 million. Participants completed more than 200 service projects throughout the U.S., Mexico, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and South Korea. Photo by Clark Jones.

Kirk Hulett, senior vice president of strategy and practice management, speaks at the 2009 Connect! National Conference for Securities America advisors, held in Omaha, Neb., the first week of June. The three-day conference provided education and opportunities for Securities America advisors and their staff members to connect with their peers, industry experts and Securities America’s own business growth experts. Securities America is an independent broker/dealer headquartered in Omaha with more than 1,900 financial professionals nationwide. The company is celebrating 25 years of innovation, leadership and independence in 2009.

Some of the top female producers from across the country were welcomed to the event by program sponsor Brokers International Ltd. founder and CEO, Roger McCarty, pictured in the center. Also shown (from left) are WOMAN advisory board members Barbara, Michele, Hilda, Teri and Susan.

During the course of the convention members took part in a variety of educational classes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. For more information about WOMAN, call 866-250-9160.