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February 2012

 

 

 Rodger K. Johnson
New York Life Insurance Company, America's largest mutual life insurer, has named Rodger K. Johnson as Council President, an honor bestowed annually on the New York Life agent with the company's highest sales and service achievements. As Council President, Mr. Johnson is the premier agent in the company's elite national field force comprised of 12,250 licensed New York Life agents.
"Reaching the Council President distinction at the largest mutual life insurer, New York Life, is an impressive achievement and recognizes Rodger as one of New York Life's finest financial advisors, whose service practices are a model of excellence. All of us in the New York Life family applaud Rodger's success," said Mark W. Pfaff, executive vice president, New York Life.
Mr. Johnson has represented New York Life for 30 years. He is a registered representative and financial advisor whose business focus is meeting the financial needs of pre-retired and retired persons, small businesses and high net-worth families.  He serves families and businesses throughout Texas from his office in Tyler, Texas. Mr. Johnson currently holds Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Master's of Science in Financial Services (MSFS), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional designations. Most recently, Mr. Johnson completed the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) program with the American College. He facilitated the January 2011 class and looks forward to mentoring others through this material which bridges charitable organizations and traditional planners.
Additionally, he is a member of MDRT, an international, independent association of nearly 36,000 of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 430 companies in 78 countries. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. Mr. Johnson grew up in Tyler and currently resides in Bullard with his wife, Crystal.
"I'm grateful for the acknowledgement from New York Life and most of all for the guidance and mentorship of senior agents, whose patience and advice allowed me to develop Johnson Financial Group," said Mr. Johnson. "I'm blessed with a wonderful staff of devoted professionals and supportive family. In all the years that I've worked helping families protect themselves financially, never has the significance of what we do been more clear than in the past few years. To be recognized for my commitment to helping others meet their financial goals is a wonderful validation of my work. I'm proud to represent New York Life and thankful for the support I have received from the company over my long career."


 

 

 

 Beth Rusnock
Beth Rusnock, has been named president and chief executive officer of the National Life Group Charitable Foundation.
"Beth brings passion and compassion to her new assignment," said Mehran Assadi, president and CEO of National Life Group. "National Life Group has a long and distinguished history of doing well by doing good. But there is much more we can do."
National Life Group and the National Life Group Charitable Foundation support a wide range of nonprofits that focus on providing homes, heat, health, education, the arts and recreation.
"Our goal is to improve the quality of life wherever we see an opportunity to make a difference," said Rusnock, who in her new role will also oversee corporate marketing and community relations for National Life Group.
In the past year the company and the foundation have made substantial donations to Vermont flood relief efforts, provided assistance to tornado-damaged schools in Joplin, Missouri, and contributed to an innovative school program in Texas.
The foundation makes grants annually to roughly 100 nonprofits, ranging from the National Life Cancer Treatment Center to the Veteran's Place, a haven for homeless veterans, and to the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College.
Separate from the activities of the foundation, National Life Group also provides financial support for a wide range of events and organizations, such as the Lake Champlain Dragonboat Festival, the Everybody Wins literacy program, the Vermont Mountaineers, Lost Nation Theater, and the People's Health and Wellness Center.
In addition National Life Group employees contribute hundreds of hours of volunteer time in their communities. Each employee is allowed 40 hours a year to volunteer in the community on company time.
Rusnock, who joined National Life Group in 2006, has led the company's corporate branding initiative and overseen both life insurance and annuity marketing. Prior to joining National Life Group she worked for ING in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
 

January 2012

  Walter White
  Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) today named Walter White as the new president and CEO, effective January 1, 2012. White succeeds Gary C. Bhojwani, who will continue to reside in Minneapolis, becoming Chairman of Allianz Life and assuming responsibility for the U.S. insurance operations of Allianz on the Board of Management of Allianz SE, Munich.  White joined Allianz Life in 2009 as Chief Administrative Officer responsible for Compliance, Information Technology, Operations, and Suitability. White's appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Directors of Allianz Life. "I am pleased that someone of Walter's caliber and integrity will take the helm of Allianz Life. Walter has been instrumental in strengthening distribution relationships, taking our technology to the next level and improving service quality throughout the organization. I am confident that under his leadership the company will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights," said Bhojwani.
"I am deeply honored to assume responsibility for Allianz Life and to represent and lead such an exceptional community of employees," said White. A new Chief Administrative Officer for Allianz Life will be named in due time.

  Christopher Hilger
  Securian Financial Group, Inc. announced the appointment of Executive Vice President Christopher M. Hilger president, effective January 1, 2012. According to Chairman and CEO Robert L. Senkler, Hilger succeeds Randy F. Wallake, vice chairman and president, who is retiring June 30, 2012. Hilger will be the sixteenth president in Securian's 131-year history.
Wallake, also an insurance industry veteran, joined Securian in 1987 as vice president of pension sales and subsequently assumed responsibility for the company's retirement business. In 2001, he was promoted to executive vice president, adding responsibility for the company's individual insurance business and, two years later, its broker-dealer and trust operations. As president and vice chairman, he directed all of the company's insurance businesses. Active in the industry, Wallake currently serves on the American Council of Life Insurers Executive Roundtable and the boards of L.L. Global, Inc. and the American College.
During his career with Securian, Randy led the development and execution of key strategies that drove significant growth in all of our businesses while maintaining our financial strength and excellent industry reputation,"Senkler said.

 

   Robert Petrocelli
  New York Life Insurance Company, America's largest mutual life insurer, has named Robert H. Petrocelli, Jr., as Council Vice President, an honor bestowed annually on the New York Life agent with the second-highest performance achievements in the entire company. As Council Vice President, Mr. Petrocelli is a leader of the company's elite national field force comprising 11,900 licensed New York Life agents.
 Reaching the Council Vice President distinction at New York Life is an impressive achievement and recognizes Bob as one of company's finest agents whose dedicated service practices are unparalleled. All of us in the New York Life family are proud of his outstanding accomplishment," said Mark W. Pfaff, executive vice president, New York Life.
 

December 2011

  Charlie Baker
  HealthView Services, Inc, a technology firm specializing in customized financial planning systems designed to help Baby Boomers address healthcare expenses in retirement, Charlie Baker will join its team as a strategic advisor and a member of the Board of Directors.
 "We are thrilled to have Charlie join our effort to help Americans plan for a secure retirement," said Ron Mastrogiovanni, CEO of HealthView Services.  "Our mission is two-fold.  We are raising awareness of the challenges surrounding Medicare coverage and the potentially devastating impact of healthcare costs on retirement security.  We are also focused on providing the tools and technology to help the public and its financial advisors do a better job of planning."
 "Retirement income planning is one of the most important issues facing Americans today, especially for the millions of Baby Boomers gearing up for their retirement years," observed Baker. "But you can't plan for what you don't know about. As one of the Baby Boomers in the middle of the pack, I am concerned about the way in which healthcare costs are going to affect the retirement plans of millions of Americans who are about my age. Working with HealthView's talented and visionary team, my focus will be to bring the 'health and wealth' conversation to the forefront of retirement planning.'
"Every day for the next two decades, approximately 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 and then be responsible for all of their healthcare costs that aren't covered by Medicare.   We must all be better prepared understand, plan for, and work our way though this enormous challenge," said Baker.


 

 

 Mark Dunlop
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce Mark Dunlop, ChFC has been appointed sales manager of its career agency in Tulsa, Okla. "Mr. Dunlop has worked for nine years in the insurance industry.  He has experience running his own office as a life insurance producer, and in developing a training curriculum for producers in the field," said William J. Stevens, vice president of Penn Mutual's Career Agency System. "We are pleased to have Mark join our team, both for the extensive experience he brings and the recognition he has earned by NAIFA as a repeat national quality award winner. We look forward to him assisting us in expanding our footprint in the Tulsa marketplace."
Dunlop holds his FINRA series 24, 7, 65, 6, 63 licenses.  He is licensed for life insurance, mutual fund sales and annuities.


 

 

 

 James Butsko
James A. Butsko, CFP, has joined W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc., the national wholesale distribution agency for annuities and life insurance for Western & Southern Financial Group, as senior regional vice president for financial institutions in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
 In his new position, Butsko works consultatively with financial professionals in the financial institution distribution channel. To help financial institutions advance the retirement readiness of their clients, he provides training, product information, marketing and sales-support planning and business-building tips and techniques.
 "Jim's portfolio of financial industry knowledge makes him a valuable resource supporting our bank partners in the Blue Ridge region," said Charles E. White, senior vice president of financial institution distribution for W&S Financial Group Distributors. "With well over a decade of success in the financial services industry, Jim brings an impressive record for identifying and developing strategic opportunities to increase market penetration, enhancing solution-based business methods and fostering productive, consultative relationships that attract and retain clients. He is a tremendous asset to our team."
 

 

 

 

 

 Ruth Smith
Ruth B. Smith has been promoted to the position of executive vice president for protection at National Life Group, it was announced today by Mehran Assadi, president and chief executive officer. Since 2009 Smith has been in charge of the life insurance division of National Life Group, a Fortune 1000 company with $29 billion in assets under management. She oversees product development, business acquisition services, customer services, agent services, and claims management.
 "This promotion reflects Ruth's incredible record of accomplishment at National Life Group," said Assadi. "Ruth joined the company in 1999 as vice president of registered products, and was placed in charge of implementing an independent distribution channel for our life business. That effort has been successful beyond anyone's expectations. Independent distribution has been, and continues to be, critical to our growth."

 

November 2011

  Burt A. Faberman
 First American Insurance Underwriters, Inc., the Needham, Mass.-based wholesaler of life insurance products, has chosen Burt A. Faberman as a brokerage manager.
 "Burt has an excellent track record of working with life insurance agents," states Kenneth A. Shapiro, company president. "He is known for his ability to coach agents so they are better prepared to serve their clients. First American is pleased to have him join our team."
 Faberman works with life agents throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, having served the area as a regional director for a life insurance company.
 "When working with life insurance producer," says Faberman, "my objective is to help them increase their business, whether it's offering sales ideas or introducing them to new products."
 

 

  Michael S. Gregg has joined The Hartford as head of strategic markets in its Wealth Management business, the company announced today.
"We're very pleased to have someone of Michael's caliber joining us to lead a critical part of our business, covering strategic relationships, advanced markets, M&A activity and strategic initiatives," said David N. Levenson, president of the company's Wealth Management unit.  Gregg, 39, a senior vice president, reports to Levenson.
"I'm excited to take on this newly created position at The Hartford. The team has done a great job assembling capabilities that give the company a unique position in the market, and I look forward to working with them to find innovative ways to expand and complement the existing businesses," Gregg said.
 

 

 

  Todd R. Persico has joined W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc., the wholesale distributor for Western & Southern Financial Group, as regional vice president, broker-dealer.
In his new position, Persico works with financial professionals to help them develop and implement market strategies to grow their book of business. Backed by a sales desk support team, he provides marketing training, product education, professional development, practice management insights and business building ideas.
 

 

 

 

  Tom Chesmore has been named Brokerage Manager at First American Insurance Underwriters, Inc., the Needham, Mass.-based life insurance brokerage firm.
"Tom has strong industry ties to life insurance agents both locally and nationally," says Kenneth A. Shapiro, president of First American Insurance Underwriters. "His extensive experience with financial planning products, including expertise with new Indexed Universal Life Insurance, will be a valuable asset in help life agents better serve their clients."
Commenting on Indexed Universal Life Insurance, Chesmore notes, "Consumers are responding positively to this product, particularly since it won't lose principal, earns a good rate of return and offers a good rate of return, along with tax-free growth and withdrawals."
 

 

 

 

    October 2011

          

Jennifer A. Borislow, CLU, of Borislow Insurance Agency in Methuen, Mass., is the new president of The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the Premier Association of Financial Professionals, effective Sep. 1, 2011. She succeeds Julian H. Good Jr., CLU, ChFC, of MetLife/Creative Financial Solutions in New Orleans, La., who will complete his five-year term on the Executive Committee as immediate past president.
 
Borislow will lead the nearly 36,000-member international association for a one-year term beginning Sept.1, 2011. She has been a member of MDRT for 23 years, achieving each of the organization’s top honors of Court of the Table and Top of the Table nearly 15 times. "MDRT has played a significant role in shaping my personal and professional life, and I have been fortunate to learn and network with the leading financial services professionals from around the world," said Borislow. "I'm proud to lead MDRT in its mission to be a valued member-driven association that supports financial advisors who serve their clients with the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, service and productivity."
As president, Borislow plans to guide the Committee in its goal to ensure MDRT remains a thriving association providing member benefits to enhance advisors' personal and professional lives. The Committee will continue to offer and expand opportunities with products and services that allow members to broaden their expertise.
            

Robbi Weinman-  For the third year in a row, the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has named Roberta (Robbi) Weinman one of the nation's top long-term care producers. An associate of MassMutual Financial Group, Robbi is a long-term care specialist serving the Triangle area of North Carolina. Robbi holds the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) professional designations. She can be reached at 919-401-3601 or via email at rweinman@financialguide.com.
 

           

      

Amy Fisher-  CINCINNATI   Touchstone Investments announced today that Amy Fisher has joined the company as a senior national accounts director. Fisher will be responsible for managing Touchstone relationships with broker-dealer home office personnel, including those in research, marketing, business development and sales management.

Fisher has more than 31 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joins Touchstone from Merrill Lynch. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Fisher was senior vice president at The Phoenix Companies, as well as president/director of institutional markets of Phoenix Investment Partners. Throughout her financial career, she has also held positions at Strategic Distribution Development LLC, John A. Levin & Co. Inc., Provident Investment Counsel, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., and Shearson Lehman American Express. "Amy's broad range of experience and proven track record make her an excellent addition to the Touchstone team," said Steve Graziano, president of Touchstone Investments. "We look forward to her continued success as she enhances Touchstone’s relationships at the key account level."
 

          

Tom Burkhardt-  Lincoln, Neb. - Tom Burkhard has been elected senior vice president, chief distribution officer – Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. as of August 15. Burkhard provides leadership to the distribution organization of the individual division, Ameritas Investment Corp. and retirement plans. He oversees both the external facing (directors of agencies, core agency development and disability income) and the home office support teams (sales development, agency development and strategic alliances).
Previously, Burkhard worked at Acacia Life Insurance Company, a UNIFI company, for 16 years as an agent, regional vice president – career distribution and vice president – national sales network. He also worked at The Union Central Life Insurance Company, a UNIFI company,  for five years and served as senior regional vice president until 2003. After leaving Union Central, Burkhard continued his career in the industry with AIG and most recently at Forethought Financial in Indiana.
 

           

Heather Gee-  The American College, the nation’s leading financial services educator, recently named Heather Gee, CAP as their new Philanthropy Exchange Director for the institution's Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) program.
  Since the program's inception, more than 550 professionals have attained their CAP designation. CAP study groups are currently running in West Palm Beach, Dallas, and Des Moines, with others coming together rapidly throughout the United States - often hosted by local community foundations.
  Gee has more than 25 years of fundraising, gift planning and philanthropic advising experience. During her career, she has served in various senior level fundraising positions, including the University of Baltimore School of Law, United Way of Central Maryland, the Dallas Symphony and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
 

        

 September 2011

          

              Kimberly Riley-  Toledo, Ohio- Hylant Group, one of the largest privately owned insurance brokerage firms in the nation, has named industry veteran Kimberly L. Riley as president of its Nashville office. In this role, Riley will be responsible for the overall management, direction and growth of the office.  Riley brings 25 years of insurance experience to Hylant. She most recently served as the president for First Horizon Insurance Group and First Tennessee Insurance Services, property and casualty agencies in Nashville; both are subsidiaries of First Tennessee Bank.  She raised the profile and geographic reach of the agencies, and significantly increased the insurance revenue generated from financial planning and wealth management. Previously, Riley was a vice president serving in various capacities for CNA Insurance Company in Nashville.  Riley led the creation and launch of Accelerent, a Nashville business development group, and was recently recognized by the Nashville Business Journal in its 2010 Women of Influence awards. "Kimberly is an established industry leader that will be a strong asset to our Nashville office and Hylant Group as a whole," said John Chaney, regional vice president and president of Hylant's Cleveland office.  "We expect Kimberly's experience, commitment to the community and proven leadership to have an immediate impact in the greater Nashville market."

             
            

  Charles Parks- Horsham, PA- The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, a more than 164-year-old company is pleased to announce Charles Parks, CLU, ChFC, a general agent in  Akron, Ohio, received GAMA International's James H. Krueger First in Class Award and International Management Award at the Diamond level. Dedicated to promoting the professional development of managers in the insurance and financial services profession, GAMA recognizes the success of leaders or first-line managers of an agency or firm through its International Management Awards. This award acknowledges outstanding managers whose excellent leadership is demonstrated by the performance of the eight or more full-time career agents, advisors or sales representatives under their supervision. With more than 40 years of experience in the life insurance industry, Parks has been consistently commended for his excellent performance and leadership, which included becoming the youngest qualifier for the Million Dollar Round Table in the state of Ohio at the age of 23.   During his tenure at Penn Mutual, Parks has been recognized with a number of awards, including the President's Award in 2007.

           

    

   James Cerone-  Horsha,m, PA -The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, a more than 164-year-old company, is pleased to announce James Cerone, Jr., CLU, ChFC, managing partner of Penn Mutual's Rochester, N.Y. agency and President of Centra Financial Group, received the General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA) International Management Award at the Diamond level. Dedicated to promoting the professional development of managers in the insurance and financial services profession, GAMA recognizes the success of leaders or first-line managers of an agency or firm through its International Management Awards. This award acknowledges outstanding managers whose excellent leadership is demonstrated by the performance of full-time agents, advisors or sales representatives under their supervision. Cerone joined Penn Mutual and the Career Agency System as leader of a new agency in 2007. A member of the financial services industry for many years, he earned much recognition for his achievements as a field manager for Provident Mutual, where he built an award-winning agency.

     

 Monty Andrus-  Horsham, PA -The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, a more than 164-year-old company, is pleased to announce Monty Andrus, CLU, ChFC, managing partner of Penn Mutual's Salt Lake City, Utah agency, received the General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA) International Management Award at the Diamond level.  Dedicated to promoting the professional development of managers in the insurance and financial services profession, GAMA recognizes the success of leaders or first-line managers of an agency or firm through its International Management Awards. This award acknowledges outstanding managers whose excellent leadership is demonstrated by the performance of the eight or more full-time agents, advisors or sales representatives under their supervision.

           

  David Norris-  Toledo, OH -Hylant Group, one of the largest privately owned insurance brokerage firms in the nation, has recently hired David Norris to lead the Employee Benefits Practice in its Indianapolis office.  With the acquisition of the AGIS book of business in Indianapolis, and with Norris' new leadership role, Hylant will further solidify its position as a leading employee benefits services provider in the region.  Norris brings more than 13 years of industry experience to Hylant.  He and his team, consisting of Nicholas Ioannacci and Steffani Walston, also formerly of AGIS, will continue to help clients navigate the rapidly changing healthcare and employee benefits landscape by leveraging their experience and expertise in the field.    "There is tremendous opportunity for our employee benefits practice in Indianapolis and a great deal of excitement around the strategic growth of our office," said Mike Gilbert, president of Hylant Group’s Indianapolis office.  "When we can add individuals with this level of expertise, our clients benefit and so does the entire organization."  In addition to the services that AGIS offered, its clients will now benefit from the breadth of resources available to them through Hylants employee benefits practice, as well as Hylant's other risk and industry specialty practices, including property and casualty..

 

August 2011

      

   Susan M. Cooper-  The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, a 164 year-old company, is pleased to announce Susan M. Cooper, CFP, CDFA, CLU, ChFC, managing partner of Penn Mutual's New York City agency, received the General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA) Master Agency Award and International Management Award at the Diamond level.  Dedicated to promoting the professional development of managers in the insurance and financial services profession, GAMA recognizes the success of leaders or first-line managers of an agency or firm through its International Management Awards. This award acknowledges outstanding managers whose excellent leadership is demonstrated by the performance of the eight or more full-time career agents, advisors or sales representatives under their supervision. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Cooper joined Penn Mutual in 2009 as a managing partner of its New York City agency.
             

   Josh O'Gara, CLU, of Boston, a brokerage manager at First American Insurance Underwriters of Needham, MA, was recently notified by the American College, which provides financial education for securities, banking, and insurance professionals, that he has successfully passed the qualifying tests for the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. "We congratulate Josh on receiving this important recognition because it means he has demonstrated his vast and thorough knowledge of financial planning," says Kenneth A. Shapiro, First American's president. "It further enhances his capabilities in working with our insurance agents."  O'Gara joined First American in 2008 in a sales support position and two years later was promoted to brokerage manager, working insurance agents in life insurance, annuities, disability insurance and long-term care insurance. In 2010, O'Gara received the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College, a program that covers knowledge of life and health insurance, pension planning, insurance law, income taxation, investment financial and estate planning and group benefits. O'Gara holds a BA in Economics from St. Lawrence University.

          
             

  Julie A. Ragatz- The American College, the nation's leading financial services educator, has named Julie A. Ragatz as their next Director of the Center for Ethics in Financial Services. In this position she will lead the only academic ethics center in country dedicated exclusively to studying the issues affecting the financial services industry and consumers.  Julie A. Ragatz joined the Center for Ethics in Financial Services at The American College in 2006 as a doctoral fellow. In 2008, she received her Masters of Arts degree in Social and Political Philosophy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Two years later, Ragatz was appointed the Associate Director of the Center for Ethics in Financial Services. She is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Philosophy at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where she specializes in ethical theory and focuses specifically on ethical issues in the financial services industry. Ms. Ragatz has taught several courses in ethical theory and business ethics at several universities. In 2008, Ms. Ragatz designed and implemented, 'Ethical Issues in the Accounting Environment' for the Masters of Accounting Program at Villanova University. She teaches regularly in the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School at The American College.

 

           

   Peter L Lovely- The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company,  is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Peter L. Lovley to managing partner of the National Financial Legacy Group, Penn Mutual's Hunt Valley, Md., Agency.  "Peter's proven track record of leadership, his expertise in the business and advanced markets, and his extensive knowledge of the Maryland market will give Penn Mutual an excellent opportunity to grow our Maryland agency and expand our presence in this important region," said Rebecca Dunne, vice president of Penn Mutual's Career Agency System.  Lovley, who will be responsible for the growth of the agency and its producers, has more than 25 years of experience in the life insurance industry.  As president and founder of National Financial Legacy Group in Timonium, Md., he was most recently was associated with Kansas City Life.  Throughout his career, Lovley has been recognized for his leadership, including multiple GAMA International Management Awards.  He also earned the Agency Builder Gold Award in 2007 and 2008, and was recognized by his peers for outstanding production, recruiting, inspiration, dedication and excellence in operation.

 

July 2011

  Don Salma-  New York Life Insurance Company announced today that Don Salama has been elected Senior Vice President in charge of the company's Tampa Operations. He begins his new role on July 1 and will report to Executive Vice President and head of New York Life Enterprises, Dick Mucci. New York Life's Tampa Operations, which began as a start-up operation in 1994, have made New York Life the leading direct marketer of life insurance in the U.S. with close to two million customers. With the exclusive endorsement of AARP to make life insurance and lifetime income products available to its millions of members, New York Life is the pre-eminent provider of life insurance products to the mature age market. The business has consistently been recognized as an innovative workplace and a leading employer in the Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida area.   "Don is a seasoned executive with a tremendous background in building and running successful financial services businesses," said Mr. Mucci. "His leadership strength, strong track record and deep understanding of the life insurance and retirement business make him an excellent choice to lead the Tampa business as it enters the next phase of its growth. Our Tampa operations are an excellent example of how New York Life is building on our leadership position in the U.S. and extending the company's value proposition. We're very excited about the long-term potential of our Tampa business, particularly its ability to insure even larger numbers of Americans who are seeking the peace of mind and financial stability that life insurance and annuities from New York Life can bring."

               

            

  Curtis W. Olson- American General Life Companies has named Curtis W. Olson President and CEO of American General Benefit Solutions (Benefit Solutions). He joins Benefit Solutions from ING Life Insurance, Korea, which is the fourth largest life insurer in Korea, where he served as President and CEO.  "Curt is a seasoned global insurance executive with more than 32 years of insurance experience, 30 of which have been devoted to the Employee Benefits business in progressively senior levels," said Jim Mallon, Chairman of Benefit Solutions. "I am confident that his significant management experience, strategic leadership and sales management expertise will serve Benefit Solutions, our employees and our clients very well."  Prior to his leading ING Life Insurance, Korea, Curt served as President of ING Employee Benefits, U.S., the ninth largest U.S. group insurance carrier with $1.3 billion premium income, 750 employees and 3,500 corporate group and voluntary customers, where he was also responsible for ING's Affinity business. As the head of ING Employee Benefits, he focused on a strategy to streamline operations, launch new products and increase focus on voluntary sales. He developed and implemented a new component-based administration system to handle both group and voluntary businesses, which enabled single billing platform for customers, consolidated data management and delivered on the promise of straight through processing of new business. Previously, Curt served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Customer Relationship Management, ING Employee Benefits.

June 2011
           

                   
             

  Edward Tafaro-  Mahwah, NJ-  Edward A. (Ted) Tafaro, CEO of Exceptional Risk Advisors, an industry leader in high limit life and disability insurance specialty insurance products, has been named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 New Jersey Award finalist. The award recognizes business leaders who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Tafaro was selected as a finalist from nearly 50 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a gala event on June 23,2011 at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, NJ.  "It's an honor to be considered among the nation's most innovative thought leaders," says Ted. "Our team of specialty insurance professionals here at Exceptional Risk Advisors inspires me to uphold a strong and dynamic leadership style. An optimistic approach and commitment to entrepreneurial strategy is what propels us forward in challenging economic times."

 

             

 Brandon Kabooski- The retirement services division of American United Life Insurance Company, a OneAmerica company, has hired industry veteran Brandon Kaboski to be its new vice president of national accounts. Kaboski brings more than 15 years of retirement services industry experience to the position.  "Brandon's extensive relationship management experience with various broker dealers has positioned him well to assume this newly created role of vice president of national accounts," said Pete Welsh, vice president of product and marketing strategy for AUL. “His deep knowledge of what is required to succeed with key accounts will be extremely valuable as we continue to strengthen our ability to work more closely with our broker dealers."   Kaboski most recently served as director of corporate retirement programs for UBS. Previously, he held the role of vice president and product manager for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch. Kaboski will be responsible for relationship management with key distribution partners, working with sales, marketing and product teams. He will also work directly with key accounts and their advisors to ensure their product and service needs are met. “AUL's commitment to and investment in its retirement plan business have been exemplary, especially over the past few years.” Kaboski said. “I feel strongly that AUL is poised for continued success and I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of AUL’s further growth.”

              
                 

  Deanna Mulligan-  The Guardian Life Insurance Company has named Deanna Mulligan the company's Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2011.  Currently Guardian's President and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Mulligan will succeed Dennis J. Manning, 64, who will remain  as Executive Chairman through his scheduled retirement in February, 2012. "Deanna is a dynamic and visionary leader who represents the values of Guardian," said Mr. Manning.  "She puts people first; she sets high standards for herself and for those who work with her; she is the embodiment of integrity and she is committed to our mutual company structure.  Deanna is the right person to lead Guardian's continued growth agenda at this time."

           

       

           Don Messier- has been appointed Vice President and Treasurer for National Life Group. Messier began his career with the company in 2000 in the Financial Management Group. His strong business acumen and drive for results have been recognized time and again as he was promoted first to Director for Financial Analysis and subsequently 2nd Vice President for Financial Analysis and Reporting. In 2004, Messier took on the lead financial role within NLFA, the company's career distribution channel, and in early 2005 was promoted to Vice President for Finance and Strategic Planning. Since 2006, Messier has also served as the financial officer for the broker-dealer, Equity Services, Inc. and his financial role expanded to include independent distribution in 2009.

               Messier graduated from the University of Vermont in 1991 with his Bachelors degree in Business and Masters in Business Administration in 1999. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a member of the Vermont Society of CPAs, and the American Institute of CPAs.

 

            

  Patrick McCraw- has New York Life Insurance Company announced today that Patrick McCraw has been named senior vice president in charge of the company’s South Central Agencies, one of the company’s four U.S. sales regions.  In his new role Mr. McCraw oversees the recruiting, training and development of the managing partners who lead the 33 general offices in the South Central Zone, which encompasses 13 states from Florida to Michigan. He is also responsible for the sales production and overall supervision of the offices within the South Central Zone, which includes more than 2,700 agents, and is based in Alpharetta, Ga.

           

             
         

May 2011

      

  Joseph J. Oakes, IV, Managing Partner of Acorn Financial Services, based in Livingston, NJ, was recognized with the Leading with Excellence - Trophy Award. The Trophy Award is the highest honor JHFN can bestow upon one of its independent firms. As the 2010 winner of the Trophy Award, the firm, its management team, and financial representatives have demonstrated that they consistently deliver a personalized, high touch approach to helping their clients achieve their financial goals. The firm is also recognized for its leadership excellence in building a thriving financial services firm which through its associates lives and breathes a passion for helping others.  Acorn Financial earned this distinction in 2006 and 2008 and has consistently focused on ensuring clients' financial well-being since the firm's founding in 1985. The firm has offices in Haddonfield, Paramus and Morristown, NJ as well as Yardley, PA.

      

           Brian O'mara, Managing Partner, and Robert Burgio, Associate Managing Partner, John Hancock Financial Network - Empire Financial Partners, based in Buffalo, NY, were recognized for the fourth year in a row by JHFN with the Leading with Excellence - Brokerage Award. This Award recognizes outstanding leadership in building and growing a successful financial services organization, maintaining a culture where financial representatives and independent brokers who work with the firm can best succeed, and demonstrating a strong commitment to providing clients with exceptional levels of service. The firm has offices in Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Saratoga Springs, and Binghamton, NY, and Erie, PA, and Bridgewater, NJ.

       

 

          Jeffrey Camps and James Kelly , Co-Managing Partners of Atlantic Partners Financial Group were recognized with the Leading with Excellence - Growth Award for exceptional leadership in growing a successful financial services organization, creating a culture that aligns the firm with entrepreneurial financial representatives as a strategic partner to help them build their practices based on their vision and market opportunity while demonstrating a their commitment to client service excellence.  Atlantic Partners Financial Group has offices in Manhattan and Melville, NY.

       

         Pamela Beals-  Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today that Pamela Beals, FALU, FLMI, CLU, has been promoted to chief underwriter.  In this position, Ms. Beals is responsible for the oversight of the company's underwriting discipline, training, policies and guidelines, as well as case consultation. "Pam has a track record of being a strong and successful leader who provides an outstanding level of service to our financial professional community and the policyholders we serve,"said Karen Phelan, corporate vice president, life insurance underwriting, MassMutual.  "Under Pam's leadership, MassMutual will remain focused on its long-standingcommitment of continually evaluating and updating its underwriting guidelines and services in coordination with diagnostic and treatment advances."

       

 

Bob Cotton has been appointed chief financial officer and senior vice president of National Life Group, it was announced today by Mehran Assadi, president and chief executive officer.  In his new post Cotton, who joined National Life in 1993, will be responsible for all financial operations of National Life Group, a Fortune 1000 company with $29 billion in assets under management. He will also work with Assadi on strategy and business development. Commenting on the appointment, Assadi said, "Bob's deep knowledge of National Life Group and his broad familiarity with the entire financial services industry will be of tremendous value as we execute our plans for the future. As the leader of our companywide initiative to craft a new three-year strategic plan Bob brought energy and focus that helped us develop a clear direction for our future."

    

April 2011

 Elizabeth McCarthy New York Life Insurance Company has announced that Elizabeth McCarthy has been elected senior vice president in charge of Corporate Communications, reporting to Chairman and CEO Ted Mathas.  Ms. McCarthy is responsible for advertising, media and public relations, employee communications and editorial services, the company's television production studio, and a newly created customer insights unit, which will work with key business units to deepen the company's relationships with current and potential clients.  "Liz has played an important role in shaping and aligning our company messaging, especially in the wake of the financial crisis.  Our story of mutuality, financial strength and guarantees has really resonated with consumers, and having nearly 12,000 agents able to tell that story has been a significant competitive advantage for us.  In her new role, she will have the opportunity to bring further focus and alignment to how we communicate our unique story in our advertising, media relations and branding" said Mr. Mathas.

 

     

 Peter LaHaie-  Futurity First Insurance Group, an independent nationwide insurance distribution organization that focuses on the pre-retirement and retirement markets, announced the appointment of Peter Lahaie, ChFC, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer of the organization. Lahaie will have responsibility for financial operations across the Futurity First companies. A resident of Hopkinton, MA, Lahaie has over 20 years of experience in supporting insurance and investment distribution organizations.  Most recently, he served as CFO for MassMutual’s broker/dealers and has held senior financial positions at Fidelity Investments and New England Securities. Lahaie also has a background in public accounting with Coopers and Lybrand (PwC ) and has earned his advanced educational designations, the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).   "It's with great pleasure that I welcome Peter to Futurity First," said Michael Kalen, CEO of Futurity First Insurance Group.  "His extensive financial background and keen understanding of our industry will contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization."

 

     

       

Scott Davison-  OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc. has announced that Chief Financial Officer Scott Davison has been promoted to the position of executive vice president. "Scott's contributions to our success are well-documented," said Chairman, President and CEO Dayton Molendorp. "OneAmerica has doubled in size over the last eight years, and we saw record results in 2009 and 2010. In order to maintain our momentum and continue serving our customers, we want to leverage Scott's talent and proven leadership across a broader scope of responsibilities."Molendorp said the search for a new chief financial officer would begin immediately.Davison joined the organization in 2000 and has served as chief financial officer since 2004. Since becoming CFO, he has taken on additional responsibilities, including oversight of R.E. Moulton's medical stop loss business and the enterprise risk management function, as well as serving as president of OneAmerica Funds, Inc. In his new role, Davison will assess and provide strategic counsel and direction on key enterprise-wide initiatives that enable OneAmerica's continued growth."I'm humbled by this appointment and grateful for the opportunity," said Davison, "I look forward to continuing to work with our team as we pursue delivering long-term value to our customers."Davison is a 25-year veteran of the insurance industry and was named 2008 CFO of the Year by the Indianapolis Business Journal in the private companies with revenues of $250 million and above category.