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IASA Impact Awards

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IASA IMPACT Awards

The IASA IMPACT Awards honor outstanding achievements within the insurance industry, recognizing individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to their profession and the IASA community. These prestigious awards are presented annually at IASA Xchange™, where winners are celebrated during an awards ceremony. 

Congratulations 2025 Award Winners

Award Nomination Categories

IASA Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteers are the driving force behind IASA’s success, and we are proud to celebrate those who go above and beyond to support our mission. This award honors an outstanding IASA volunteer whose exceptional service has made a lasting impact on our organization. 

Whether they’ve introduced innovative ideas, dedicated countless hours to advancing the work of an IASA chapter or committee, successfully led a transformative project, or contributed in other meaningful ways, this individual exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. They align with IASA’s mission and strategies, inspiring positive change and fostering growth within our community. Maybe this describes you? Self-nominations are welcome.  

Nominate: Volunteer of the Year

IASA Speaker/Educator of the Year Award

This award honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the education and professional development of our IASA community. Through impactful presentations at IASA Xchange™, local chapter events, and/or IASA webinars, this person has demonstrated excellence in advancing industry knowledge and expertise. 

Nominees for this award stand out for their ability to develop original, relevant content and deliver it in an engaging way that resonates with audiences. They dedicate their time and talent to researching topics, presenting ideas, answering questions, and fostering meaningful discussion. By creating a collaborative learning environment, they inspire professional growth and provide valuable insights that benefit both individual organizations and the industry as a whole. If this describes you, self-nominations are welcome! 

Nominate: Speaker/Educator of the Year

Industry Trailblazer Award 

This award recognizes a company that has made a remarkable impact on the insurance industry through innovation, exemplary customer service, sustainability initiatives, or corporate strategy. Consider nominating an organization that has introduced cutting-edge technology, innovative products, or new business solutions. Perhaps they’ve enhanced an existing product and significantly improved your business operations or efficiency. 

This award also celebrates companies that lead by example in customer experience or corporate responsibility, setting a benchmark for others. Did an organization go above and beyond to help you overcome a challenge or achieve success? Nominate them! 

Don’t forget to reflect on your organization’s achievements. Share your success stories and showcase how your team has driven meaningful change in the industry. Don’t be shy! We want to celebrate excellence while inspiring others to be catalysts for progress. 

Nominate: Industry Trailblazer

Nominations are accepted by industry professionals, regardless of IASA membership. However, to be eligible for award recognition, nominees must hold an active IASA membership.

Winners receive exclusive benefits, including

  • Public recognition at IASA Xchange™ award ceremony
  • Spotlight on IASA’s social media and website
  • Press release announcing the award winners
  • Digital badge to showcase your achievement
  • $50 prize and swag for individual award winners

Why Submit a Nomination?

Submitting a nomination for the IASA IMPACT Awards is more than just recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations—it’s an opportunity to celebrate excellence, inspire others, and showcase the value of professional and corporate leadership in the insurance industry.

Winners and their nominators enjoy the following: 

  • Company Spotlight: Highlight how your organization supports employee volunteering and promotes innovation, which showcases your commitment to excellence. 
  • Social Media and Press Exposure: Gain visibility through IASA’s social media channels, the IASA website, and a dedicated press release —perfect to share with your network. 
  • Professional Branding: Sport your digital badge in your email signature and social media profiles, enhancing your professional accolades.
  • Monetary Appreciation: (Volunteer and Speaker/Educator winners) receive a $50 e-gift card and IASA swag. The person who nominates the award winner (including the Trailblazer company award) will also receive a $50 e-gift card as a token of appreciation. Please note that if multiple people nominate the winner, a drawing will be held for the gift card.  
  • Industry Leadership Highlight: Demonstrate the leadership and impact you and your company make within the insurance ecosystem. 

Special Recognition Awards

In addition to the nominated awards, IASA also presents two distinguished honors that are not part of the open nomination process. Below, you’ll find more details about the Advisory Board Chair Award and the Chapter Merit Award, which highlight outstanding contributions to IASA and its chapters.

IASA Chapter Merit Award

IASA Chapters, led by dedicated IASA volunteers, play a vital role in delivering exceptional value to our member community through education, networking, and professional development opportunities at the local level. The Chapter Merit Awards recognize chapters that have demonstrated outstanding performance and a strong commitment to supporting IASA members throughout the year.  

Award recipients are selected by the IASA Awards Committee based on key performance metrics aligned with the IASA Chapter Engagement Strategy. Chapters that meet or exceed the performance threshold in six major areas—Membership and Engagement, Education, Content Satisfaction, Business Practices, Compliance and Governance, and Financial Management—will be recognized. This honor celebrates chapters that exemplify excellence in driving member engagement, fostering professional growth, and upholding IASA’s mission. 

IASA Advisory Board Chair Award

This award is presented annually by the current IASA Advisory Board Chair to an individual or organization that has made unique and impactful contributions to IASA or the insurance industry as a whole. The awardee is selected based on the Chair’s personal judgment and recognition of outstanding efforts that align with IASA’s mission and values. 

This honor acknowledges individuals or organizations whose actions have had a significant and positive influence, whether through innovative initiatives, thought leadership, exceptional service, or other noteworthy achievements that advance the goals of IASA and the broader insurance community. 

Recent and Prior Award Winners

Volunteer of the Year

2024: Lorie Graham, AmericanAg®

2023: Rod Van Genderen, Securian Financial Group, Inc.

2022: Art Salvadori, Crowe LLP

2021: Darin Reffitt (Committee)
2021: Jessica Greisch (Chapter)
2021: Wesley McLeod (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2020: Ryan Hanson (Committee)
2020: Recognized all chapter nominees
2020: Haley Bourke (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2019: Claire Burke (Committee)
2019: Patty Warmbrodt (Chapter)
2019: Rod Van Genderen (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2018: Scott McEntee (Committee)
2018: Rachel Perlmutter (Chapter)
2018: Chris Mason (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2017: Kristine Weber (Committee)
2017: Kara Thome (Chapter)
2017: Ann Wiesler (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2016: Karyn Spaude (Committee)
2016: Cindy Boyle (Chapter)
2016: Scott Bowen (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2015: Celeska Fredianelli (Committee)
2015: Meg Dixon (Chapter)
2015: Jessica Lasher (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2014: Carlos Correa (Committee)
2014: John Sweeney (Chapter)
2014: Darin Reffitt (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2013: Anil Chacko (Committee)
2013: Ray Hazel (Chapter)
2013: Margaret Horn (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2012: Don Goodenow (Committee)
2012: Karyn Spaude (Chapter)
2012: Brad Tompkins (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2011: Chuck Gunkel (Committee)
2011: Billie Midgett-Gordon (Chapter)
2011: Victoria Newman (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2010: Rod Travers (Committee)
2010: Michael Doody (Chapter)
2010: Karen Furtado (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2009: Cecil Patton (Committee)
2009: Thad Hinnant (Chapter)
2009: Anglea Adams (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2008: Linda Paolucci (Committee)
2008: Don LaValley (Chapter)
2008: Jayashree Ishwar (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2007: Dan Roskopf (Committee)
2007: Forrest Mills (Chapter)
2007: Pete Rothermel (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2006: Connie Jasper-Woodroof
2006: Christopher Piela (Chapter)
2006: Sonia Cliffel (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2005: Ira Blatt (Committee)
2005: Farooq Kahn (Chapter)
2005: Michael Blackshear (New Volunteer/Rookie)

2004: Ernie Pearson (Committee)
2004: Paul Rasimowicz (Chapter)
2004: Mark O’Brien (New Volunteer/Rookie)

Speaker/Educator of the Year

2024: Thomas Wheeland, Forvis-Mazars

2023: Connie Jasper Woodroof, CJW Associates

Industry Trailblazer

Current/Previous Award Categories Include: Industry Trailblazer, Company Excellence, Corporate Impact, Carrier of the Year, Solution Provider of the Year

2024: Gain Compliance (Solution Provider of the Year)

2023: SS&C Technologies (Solution Provider of the Year)

2023: Western and Southern Financial Group (Corporate Impact)

2022: Clearwater Analytics (Solution Provider of the Year)

2022: MMG Insurance (Carrier of the Year)

2018: Johnson Lambert LLP (Company Excellence Award)

2017: Travelers (Company Excellence Award)

2016: American Family (Company Excellence Award)

2015: FSI (Company Excellence Award)

2012: Swift Print (Company Excellence Award)

2009: Southern Farm Bureau (Company Excellence Award)

2008: Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (Company Excellence Award)

2006: Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company (Company Excellence Award)

2005: SECURA (Company Excellence Award)

2004: Brotherhood Mutual (Company Excellence Award)

2003: Utica Mutual Insurance Company and Prudential Insurance Company (Company Excellence Award)

1999: The Hartford (Company Excellence Award)

1998: Nationwide Insurance Enterprise (Company Excellence Award)

1997: American Indemnity Company (Company Excellence Award)

IASA Advisory Board Chair Award

Current/Previous Award Categories Include: Board Chair Award, Past President’s Award, Excellence Award, President’s Award

2024: Jason Nickles, Western & Southern Financial Group

2023: Kristine Weber, BMS Re

2022: IASA Staff

2018: Darby O’Neill

2017: Forrest Mills & Dennis Sullivan

2016: American Family Insurance (Excellence) & Steve Meziere (Presidents Award)

2015: Sheila Hudson, Mike Graham, Dan Black, Larry Johnson, David Moore, Tom McCormick, Allan Leonard, Chuck Gunkel

2014: John Bauer, Jim Keal, Beech Turner, Laurie Macklosky, Teri Deehan

2012: Dan Latore, Gary Knoble

2011: Cathy Ellwood

2010: John Bauer

2009: Ed Wiley, Don West

2008: Art Cadorine, Dan Latore

2007: Arthur Heggen

2006: Douglas W. Yenzer, Elaine Powell

2005: Mary Barth, Mary Francis, Chuck Nelson

2004: Cheryl E. Rogers, Spencer L. Francis

2003: Michele Maurer-Williford, Alan Close

2002: Gary W. Knoble, Kent Fairchild, Dr. Kailin Tuan

2001: Douglas J. DeRosa, Don M. Stewart

2000: Bill Hallett

1999: Tony Paolozzi

1998: Charles Fuchs

1997: Howard J. Klotz, Paul E. Heacock

1996: Howard F. Brenner, Robert D. Miller

1995: Emil E. Fleck, Jr., Morton L. Mann

1994: Jack J. Jackson

1993: Edward P. Brunner, Robert L. Cawthon

1992: James R. Kerber

Chapter Merit Award

2024: Carolinas Chapter, Land O’ Lakes Chapter, Metro NY/NJ Chapter, Michigan Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Midwest Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter, Southwestern Ohio Chapter, Utah Chapter

2023: Georgia Chapter, Midwest Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter

2022: Carolinas Chapter, Central Illinois Chapter, Show-Me Chapter, Southwestern Ohio Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter, Northeastern Chapter, Land O’Lakes Chapter, Midwest Chapter, Utah Chapter

Sunsetted Awards

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Award:

2023: IAT Insurance Group

2022: Kristin Dorm, One America

Technology Award:

2018: Safety Insurance Company

2017: Michigan Millers Mutual Ins Co

2015: Beacon Mutual

2014: The AssureStart Insurance Agency LLC

2013: Accident Fund Holdings

2012: Oregon Mutual Insurance Company

2011: The Economical Insurance Group

2010: Access Insurance Company

2009: Missouri Employers Mutual Ins Co

2008: Midwest Family Mutual

2007: Unitrin Direct

2006: Valley Oak

2005: Columbia Insurance Group