In a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable professional, Nationwide has announced the establishment of the Kathy Deren Excellence in Life Insurance Underwriting Award presented by NAILBA, a Finseca community. This prestigious award aims to honor individuals who exemplify excellence, professionalism, and innovation in underwriting practices, reflecting the values that Kathy Deren embodied throughout her illustrious career. Deren passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
“Kathy Deren was a one-of-a kind, passionate and caring person who tirelessly lived our noble purpose. She was a true advocate for life insurance and believed wholeheartedly in the role of medical underwriting in protecting families and securing futures,” said Holly Snyder, president of Nationwide’s life insurance business. “This award not only commemorates Kathy’s legacy but also reinforces Nationwide’s commitment to quality underwriting practices and professional development within the industry.”
Purpose and criteria of the award
The award celebrates exceptional talent within the life insurance underwriting industry. It will recognize future honorees who demonstrate:
- Exceptional underwriting performance: A consistent track record of excellence in underwriting decisions, focusing on accuracy and comprehensive risk assessment.
- Commitment to professional development: Continuous learning, obtaining relevant certifications, and participating in industry conferences and training.
- Innovation in underwriting practices: Implementation of innovative strategies or tools that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the underwriting process.
- Ethical standards: Maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in underwriting activities.
- Mentorship and leadership: Proven record of mentoring colleagues and fostering a collaborative culture within the underwriting team.
- Client-centric approach: Strong commitment to understanding and addressing client needs, providing tailored underwriting solutions that enhance customer satisfaction.
First award presentation
The inaugural award was presented on November 19th posthumously to Kathy Deren, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field. The award was accepted by Sherry Hudson, Nationwide’s vice president of life underwriting operations, during the Mooers Awards dinner at the NAILBA annual meeting. This event will serve as a platform moving forward to honor Kathy’s achievements and inspire other professionals to pursue excellence in underwriting.
Sponsorship and future awards
Nationwide has committed to sponsoring the award for the next three years, ensuring its continuation and the recognition of talented underwriters making a positive impact on the life insurance industry. In the future, Nationwide leaders will participate in the award selection committee.
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