Healy Named NAIFA’s New CEO
Called a ‘perfect fit,’ seasoned association executive to succeed David Woods
Contact
John A. Davidson, FSS, LUTCF
NAIFA President
805-495-6434;
or
Jeffrey J. Taggart, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF
NAIFA President-Elect
307-527-6204
July 23, 2007 (FALLS CHURCH, VA) In June 2006, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) began a thorough search to find its next chief executive officer—one who would lead and deliver the association’s ambitious strategy for change. Today, the organization is pleased to announce it has found that leader, John J. Healy, CAE. He brings 25+ years of association management experience and a track record of innovation, leading organizational change, increasing membership, enhancing government relations programs and creating greater customer and member value.
Healy comes to NAIFA from the Washington, D.C., area-based American Machine Tool Distributors Association (AMTDA), where he serves as its President and CEO.
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| John J. Healy |
“We’re very pleased to welcome John as NAIFA’s CEO,” said Jeffrey J. Taggart, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, NAIFA’s president-elect. “We considered nearly 200 candidates with impressive credentials, and John was the perfect fit to partner with us as NAIFA enters this new era. He is a consummate association professional who has the energy, passion, track record and skills to implement NAIFA’s 2007 strategic plan. He has faced major challenges at other organizations, and they have emerged more successful as a result. We look forward to his leadership and working with John to take NAIFA to the next level of influence, engagement and service to our members and the industry.”
Robert A. Kerzner, CLU, ChFC, president and CEO, LIMRA International, who was part of the NAIFA CEO Search Committee, commented: “John brings a ‘can do’ disciplined approach as to how to grow organizations and add value for members.” NAIFA’s Search Committee was chaired by Robert J. Wernecke, CLU, NAIFA past president, and also included Robert Eddy, Jr., CLU, ChFC, REBC, former NAIFA board trustee; Michael E. Gerber, NAIFA general counsel; Christina Greathouse, executive search consultant; Larry M. Lambert CLU, CFP, RFC, NAIFA past president; Susan K. Linck, CAE, executive vice president, NAIFA-Wisconsin; Steve Siesser, NAIFA CFO; and Jeff Taggart.
“I am pleased to join NAIFA at this important time in its rich history. NAIFA is ideally positioned to capitalize on an extraordinary opportunity to further improve the value of membership and help our members provide solutions for the greater financial independence of their customers,” Healy commented. “I look forward to meeting NAIFA’s members, listening to their ideas about the opportunities that lie ahead for both NAIFA and the industry, hearing their input and working with them to create a better future through the new direction outlined in NAIFA’s strategic plan.”
Healy joins the NAIFA Team as CEO in early September at the upcoming NAIFA Convention and Career Conference, Sept. 8-12, 2007, in Washington, D.C. NAIFA members and stakeholders will have the opportunity to meet Healy in person throughout the Conference.
Healy succeeds David F. Woods, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, who steps down as NAIFA’s CEO on August 31 but remains as president of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education. “David is an icon in this industry,” said John A. Davidson, FSS, LUTCF. “He served as this association’s president 20 years ago, and came back five years ago as CEO to lead NAIFA through serious challenges. Today, NAIFA is on strong financial terms and is positioned to meet the needs of its members. And Dave Woods played a key role in making it happen.”
A photo of Healy is available on request.
About NAIFA: Founded in 1890 as the National Association of Life Underwriters, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors comprises 800 state and local associations representing the business interests of 225,000 members and their employees nationwide. Members focus their practices on one or more of the following: life insurance and annuities, health insurance and employee benefits, multiline, and financial advising and investments. NAIFA's mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members. NAIFA's website can be accessed at www.naifa.org.