What They Said
"I'm honored to represent an industry whose members are committed to serving the communities where they live and work. The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation is a model for our profession, and its members are great ambassadors of the goodwill that we employ in our work every day."
– John Bender, President, Allied World Reinsurance and IICF Western Division Dinner Chairman
"We help people get back on their feet after tragedy strikes. Working in the insurance industry is a noble job and we should all be very proud of the daily impact we make."
– Michael LaRocco, Former President and CEO, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company accepting the IICF Western Division Annual Dinner Honoree on behalf of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company's Heritage Program
Because of You: Your Dollars at Work
Empowering Communities in Light of Disaster
September 11, 2001 is a date permanently engrained in the hearts, minds and history of America. Countless community volunteers responded to the tragedy, eager to lend a hand during the time of great need. Overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of volunteers, many emergency managers and official responders found themselves ill-prepared to effectively manage and engage the spontaneous community volunteers.
In response to lessons learned from September 11, 2001, World Cares Center (WCC) was established with the mission to foster locally led, sustainable disaster preparedness, response and recovery initiatives. With early and sustained support from the insurance industry and the IICF, WCC has become a nationally recognized organization in the field of disaster preparedness and response.
"The terrible events of September 11, 2001 taught us that there are countless people willing to lend their time and talent to aid in the wake of a disaster. World Cares Center provides vital training to emergency response organizations in managing and maximizing the contributions of such spontaneous volunteers," commented Richard Poppa, President & Chief Executive Officer, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc.
WCC works on the grassroots level to empower individuals and communities in light of disaster. Through their Disaster Preparation and Trauma Mitigation trainings, WCC encourages effective collaboration between official emergency responders and spontaneous unaffiliated community volunteers during times of disaster. 
IICF presents a $75,000 grant to World Cares Center
"The Insurance Industry and its professionals have an inherent understanding and connection to World Cares Center's mission. They are impacted daily by how prepared people are and the synergy between our goals is undeniable. We are grateful for their continued support through IICF," commented Lisa Orloff, Executive Director of World Cares Center.
The insurance industry has played an instrumental role in the establishment and growth of WCC, providing significant funds early in the organization's history that enabled the development of curriculum and delivery of training programs.
"Supporting disaster preparedness, response and relief efforts in times of crisis has long been an area of support for ACE. The ACE Charitable Foundation's grant to the September Space-World Cares Center Inc., for its PERCS disaster preparedness program, has emphasized training to prepare volunteers to address the emotional impact of disaster response, and has offered support and services to volunteers before, during and after a disaster," said John Alfieri, SVP and New York Regional Executive for ACE USA, and IICF board member. "We're delighted to join together with the World Cares Center and the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation in supporting programs that engage and prepare community volunteers in these efforts."
Carrying forward the industry's history of support, the IICF has awarded WCC $375,000 in grant funding since 2009. IICF funding has been instrumental in the concentration and delivery of WCC's Leading and Managing Spontaneous Unaffiliated Community Volunteer training program across the New York-Tri-State Area. Through this program, participants learn the basic principles of screening spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers, how to efficiently identify a volunteer's core competencies and how to best match volunteers with the most appropriate response agency. 
A WCC trained Red Cross Volunteer screens a girl scout during a volunteer reception center simulation.
WCC's extensive regional concentration has not only empowered countless communities across the Tri-State area, but has also proved instrumental in gaining greater awareness and financial support for WCC's important work. As a result of the IICF-funded trainings, the Department of Homeland Security, New Jersey has taken note of WCC and is in the process of officially reviewing WCC's curriculum. DHS approval will enable state and federal agencies to allocate government homeland security and emergency management funds towards WCC trainings, furthering WCC funding diversity.
In addition to funding, the IICF has provided WCC with the breadth of knowledge found within the insurance industry. Referencing such contributions, Orloff remarked, "The IICF Board and Leadership has served as true influencers to World Cares Center providing mentorship, a knowledge base, and a wealth of experience in responding to disasters."
Although growing out of tragedy, World Cares Center empowers communities providing training and preparation for when disaster strikes. WCC and the insurance industry share a common dedication to disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Working together, WCC and the insurance industry are making a great impact in the field of disaster preparedness.
Foundation Feature
The Changing Face of the Insurance Industry
The demographic composition of the insurance industry is changing. The industry is becoming increasingly diverse as women make up an ever-growing percentage of the workforce. Yet, even with the changing face of the workforce, the leadership landscape of the industry remains consistent with many other major industries and Fortune 500 companies, where women make up a small proportion of senior management.
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation recently spoke with three leading female executives regarding the industry's evolving leadership composition: Pina Albo, President, Munich Reinsurance America, Judy Mann, CEO, Swiss Re Underwriters and Kathleen Savio, Executive Vice President of Zurich North America Commercial and Chief Administrative Officer, Zurich North America. Sharing their expertise and talents with the IICF, these successful female executives provided insight into the changing role of women in the industry and the challenges female professionals face.
The influence of female professionals is changing worldwide. At the heart of this change is the realization of the business benefits that coincide with the embrace of diversity. "The world is changing and the business case for a diverse leadership team that includes women is very clear. There is a global focus on the value and resources that women bring to the talent pool," remarked Mann, IICF Western Division Board Member.
Echoing Mann's comment, Kathleen Savio, IICF Midwest Division Chair, added, "There is a growing awareness and increasing conversation around the need to address gender diversity in our industry. I think this comes from a recognition that with a better balance will come better results - financial metrics, employee engagement, talent acquisition and retention..."
Even with the recognition of the benefits diversity brings, there are still many challenges facing today's female professionals. One of the foremost challenges is corporate streamlining. Savio continued, "Many organizations are streamlining and restructuring. Although this reality affects everyone, it is even more vital for women to continually - and visibly - demonstrate the value they add to their organizations."
Pina Albo, member of the IICF National Board of Governors added, "Women cannot forget to tell the people who can help their careers about the work they are doing. Women cannot shy away from taking credit for their work." 
Pina Albo accepts the 2011 APIW Insurance Woman of the Year award for her leadership and achievements in the industry.
As opportunities to demonstrate talent and potential become increasingly limited, female professionals must be creative in thinking about career advancement. "Sometimes 'moving up' means moving laterally, taking on a special project or 'hardship assignment' or even 'making up' your next great role," Savio commented.
"Women must challenge themselves to take calculated risks in their career. Raise their hands for assignments and actively seek opportunities to broaden their skills," remarked Albo. "Getting ahead in our industry involves having both 'depth and breadth' of knowledge."
Although a challenge felt by all executives, both male and female, corporate streamlining becomes especially significant for female executives as it highlights the inherent challenges of informal networks. "The business world remains a male model world where people tend to hire individuals like themselves," commented Mann. In light of these realities, informal networks, relationships and mentorships become even more important.
Networking has proven to be a key to success within the insurance industry. Female professionals must therefore be active in building a robust network. "Seek out professional networks, and look to volunteerism and board memberships as ways to learn, grow, connect and contribute," remarked Savio. "Also seek out advocates - those who will take the time to know you and your strengths and aspirations, and will actively champion you at key times for specific roles."
Albo reinforced the importance of networks and mentorships. "Find others in the industry from whom to learn and with whom to network. Realize you will never learn all there is to know about this industry, and others can help you grow."
Identifying the need for formal networks of female mentorship, education and support, the IICF has begun development of the first Women in Insurance Global Conference. Scheduled for Fall 2012, the conference will celebrate the leadership of extraordinary women within the industry and explore the opportunities for future growth and success.
There is little doubt the face of the insurance industry is beginning to change. The leadership landscape is becoming increasingly diverse. Yet, to maintain the momentum, the conversation surrounding women in insurance must continue to grow and evolve into action. Women in the insurance industry need to learn from those who have succeeded. Women must be risk takers - confident in their abilities and supported by their peers. Only then will the industry reap the full benefits and value that women offer. Leaders in Philanthropy
Getting to Know You: Kenneth Crerar, President, Council of Insurance Brokers & Agents
The IICF seeks to bring together leaders from across the industry as a unifying force for philanthropic good. As President of the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers one of the most influential industry associations, the IICF is extremely proud have Ken Crerar serving on the National Board of Governors. Crerar recently sat down with the IICF to discuss the role of philanthropy in the insurance industry and the value of united philanthropic effort.
IICF: What do you feel is the role of philanthropy within the insurance industry?
Crerar: We all have a responsibility to care for the communities in which we live and work. Whether it be raising funds for those less fortunate, educating the next generation of industry leaders, or volunteering at the local food bank, philanthropic efforts are a necessary component for the well-being of our industry and our society as a whole. Insurance is the business of protecting individuals and businesses from present and future risks. It is the fabric of our society, and giving back to and getting involved in programs that promote education, health, and safety, is part of the industry's overall obligation to enrich and protect the lives of others. It boils down to good corporate social responsibility.
IICF: Why did you decide to participate with the IICF?
Crerar: The IICF has shown great leadership in fostering industry collaboration to make a real impact in communities across the country. We strongly believe in and endorse the goals set forth by IICF and look forward to a strong partnership in the future.
IICF: As a member of the National Board of Governors, what value do you perceive the IICF brings to the insurance industry?
Crerar: It's difficult to characterize the true value the IICF brings to the industry. Thanks to its partnerships with insurance agents and brokers, carriers, reinsurers, employees, and others in the industry, the IICF touches a wide range of people and organizations. Its heavy focus on service, leadership and grants for programs such as health, safety and education falls right in line with its mission statement, and has a tremendous impact on what the industry represents and the good it serves.
IICF: What opportunities do you see for industry associations, such as CIAB, to engage with the IICF?
Crerar: Our industry can be a dominant force for change. We have strong resources, community engagement and available jobs. One of our biggest challenges, however, is engaging, recruiting and training the next generation of industry leaders. Individual firms and associations do their best to promote insurance careers, but we have to do a better job of collectively increasing awareness of who we are and what we do to become an industry of choice for the younger generations.
Specifically, there seems to be little awareness or understanding of what opportunities and careers are available to young professionals in insurance. Overcoming the stigma attached to the industry and the challenges faced in terms of training and development are also obstacles that no one organization will be able to surmount on its own. The Council's Foundation for Agency Management Excellence (FAME), promotes the industry by providing college scholarships for risk management and insurance students and by promoting leadership and excellence in the agent/broker community through education and research. Our goals and mission are similar to those of other organizations, but we all need to be stakeholders in the solutions. We need collaboration and commitment to unify our efforts and bolster the reputation of the industry. Partnering with IICF helps us promote what we do and elevate the role we play in people's lives, even as we continue to give back to the global community.
The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers is the premier association for the top national, regional and international commercial brokerage firms and agencies in the United States and around the world. Member firms have offices in more than 3,000 locations across 100 countries and place more than $200 billion in commercial property/casualty and employee benefits premiums worldwide.
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