Smith Named 2005 John Newton Russell Memorial Award Recipient
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Jim Edwards
Assistant Vice President, Communications
NAIFA
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BALTIMORE—Charles A. Smith, CLU, ChFC, AEP of Palm Beach, Fla., known best for his work in support of the agency management system, was named recipient of the 64th annual John Newton Russell Memorial Award. The award recognizes sustained and meritorious service to the life insurance industry.
Mr. Smith received the industry's highest honor at a gala event during the 2005 National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Convention and Career Conference last night.
John Henry Russell created the award as a tribute to his father, an influential leader in the life insurance industry who served as NAIFA's president from 1916 to 1917, and was a contributing founder of The American College, LIMRA International and the Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. Each year a committee comprised of officials of several life insurance organizations, past award recipients and NAIFA past presidents select the recipient.
A youth minister with degrees in divinity and theology before entering the life insurance industry in 1969, Mr. Smith dedicated most of the next 35 years to effective agency management. He launched his career with Prudential Life Insurance and within three years became a division manager. Three years later, he was named agency manager of the company's Palm Beach office. Under Mr. Smith's leadership his producers ranked among the company's best. His agency earned 15 Prudential President's Mastery Agency Citations, and in 1995 he was inducted into the prestigious Prudential Preferred Hall of Fame for all-around performance. He and his agency earned numerous industry-wide recognition as well, including NAIFA's 100 Percent Agency Award from 1970 to 1998.
Throughout his career Mr. Smith further demonstrated his commitment to effective agency management and agent development with his involvement in GAMA International, formerly the General Agents and Managers Association. He first served as presidents of the Palm Beach County GAMA and then Florida State GAMA before heading up the organization's global operation as president in 1997. He then served as its chief executive officer from 1998 to 2003. He has since directed GAMA's strategic vision as chair of the GAMA International Leadership Team.
Over the years Mr. Smith has distinguished himself as leading industry writer and speaker - he has addressed audiences at more than 45 insurance companies in 13 countries.
For much of the last year, Mr. Smith has been passionately involved in the work of the Task Force for the Future, an industry-wide team of professionals examining challenges within the industry and how best to address those challenges going forward.
"When you consider a John Newton Russell Award candidate you can look at his credentials over a career or over the previous year. You could argue that Charlie earned this award using either criteria," said David F. Woods, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, NAIFA's chief executive officer, president of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education, and a past John Newton Russell Memorial Award recipient. "Never mind his many, many years of service to the life insurance industry and agency management over the last four decades. You could look at the commitment and energy he has put into the Task Force for the Future in the last 12 months alone and make a case for Charlie."
A photo of Mr. Smith 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.