Jun 12, 2013
PIANJ, PIANY present Fowler with Distinguished Insurance Service award
GLENMONT, N.Y.-Earlier this week, during the PIANJ/PIANY Joint Annual Conference in Atlantic City, the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and New York State presented Executive Director Diane K. Fowler with the Distinguished Insurance Service award for her 35 years of service to the associations and their members. Fowler plans to retire from PIA at the end of the year.
"Dianes knowledge, professionalism and work ethic have been hallmarks of her distinguished career and she makes our entire organization look good; holding all of us to a high degree of professionalism," said PIANJ immediate past President Anthony Bavaro, CIC, CRM, who presented her with the award. "We have been truly fortunate to have her on our side for the last three decades, and we wish her many years of happiness after her retirement at the end of this year."
During the awards ceremony, scores of past presidents of both PIANJ and PIANY gathered to recognize Fowler.
Fowler joined PIA in 1978, as a new graduate of Tufts University. In 1984, she became head of PIAs Communication Department, responsible for all aspects of the associations public and member information. She earned her Certified Association Executive designation in 1990, and served as president the Empire State Society of Association Executives, which honored her in 1991 with the prestigious Excellence in Communications Award. That same year, she became assistant executive director for PIA of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York State. And in 2004, she was promoted to executive director of each of the four state PIA affiliates.
"Her expertise is sought after and appreciated by sister associations across the country, through the extensive network she has developed and through her work with PIA National and other industry organizations," said PIANJ newly elected President Stephen Tague, CPIA, who also presented Fowler with the award.
Fowler has served on multiple committees for PIA National, including: the Collaboration and Membership Task Forces, the Affiliate Relations and Membership Committees and as treasurer of the State Executives Society. She also has served as executive director for the Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association in New York State.
"PIA grew to its present reputation of excellence with the help of Dianes wisdom and responsibility," said PIANY President Michael J. Skeele, CIC, CPIA, during the award presentation. "She is a respected leader, who truly puts the Professional in PIA."
PIANJ and PIANY are partners, along with PIACT and PIANH, in a group of state trade associations representing independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout their respective states.
-30-