Awards

PIACT presented Mary Kay Andrews, CIC, vice president of operations for the Sutherland Insurance Group in Naugatuck, with the Committee Chair of the Year award. Andrews was honored for her service as Legislative/Regulatory Committee chair. The award honors the PIACT volunteer who best demonstrates dedication and effort in chairing one of PIACT’s committees. “As an active member of the association, contributions to PIACT are numerous and have helped to strengthen the organization,” said PIACT President Augusto Russell, CIC.

PIACT presented additional awards honoring the industry’s most dedicated professionals, including the Company Representative of the Year award, Community Service awards and the Agent of the Year award during the formal awards lunch on Friday.

PIACT presented its Legislator of the Year award to state Rep. Robert Megna, of the 97th Assembly District in New Haven. “Rep. Megna recognizes the importance of our industry to the state’s economy and has been responsive to our calls to enact consumer-friendly legislation,” said immediate past president Timothy Russell, CPCU. “We are very pleased to name him the PIACT Legislator of the Year.”

Susan Herdman, senior territory manager for Safeco Insurance was awarded Professional Insurance Agents' Company Person of the Year. Safeco Regional Manager Rick Perryman accepted the award on Herdman’s behalf.

In a rare circumstance, the association presented two awards for community service: one to Cheshire-based HAI Group, which serves more than 1,000 housing authorities in the public and affordable housing community across the country; and the other to Griffith Harris Jr., CIC, president and CEO of Griffith E. Harris Insurance Services. “Griff is an example of how much a single individual can make an impact on his community,” Russell said.

Finally, PIACT honored past President Joseph A. Bishop III, CPIA, with the Agent of the Year award for his excellence and achievement in insurance marketing and service; his personal commitment to professionalism; and his contributions to PIA and the community. “Joe is a model professional for our industry,” said Russell.

Recognizing Young Pros

CTYIP immediate past President Shannon Rabbett, CIC, accepted the Young Insurance Professional of the Year award, bestowed in recognition of her hard work and dedication to the association and its industry. "Shannon's tireless commitment to CTYIP and the industry as a whole is to be commended," said Nick Ruickoldt, newly elected president of CTYIP. "She has earned the respect from her colleagues and customers that she deserves. CTYIP is proud to present her with this award."

CTYIP also presented Lauren Raymond with the Director of the Year award. An active member of CTYIP, Raymond has served as a member of the board of directors since 2010. "Lauren is an effective and respected individual," said Ruickoldt. "Her dedication and loyalty to CTYIP and its members are admired by her peers."

PIACT Immediate past President Timothy G. Russell, CPCU presents past President Joseph A. Bishop III, CPIA, with the Agent of the Year award

PIACT Director Mary Kay Andrews, CIC accepts the Committee Chair of the Year award from immediate past President Timothy G. Russell, CPCU

Shannon Rabbett accepts the YIP of the Year award from newly elected CTYIP President Nicholas Ruickoldt.

PIACT immediate past President Timothy G. Russell, CPCU presented the PIACT Legislator of the Year award to State Rep. Robert Megna, of the 97th Assembly District in New Haven.

Kimberly Tompkins accepts the PIACT award for Community Service on behalf of Cheshire-based HAI Group from PIACT immediate past President Timothy G. Russell, CPCU.

Griffith Harris Jr., CIC, president and CEO of Griffith E. Harris Insurance Services, accepts a rare second award for Community Service.

Safeco Senior Manager Rick Perryman, left, accepts the PIACT 2013 Company Person of the Year award on behalf of winner Sue Herdman, senior territory manager for Safeco.