Leslie Rogoff, 2010 MetroRAP Chair presents Vivalde Couto, CPCU, vice president of underwriting and chief underwriting officer of the American European Insurance Co., MetroRAP’s Executive of the Year award.

During the luncheon ceremony, PIANY presented three prestigious awards to well-respected industry veterans and two scholarships to rising stars.

Vivalde Couto, CPCU, vice president of underwriting and chief underwriting officer of the American European Insurance Group, received MetroRAP’s Executive of the Year award. The award recognizes an individual from an insurance company, a general agency or a managing general agency who has demonstrated qualities that best foster a strong working relationship with agents and brokers, and who has exemplified a commitment to professionalism and service. A long-time PIA supporter, he has served as a member of both PIANY’s Hudson Valley and MetroRAP committees.

Leslie Rogoff, 2010 MetroRAP Chair presents David Louie, of president of David J. Louie Inc., with the Industry Professional of the Year

David Louie, of president of David J. Louie Inc., received MetroRAP’s Industry Professional of the Year award, which recognizes an individual from an insurance company, general agency, managing general agency or other insurance industry profession, who has demonstrated qualities that foster a strong working relationship with agents and brokers, and who has exemplified a commitment to professionalism and service.

“Throughout his career, David has demonstrated a respect for his colleagues and customers in the insurance industry,” said Leslie Rogoff, chairperson of PIANY’s 2010 MetroRAP program. “This award reflects his dedication to the insurance industry and to the Asian community where he has built a reputation for professionalism.”

	Leslie Rogoff, 2010 MetroRAP Chair presents John Reiersen, president of Kingstone.

John Reiersen, president of Kingstone Insurance Co., was awarded the MetroRAP Distinguished Insurance Service award. This award is presented to individuals in the insurance industry who have a history of significant contributions and support to the regional insurance community.

“With this award, PIANY honors John for his long-standing commitment to the insurance industry,” said Rogoff. “The award also commemorates his dedication and hard work, as well as his loyalty to our industry. John’s professionalism is to be admired and respected.”

Reiersen has been in the insurance field for more than 40 years. For more than 25 years, he worked for the NYSID. When he left, he was chief examiner in the Property and Casualty Insurance Bureau. During his tenure with the NYSID, Reiersen was instrumental in getting many statutes and regulations enacted including the photo inspection law and the automobile no-fault program. In 1999, Reiersen was elected president of the Commercial Insurance Co., which became Kingstone Insurance Co. in July 2009, a position he still holds today.

PIANY past President Shelly Kozel presented Violeta Cortez, Customer Service Representative at Orrino Capital of Corona, N.Y with the Arthur I. Moll Memorial scholarship

Keeping with MetroRAP tradition, PIANY past President Shelly Kozel presented the Bernard I. Kozel Memorial scholarship, in memory of his father and the Arthur I. Moll Memorial scholarship, in memory of the PIANY and PIA National past president, to two PIANY-member employees: Denise Louie, junior assistant underwriter of Jimcor Agencies in Plainview, N.Y, and Violeta Cortez, customer service representative at Orrino Capital Services of Corona, N.Y., respectively. Each award provided the recipient with tuition to two Certified Insurance Service Representative seminars conducted by PIANY.