This summer, GAMA International and the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU) announced their plan to unite, creating a new organisation representing the financial and retirement-security profession.
This organisation will aim to represent all financial services distribution channels and to bring together the strengths of GAMA International’s leadership and professional development programs with AALU’s expertise in industry advocacy.
AALU’s membership consists of financial professionals who provide life insurance and retirement-planning solutions for individuals, families and businesses. The Washington, D.C.-based organization has a rich history, providing its members with the essential tools and services required to help grow their business, serve their clients, and protect the financial and retirement security of the American people.
“AALU and GAMA are both independently strong and a perfect complement to one another,” says GAMA International CEO Bonnie Godsman. “The opportunity to come together will accelerate our ability to drive greater value for our members. With GAMA’s leadership programs and AALU’s advocacy strengths empowering more people to get involved, the opportunities will be endless.”
Marc Cadin, president and CEO of AALU, says, “We intend for this to be the start of a unifying effort that will bring together the entire profession, so we can more effectively address the big challenges we all face.
“This is a moment the profession has needed for a long time. It has been an honour to work with our joint task force and with Bonnie, who has been extraordinary in both leadership and vision, to bring it to fruition.”
Integration of the two organisations began July 30. The new joint organization, which has yet to be named, is expected to be operating as a single entity by June 2020.
Marc Cadin, who took over as president and CEO of AALU in September 2018, will serve as CEO, and Bonnie Godsman, who has served as CEO of GAMA for five years, will serve as president.
Kelly Kidwell, of Pacific Advisors, will serve as the first chair of the Board of Directors, and Jeri Turley, of Winged Keel, will serve chair-elect. Ed Deutschlander, current chair of the GAMA Foundation, Rick Van Benschoten, current AALU Treasurer, and Bob Baccigalupi, current GAMA Treasurer, will serve as the remainder of the executive committee.
QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Over the coming months, leaders from both organisations will be carrying out research to determine an appropriate new name, to outline a dues structure and member segmentation, and to gather member feedback. Visit www.gamaweb.com or www.aalu.org for the latest updates.
This article is provided by GAMA International. Written by Robert Bittner, it first appeared in GAMA's domestic magazine.
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