Vermont Captive Insurance Association Presents Annual Awards

The Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA) presented several annual awards Wednesday to recognize captive insurance industry participants' contributions to the industry and the VCIA. The awards were presented during the VCIA 2020 Virtual Conference.

The VCIA presented its annual lifetime membership honor to Thomas M. Jones of the McDermott Will & Emery law firm. The lifetime membership recognizes an individual's long-term contributions to advancing the captive insurance industry, the VCIA, and the Vermont domicile.

Noting the importance of human connections in the captive insurance industry, Mr. Jones allowed that the COVID-19 pandemic that's limiting gatherings and drove the decision to hold this year's VCIA conference as an online event is challenging. "It's a people business, and we've been cut off from people. It's been very difficult," Mr. Jones said.

In announcing the recognition, VCIA President Richard Smith noted Mr. Jones' role as a mentor, but the honoree said he's continued to learn even as he's taught others in the captive insurance industry. "It's a two-way street. I learn as well as teach," Mr. Jones said. "It's been an integral part of my captive education, to do mentoring, to do teaching."

The VCIA presented its annual Captive Crusader Award to Brenda Stewart, senior account manager at AIG. The VCIA staff awards the Captive Crusader honor to recognize an individual's service to the organization.

"This accomplishment is something I didn't achieve alone. There are so many I'd like to share this award with," Ms. Stewart said.

"I hope that this recognition of my efforts can serve as an inspiration to others," she said. "If I can make a difference, so can you."

M. Michael Zuckerman, associate professor at the Fox School of Business of Temple University, received the VCIA's Industry Service Award. The Industry Service Award is presented in recognition of service to the captive insurance industry, and the honoree is chosen by the VCIA board.

"My role as an educator has been the most fulfilling because it enables me to have a role in developing the next generation of captive insurance professionals," Mr. Zuckerman said. He went on to call the VCIA conference "an essential platform" for launching that next generation.