WOMEN IN INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES ANNOUNCES 2016 AWARD WINNERS

ALBANY, NY (10/25/2016)(readMedia)-- Albany, NY - Several women were honored by Women in Insurance & Financial Services at the Annual WIFS Awards Ceremony held on October 19 in Chicago, Illinois.

"WIFS awards recognize the personal accomplishments and contributions of members, while highlighting the collective voice that our organization gives women in the industry," stated Immediate Past President, Susan Glass during the ceremony.

The following awards were presented:

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

This is the highest level of recognition a WIFS member can receive from her peers. It honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to support WIFS and our industry. The 2016 recipient is Arthea "Charlie" Reed, Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual.

Arthea's WIFS National Board service and commitment to helping women succeed resulted in the landmark publication, Financial Services: Women at the Top – A WIFS Research Study. Arthea was formerly a professor and chair of the Education Department at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (UNCA). She earned a doctorate at Florida State University.

Arthea's nomination cited her long-term commitment to women as an advocate, role model and mentor. She remains dedicated to moving the industry forward through published articles and interviews that promote financial services as a career for women. She frequently promotes Financial Services: Women at the Top – A WIFS Research Study at industry events and conferences.

CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

The Chapter of the Year award recognizes the chapter that excels in the areas of membership, governance, planning, programs, membership and engagement. The 2016 Chapter of the Year is Portland. Chapter President, Marissa Sainz, accepted the award on behalf of the Portland Board and membership.

About WIFS

80 years strong, Women in Insurance & Financial Services, headquartered in Albany, NY, is the only organization in the insurance and financial services industry exclusively devoted to supporting the careers of women and helping them succeed in this business. The WIFS mission is to attract, develop, and advance the careers of women in the financial services industry.

Over 1,300 WIFS members throughout the country receive value from monthly education programs, local chapters in over 22 US markets, annual national conference, professional development, member discounts, corporate partnerships and affiliations.

For more information about WIFS and upcoming programs, visit www.wifsnational.org or contact Deborah Duffy, Executive Director at 866-264-WIFS (9437).

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