Reynolds Sworn in as IIAT President; McCain Wins Drex Foreman Award

Among the many highlights of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas’ 108th IIAT Conference and Trade Show, held recently in Austin, were the installation of Randy Reynolds, managing partner of Texas Associates Insurors, Austin, as president of IIAT for 2005-2006, and the awarding of the association’s 2005 Drex G. Foreman Award to Marietta McCain, president of Luhn-McCain Insurance Agency in San Antonio.

Reynolds, whose term begins Sept. 1, is also vice president of the Insurors Group, an alliance of insurance agencies located throughout Texas. He began his insurance career with the American General Fire & Casualty Co. where he worked for six years. He served as regional marketing manager before entering the agency business in his hometown of Odessa.

“Randy’s first-hand experience and proven successes in the areas of finance, budgeting, policy-making and business development will be a key asset to the IIAT Board of Directors. He has clearly proved his leadership skill as a member of the IIAT executive committee. He has distinguished himself at the local level and as a highly capable board member at the state level. We eagerly anticipate his contributions as president,” said David VanDelinder, IIAT executive director.

Reynolds, a graduate of Rice University, is chair of the IIAT Committee on Legislation and the Committee on Finance. He has served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Odessa and has served on the board of the Insurance Publishing House and is former chairman of the IIAT Industry Relations Committee. He has served on the board and as president of the Independent insurance Agents of Austin. He is also active in a number of civic and charity groups as well as his church.

McCain accepted her award, named for Drex Foreman, who served as executive director of IIAT for 30 years, to the sound of thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Jim Berger, IIAT immediate past president, in presenting the award told nearly 400 guests at the Wade F. Spilman Political Action/Drex Forman Luncheon, that McCain began her relationship with insurance associations when she was elected president of the Independent Insurance Agents of San Antonio in 1980. She was elected to the IIAT Board of Directors in 1986 and served in that capacity through 1989. In 1990 she was elected president, the only female to serve in that office.

Berger said that early in her career McCain recognized the value of a solid insurance education when there was little to encourage women to go forward in the profession. She received her education through local and state Big I associations and the Society of Insurance Counselors. McCain went on to serve on the board of directors of the Society from 1993 through 1996 and chaired the board during 1998-99.

“Most recently she was honored at the National Legislative Conference with the Barny Burns award for significant fundraising, setting an all-time record of InsurPac fundraising for any state association, and more than doubling the Texas contributions.” In summing up Berger said McCain is, “a woman who is a friend of every insurance agent struggling to build a business, and a world class individual.”

Her producer council activities include chair of the General Accident Agency Council in 1995 and 1996, and membership on the councils of CNA, Central, Hartford, Aetna and Crum & Forster.

McCain has earned a distinction in many arenas that extend well beyond the confines of the insurance profession, Berger noted. Work on behalf of community activities includes service on the board of the San Antonio Golf Association and the Sunshine Cottage for the Deaf, and service as chair of the Executive Women’s Golf Association and the Mission Road Development Center.

In receiving her award McCain said she hoped her accomplishments would serve as an example for other insurance professionals and especially for women that it is possible to reach the highest levels of success.

“This prestigious award, IIAT’s highest honor, acknowledges exceptional contributions to the association, the Independent Agency System, the Texas insurance industry and local community. No one is more deserving than Marietta,” said Bill Harrison Jr., current IIAT president.

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