Barb Lutz, FALU
I would first like to say before I announce the name of this year’s recipient that I have like many of you in the audience had the distinct pleasure of serving for and with this individual for many years and as such have the deepest respect for both the unselfish dedication and leadership qualities. This year’s celebration is indeed historic in that she is the first female underwriter to be recognized by our industry with an award of this stature.
The 2009 recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award – is none other than Barb Lutz – Barb will you join me on stage.
Barb before I present you with the award I would like to review some of your key achievements:
Barb has a BA degree from Luther College, an MBA from University of Northern Iowa, she obtained her FALU in 1987 and is currently a member of the AHOU and the IOWA Association of Home Office Underwriters.
Barb has an established long and distinguished career within our great profession as having served the Life Underwriting Education Committee as the Project Group Coordinator from 1988 to 1990, as the Seminar Group Coordinator from 1991 to 1993 and finally as the Life Underwriting Education Committee Chair from 1994 to 1996.
From 1990 to 1992 she served on the Executive Committee of the Institute of Home Office Underwriters.
She followed that by serving the Home Office Life Underwriters Association (HOLUA) as an executive member after which she was elected as their President in 1999 – 2000 and then as Past President 2000 – 2001.
As if these contributions were not enough she played a lead role on a committee that ultimately was successful in merging the IHOU and HOLUA resulting in the establishment of the AHOU in 2002. She took a leadership position in establishing this merger.
Finally she has served on numerous special industry committees as both a committee member and chair and is currently acting as an Associate Editor for On The Risk.
Barb currently works for CUNA Mutual Insurance Society as Director Line Underwriting, Life and Health.
In addition to her outstanding underwriting contributions she has found time to serve her community as chair on many congregation committees for her church, she participated in toastmasters, and has supported many school activities for both her and other children within her community.
In closing let me read a few remarks made by staff members who work with Barb:
Barb always meets challenges calmly, she seeks input from her coworkers and is open to new ideas, and she evaluates the situation drawing on the resources of others and then makes a decision that takes into consideration what is best for the company and the customer.
Barb is a leader who encourages and enables her underwriting staff to make the best possible underwriting offers for customers independently. She is a champion of training and education and sets the example as a life long learner.
I personally have worked for Barb on committees – she is always positive and she has an amazing ability to calm down stressful situations including people like me. I have learned a lot from working with her and have always been amazed at her untiring energy level. She is a treat to work with and is amazingly organized.
While reaching many if her industry goals, she achieved what I know is the most important goal in her life that of being a wife to her very supportive husband Toni and the joy of her life her two great children Erik and Kiersten.
Please join me in congratulating the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Achievement award Barb Lutz.
