The Women in Insurance & Financial Services recently honored several outstanding women during its annual awards ceremony held in Minneapolis.

The following awards were presented:

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The 2017 recipient is Susan Combs, president of Combs & Company. This is the highest level of recognition that a WIFS member can receive from her peers and honors an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support WIFS and the insurance and financial-services industry.

Combs has been a long-time promoter and encourager of women in the insurance and financial-services profession. She has given more than a decade of service to WIFS, including serving as national president in 2015. She is an active participant in the WIFS mentorship program, instructing mentees on how to set themselves up for success by building industry relationships, being strategic in business communications and achieving their career goals.

Combs’ nomination cited her long-term dedication to supporting women by sharing her time, talent and insights freely. She leverages her personal success to grow and promote other women within her agency. She remains dedicated to moving the industry forward through advancing young professionals by serving as a role model. She also gives back to the community by participating in the Corporate Wellness Advisory Board for the NYC Department of Health and the National Committee of Mizzou Women Give. In addition, she is a Griffiths Society Mentor.

CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

The 2017 Chapter of the Year is the Gold Coast Chapter. This award recognizes the chapter that excels in the areas of membership, governance, planning, programs and engagement. All present chapter members, outfitted in custom matching T-shirts, accepted the award on behalf of the Gold Coast board and membership.

For more information about the Women in Insurance & Financial Services and its upcoming programs, visit www.wifsnational.org.

Ayo Mseka
Editor-in-Chief