NAIFA Hall of Fame

C. Robert Brown, Sr., CLU, LUTCF, has been a member of NAIFA for over 50 years. He has served in many state and local leadership positions including President, and as both Trustee and President for NAIFA National. In addition to his leadership roles, Brown has faithfully served on many committees including Membership where he was Chair, on strategic planning task forces and most recently on the Government Relations Committee. He has been a member of the NAIFA Congressional Council since its inception and is a loyal and generous donor to the PAC.

At MDRT, Brown has been a Life and Qualifying member since 1980 and was Court of the Table from 2005-2013 and from 2016-2018.

Brown also has been engaged with the LIFE Foundation for Education and served on their board from 2006-2008. 

Brown has been active with Ameritas where he served three, three-year terms in the Ameritas Advisory Cabinet, including holding the position of Chairman in 1999.

As a testament to the quality and generosity of his service, Brown has been honored by many of the organizations he has worked with. He was inducted into the NAIFA-Memphis Hall of Fame in 1999; the Union Central Life Insurance Company Hall of Fame in 2000; was named NAIFA-Tennessee Professional of the Year in 2000; was the recipient of the Lester A. Rosen Humanitarian and Achievement Award in 2006; and was inducted into the Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame at Middle Tennessee State University in 2013. In recognition of Brown’s commitment to high school athletics, he was inducted into the Tennessee Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame in 1994.

Brown served as Chairman of the Board of Generations, Inc. from 2012-2014, a non-profit, social services agency headquartered in Memphis. Generations provides its constituents assistance in the areas of specialized medical foster care, home health/homemaker services, elder care, and employment programs for senior citizens.

Prior to serving on the Generations, Inc. Board of Directors, Brown served on the Meritan, Inc. Board of Directors from 2006 through 2010. Meritan is a nonprofit organization that provides social services throughout three states.

Brown has also served as Chairman of the Mayors Youth Guidance Commission in 1981, Finance Chair and Building Committee Member of his church, President of the St. Benedict Athletic Booster Club from 1993-1994, Advisory Board Member for St. Benedict Catholic High School and Chair of their Gala, and Committee Chair of the Diocesan Annual Appeal

Norman Levine's unparalleled contributions to the life insurance and financial services industry over more than six decades left an indelible mark on the profession and continue to inspire generations of industry professionals.

Norman G. Levine passed away on November 20, 2015, at the age of 89. A trailblazer in the life insurance industry, Norman's leadership was transformative, having served as President of NAIFA, GAMA, and LUTC. Norman’s influence extended to MDRT where he held a national officer role, and he was honored with the prestigious 1986 John Newton Russell Memorial Award and induction into the GAMA Hall of Fame.

Norman was a renowned author of nine professional books and a world-class speaker. His impactful motivational talks reached over half a million individuals across 50 states and 32 countries. Norman’s ability to engage and inspire audiences from small groups to large conventions was unmatched, earning him invitations to the White House from two U.S. Presidents. His speeches and writings provided invaluable insights and strategies, shaping the careers of thousands and elevating the standards of the industry.

Norman’s dedication to the life insurance profession was evident in his tireless advocacy and visionary leadership. He worked diligently to advance the industry’s interests, confronting challenges such as the encroachment of banks into the insurance field and advocating for higher educational standards for agents. Norman’s leadership during a critical time for the industry demonstrated his commitment to both professional excellence and public service.

Norman’s personal life was as remarkable as his professional achievements. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin and a devoted family man. His legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments to the enduring love and support he provided to his family.

Norman’s contributions to NAIFA, GAMA, MDRT, and the American College have cemented his status as an industry icon. His “Levine Formula” for success, focusing on presentations, knowledge, skills, and relationships, has been a cornerstone for countless professionals striving for excellence. His ability to create “Winning Relationships” and provide actionable strategies has been instrumental in helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals.

Norman’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and leadership is a guiding light for all who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Ellen M. Putnam, CLU, stood just 4 feet 11 inches tall yet she loomed large in the insurance world. Described as a “giant among giants,” Putnam's remarkable career and groundbreaking achievements established her as a trailblazer.

Putnam began her illustrious career with National Life Insurance Co. in 1919, shortly after World War I. Over her 70-year tenure, she became a leading national producer and earned a place of honor in the industry. Her steadfast dedication led her to become the first woman to serve as president of a local underwriter’s association, the Rochester Life Underwriters, in 1933. She also made history as the third woman and first Rochesterian elected to the board of trustees of the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU), the predecessor to NAIFA.

In 1978, Putnam was honored with the John Newton Russell Memorial Award, the highest accolade in the life insurance industry, recognizing her exceptional contributions and leadership. Her achievements extended to being one of the first Chartered Life Underwriters in the country and a key figure in establishing Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS).

A forward-thinking marketer, Putnam authored a pioneering article in 1923 titled “Life Insurance for the Nurse,” published in The American Journal of Nursing and the National Messenger. She advocated for life insurance with living benefits well before the term was commonly used. Her insightful approach emphasized the need for financial protection for those whose earning capacities might decline.

Putnam's influence was not confined to her professional accomplishments. She was deeply involved in community service, serving on the board of directors for the Boys Club of Rochester, as a trustee of the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, and as a board member of the Rochester Area Foundation. She was also a former commander of the Florence Nightingale Post of the American Lodge.

Born in Cassadaga, NY, Putnam graduated from Mechanics Institute in 1915. Her career began as a dietician, and during World War I, she served as an Army nurse in France. Putnam's decision to enter into the insurance  industry was driven by her desire to positively impact people’s lives. Despite her professional success, Putnam never married, choosing instead to prioritize her independence and career. Her dedication to her clients was unwavering and she continued to submit applications until shortly before her death at the age of 95. Putnam's legacy is one of exceptional service, innovation, and perseverance. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the insurance industry, and she remains an enduring inspiration.

Colonel Chauncey Munroe Ransom was born on April 18, 1831, in Alden, New York. He was a towering figure in the history of life insurance, renowned for his instrumental role in the formation of the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU), the predecessor to NAIFA. A distinguished insurance journalist and publisher, Ransom's visionary leadership and relentless advocacy were pivotal in uniting regional life underwriters' associations into a cohesive national body.

Ransom married Mary Celina Standart in 1852, and together they had three children. His professional and personal life was marked by a commitment to excellence and service, both in his career and his community involvement.

Ransom’s journey in the insurance industry began as the editor of The Standard, a prominent Boston insurance journal. His early efforts were focused on fostering professional unity and elevating the standards of the life insurance profession. Recognizing the need for a unified voice, he played a crucial role in the formation of the Boston Life Underwriters Association. His success in Boston inspired similar efforts in other regions, laying the groundwork for a national organization.

Ransom's most significant contribution came on April 8, 1890, when he, alongside key figures from Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, convened at the Parker House in Boston. This meeting, facilitated by Ransom’s initiative, was a historic moment in the insurance industry. The twelve men present—representing the Boston, New York, and Philadelphia associations—debated and unanimously agreed on the need for a national body to unify the regional associations.

As one of the principal architects of this initiative, Ransom, together with David Holway, William H. Dyer, Charles W. Holden, and others, formed a committee to organize the first national meeting. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of NALU (predecessor to NAIFA), which was a landmark achievement in the professionalization of life insurance.

Colonel Ransom’s influence extended beyond the formation of NALU. His leadership helped shape the early structure and goals of the organization and his role in establishing the association was recognized with the title of honorary member, a distinction that required a constitutional amendment at the first convention.

His impact was further cemented by his pioneering work in insurance journalism and advocacy. Ransom’s dedication to promoting the life insurance profession and fostering professional collaboration left an enduring legacy. His contributions were acknowledged and celebrated by his peers, cementing his status as a foundational figure in the industry.

Colonel Chauncey Munroe Ransom passed away on December 9, 1901, at the age of 70. His legacy endures through the continued success and influence of NAIFA and the countless professionals he inspired.

Ransom’s contributions to the insurance industry set a standard for leadership, vision, and unity, ensuring that his pioneering spirit is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Edward A. Woods was a transformative figure in the life insurance industry. His early career began with the Equitable Life Assurance Company in Pittsburgh, where he quickly distinguished himself with his commitment to improving the profession.

In his twenties, Woods made a significant impact during a critical debate on anti-rebate laws at the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU) meeting (predecessor to NAIFA). His assertive stance highlighted the core issue facing the industry: the need to elevate the character of life insurance agents. Woods famously remarked, "If no scheme can be devised for elevating the character of life insurance men, then the National Association of Life Underwriters had better adjourn," underscoring his belief that the ethical conduct of agents was central to the association's mission.

Woods' leadership was instrumental in founding "The Association of Managers and General Agents" the day after the NALU debate, where he was elected president. His tenure as a leader was marked by a relentless focus on agent education and ethical standards. Alongside his colleagues Clark and Russell, Woods helped steer the association through a period of significant reform and growth. In 1915, Woods became the president of NALU, a role in which he emphasized the importance of professional education. His advocacy for high standards extended to legislative efforts, including influential amendments to a key insurance bill, which were credited to his and Lawrence C. Woods' efforts before President Wilson. Woods’ advocacy on behalf of NALU is credited with establishing the tax-free death benefit afforded to every qualified life insurance policy under the federal income tax laws.

Woods' commitment to education was further demonstrated by his financial support for the publication of "Life Insurance: A Textbook" by Huebner in 1915. Woods personally guaranteed $10,000 for the book, which became a seminal text in the field, widely used and highly regarded for years.

Edward A. Woods' death on November 30, 1927, was a great loss to the industry. His contributions were recognized in an extensive tribute by NALU, acknowledging him as a leader in advancing ethical underwriting standards. The American College of Life Underwriters honored his legacy by naming a school after him and continuing his work in agent education.

Edward A. Woods was a pioneer in life insurance, known for his unwavering dedication to ethical practices, agent education, and legislative reform. His visionary leadership and innovative approaches left an indelible mark, making him one of its most influential figures in the industry.