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2024 John Newton Russell Memorial Award Recipient, Matthew Tassey
Matt Tassey began his career in the life insurance business after graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1973. Moving to Maine in 1975, he became involved with NAIFA, serving in every elective office at both the local and state levels before being elected as a trustee of NALU (now NAIFA) in 1990 and re-elected in 1992. Tassey's commitment to NAIFA continued as he took on the role of Treasurer from 2011 to 2018. He has been an influential political advocate, serving as a key contact for multiple state and national legislators, and has effectively communicated the industry's interests before Congress and the press.
Tassey's impact also extends to his work with the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (now Life Happens), where he served as a director starting in 2000 and as Chair in 2005. He played a pivotal role in launching Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) and the Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM) campaigns, significantly broadening the foundation's reach and influence. After leaving the board, Tassey continued to guide Life Happens through strategic planning, and he remains active as a judge for the Life Lessons scholarship and Real Life Stories programs.
John Newton Russell Legacy and Matthew Tassey Tribute Video
Past Recipients
The John Newton Russell Memorial Award was first conferred at NAIFA’s (then NALU) annual convention in 1947. Because of the war, the award was given to five outstanding members of the field. Each year since the selection committee has strived to honor an exemplary agent or advisor who represents the best of the industry.
