ACSR Spotlight - Diane Mattis

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Diane Mattis is an individual who has given back to the insurance industry in many different ways. She started working in insurance 30 years ago in the rating department at Continental Insurance.  Soon after, she was promoted to personal lines underwriter. During this time, Diane also studied at the University of Richmond to earn her CPCU. Once she earned her CPCU, she began working as a commercial lines underwriter at Continental Insurance and then became a Senior Casualty Underwriter at Kemper Insurance. Diane also found one of her true passions while studying for the CPCU. Her CPCU professor, Blake Anderson, recommended that she teach an INS course at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. At first the idea of teaching scared Diane, but after her first class she knew that this was something she would love. In June 1996, Diane started working at IIAV as the Education Director, a dream job she had always wanted. Education has always been very important to her, and with this career she got to combine two of her passions; insurance and education. After 15 years with IIAV, Diane was given another unique opportunity, to be the Executive Director for InVEST. InVEST is a classroom to career program created by IIABA where insurance professionals team with educators to bring insurance into the classroom to help students become more educated consumers and to enlighten them about all the career opportunities within the insurance industry.

This year at the 2010 ACSR Tribute Day, Diane received an honorary ACSR designation. Diane never officially earned her ACSR designation because she taught the classes and had access to the exams. So the honorary designation allowed her to be recognized for all her hard work on the ASCR program. Diane has now earned her CPCU, AFIS and AIAM.

While at IIAV, Diane worked closely with the ACSR committee. It was the first committee she began working with when she started at the association. In her words, "I quickly learned that account managers are very dedicated and love helping their customers. They embrace education and form a unique bond with other CSR/account managers that have similar position".

There are few people that exude the passion Diane does for the insurance industry and the importance of education. Diane loves working within the insurance industry. She loves the diversity. "There are very few industries that allow you to pursue your passion and where you can change fields or be promoted with such ease. If you are willing to learn, work hard, and make connections, the sky is the limit. Every day is different, with opportunities to grow professionally and personally. That is the message we as an industry need to promote to the next generation." Diane was honored for her passion in 2007 when she was awarded IIABA’s Spirit of Education Award. She was the first person to earn this award.

Diane stays active in the community by working with organizations that promote financial and insurance literacy. She has held various leadership positions including President with the Greater Richmond CPCU chapter. Currently, she is on the Jump$tart board and is a member of a variety of other insurance and education based organizations.

Outside of work Diane stays busy with her friends, family and traveling. She loves going on cruises and hopes to one day cruise the world. Diane is also an avid reader, loves Facebook and reality TV shows. She has two grown sons, Michael and Jason, of whom she is very proud.

Is there an ACSR in your office who goes above and beyond in the insurance industry or in the community? If so, let IIAV know. Send your nominations to Kristina (kpreisner@iiav.com) at 1-800-288-4428. Nominations must be submitted by an agency principal, manager or supervisor working at the employee’s agency/company.