NAVA Hall of Fame inducts three

NAVA, the association for insured retirement solutions has inducted three new members to its Hall of Fame. Honored were Richard M. Reilly, a trustee of the AARP Mutual Funds and retired president and CEO of Allmerica Financial Services in Worcester, Mass., and Michael Gilotti, who handles business development for General Re-New England Asset Management of Farmington, Conn.. Also, the association inducted its first research professional: Mathew Greenwald, founder of research and consulting firm Washington-based Mathew Greenwald and Associates Inc. “His research, conducted over retirement issues and annuities, has helped NAVA direct its attention to the issues,” said Laurita Warner, chair of public relations for the association. “In today’s world, accurate market research is critical when NAVA is attempting to shape its direction,” said Mark Mackey, president and CEO of NAVA. “We rely on Mr. Greenwald’s public opinion research.” A panel on industry educational initiatives also addressed the role Mr. Greenwald’s work has played in making variable annuities clear to congressional members, regulators and the media. “Matt Greenwald’s research has contributed to a lot of positive press,” Mr. Mackey added. The association also added six new directors to its board: Mark Casady, chairman, CEO and president of LPL Financial Services; Michael K. Farrell, executive vice president of MetLife’s independent distribution group; W. Thomas Conner, partner at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP; John Simmers, CEO of ING Advisors Network; Hugh McHaffie, president, U.S. Wealth Management, John Hancock Financial Services Inc.; and Marc O. Mayer, executive vice president of AllianceBernstein and executive managing director of AllianceBernstein Investments Inc.