The AHOU Nominating Committee created the Distinguished Contributor award to recognize the achievements of our members who are in underwriting adjacent occupations like medical directors, actuaries, and vendors, but did not qualify for the AHOU Hall of Fame Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize industry professionals who have primarily worked in non-underwriting roles and have rendered distinguished service to AHOU and the underwriting community.

This award is not available to individuals that can qualify for the Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. AHOU will only select one winner of the Distinguished Contributor Award per year. The winner will be announced at the Annual AHOU Conference.

AHOU members can only nominate one person per year. 

2025 Distinguished Contributor Award nomination form

Qualifications for Nominees for the Distinguished Contributor Award:

• Current or past AHOU member. If currently retired from the profession, active membership may not be required.
• Demonstrated thought leadership in the industry and a well-rounded industry presence. May have served as a mentor to many professionals in the business.
• Documented contributions to the underwriting profession in a capacity other than underwriter, including, but not limited to, 10 or more years of work history in the insurance industry or a related field.
• Documented contributions that have impacted the profession (e.g., research, new processes, knowledge sharing). Active involvement in new products, processes, and procedures for the advancement of the industry.
• Completed volunteer work for the profession (e.g., as an industry speaker, author for publications/articles, work with vendors and reinsurers for advancement of ideas and learning; thought leadership, committee work with regional and local organizations to further strengthen their presence).
• Personal achievements that demonstrate leadership in the industry.
• A FALU designation is not required; however, designations achieved specific to the nominee’s profession will be considered.
• Nominees who primarily worked in a non-underwriting role and are not eligible for the Hall of Fame Award may be considered.
• Current underwriters and those in underwriting leadership roles are not eligible for this award.