From Promise to Power

For more than 30 years, NAAIA has been building pathways to opportunity, championing excellence, and strengthening the presence of Black and African American professionals across the insurance industry. Here you’ll find intentional moments of community and strength, paired with a demonstration of the commitment of past and present NAAIA leaders toward growth.

This timeline celebrates the milestones, partnerships, and people who have helped shape our journey. From the founding of our organization to transformative moments like the launch of our scholarship and talent development initiatives and our growing national network of chapters. As you explore, click on the images throughout the timeline to discover stories, photos, videos, and highlights that bring each moment in our history to life. We invite you to look back with pride, celebrate our progress, and imagine the future we’re building together.

1997

NAAIA is founded in Cincinnati, OH by Jerald L. Tillman, a successful agency owner.

2001

Under Denise Lloyd, the first board chair, NAAIA’s HQ moves to DC and we are granted federal tax exemption.

2003

NAAIA establishes first chapter in Chicago under Matt Cooper. New York, Detroit, Philadelphia and DC quickly followed over the next three years.

2010

Under Ron Allen, NAAIA expands its programs and partnerships to invite corporate employees into membership.

2013

NAAIA establishes the J.L. Tillman Endowed Scholarship, which awards $5K each to deserving high school seniors and college students annually.

2014

NAAIA hires Margaret N. Redd as its first full-time Executive Director and launches One NAAIA guidance for chapter organization.

2015

Furthering student engagement and access, NAAIA creates the National Talent Development Competition.

2016

NAAIA launches the National Leadership Summit, founded by Susan Johnson.

2018

NAAIA and Marsh partner to produce The Journey of African American Insurance Professionals study, hailed by industry media as “groundbreaking.”

View Journey Study

2020

In a significant moment of growth, NAAIA reaches 1,000 members and $1MM in sponsorship.

2023

The Next Steps on the Journey study research reveals more movement and activity around career advancement, but no significant progress.

View Next Steps Study

2023

#NewLookNewNAAIA campaign unveils a sweeping new visual identity and brand that unites the national office and chapter network.

View New Brand Press Release

2024

NAAIA is the first BIPOC association to win a Power of Associations award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its Next Steps on the Journey study and promotional tour.