WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2017—Spencer Houldin, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) chairman, recently honored J. Ralph Murray of Stamford, Connecticut, for his long-standing commitment to the independent insurance agency community.

“Ralph Murray is the epitome of a Trusted Choice© independent agent,” said Houldin who issued the recognition at the association briefing prior to the annual lobbying day on Capitol Hill. “In addition to his numerous leadership roles in Connecticut, he has attended all 30 Big ‘I’ Legislative Conferences and, although he is in his early 80s and is the primary caregiver to his wonderful wife, he takes the train every year from Stamford, Connecticut, to Washington, D.C., to come tell his story.”

Houldin  is president of Ericson Insurance Advisors headquartered in Washington Depot, Connecticut.

 “The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut (IIACT) are so proud to have our former president, Ralph Murray, honored before our peers from across the country at the IIABA’s largest annual gathering,” said Warren Ruppar, IIACT president. “For more than five decades, Ralph Murray’s dedication to the independent agent community, our state and our country has served as an example to us all. He’s a tireless advocate for our industry with a huge heart.”

Murray served as IIACT president from 1999 to 2000. He’s also served on numerous association committees. Murray’s career in the insurance industry spans more than 50 years. His career in the insurance industry started at Travelers in 1967. In 1970, Murray and two business partners founded Insurance & Financial Services in Stamford.

In addition to his service to the independent agency system, Murray has served on Stamford’s Planning and Zoning Board as a member and secretary. He was also elected to Stamford’s Board of Finance for 8 years including four as its chairman. During Murray’s term as chairman, the City of Stamford earned its first triple AAA bond rating. He and his wife Elaine also serve as youth advisors in their church.

Prior to his insurance career, Murray worked for the American Cyanamid Company in Stamford. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland, after serving in the U.S. military during the Korean War. Murray and his wife Elaine have been married for more than 60 years. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

The Big “I” Legislative Conference is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting.

 

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