ALEXANDRIA, VA, February 1, 2021—The Big “I" presented Greg Murphy, executive chairman of the board of directors for Selective Insurance Group, Inc., with the Jeff Yates Lifetime Achievement Award at the Big “I" virtual Board of Directors meeting on Jan. 29.
The Jeff Yates Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of former Big “I" CEO Jeff Yates, recognizes individuals beyond the agent community who contribute to the vitality and strength of the independent agency system. It is the highest recognition in the nation a non-agent can receive for a lifetime of work dedicated to furthering independent agencies.
“Greg has spent a lifetime helping agents and, frankly, everyone he can, and the Big 'I' is honored to present him with this distinguished service award," says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I" president & CEO. “His impact on the independent agency system is incredible. We are thankful for his leadership, support and work as he continues to be a dedicated friend to the Big 'I' and the independent agent community."
Murphy joined Selective in 1980 in the finance department, becoming senior vice president of finance in 1994 and chief financial officer in 1995. In 1997, he was named president and chief operating officer, and two years later he became president and CEO. He assumed the role of chairman in 2000. In 2013, he transitioned to chairman of the board and CEO, and in February 2020, was appointed executive chairman of the board of directors. On February 2, 2021, Murphy will become non-executive chairperson of the board.
Murphy led Selective to unprecedented financial success while expanding the company's reach to 27 states. Under his leadership, Selective implemented commercial lines predictive modeling and enhanced safety management tools and resources. Murphy spearheaded a multitude of customer exprience innovations and enhancements, and advanced diversity and inclusion initiatives. He also helped establish the Selective Insurance Group Foundation, which supports nonprofits in various communities where Selective is active.
“As insurance industry professionals, we have a responsibility to serve communities, help make them safer, and help put customers' lives and businesses back together after a loss. Doing exactly this at Selective for four decades, alongside a team of talented employees and best-in-class independent insurance agents, has given me a fulfilling and rewarding career. I am honored to accept the prestigious Jeff Yates Lifetime Achievement Award and I am pleased I was able to support The Big 'I,' which has an immense influence and impact on our industry and public policy," noted Murphy.
In addition to his roles at Selective, Murphy has served as a member of the board of directors of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and member of the board of overseers at St. John's University School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science. Murphy was one of the first company CEOs to join Trusted Choice® and invest in TrustedChoice.com. In addition, he has long supported Project Self Sufficiency and the Newton Medical Center Foundation.
For more information or a photo of Greg Murphy, please contact Sue Nester.
Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations united under the Trusted Choice® brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies.