Leadership Transition

October 7, 2024

Dear Members:

I wanted to share with you information I provided at our Fall 2024 Meeting in Arizona. After 21 years leading the NALC, I have decided it is time to step down and turn the reins over to a great new leader, Scott Harrison, at the end of the year.

This was not an easy decision for me since the NALC was my first client after leaving government service. I developed many great friendships during my tenure and cannot thank you all enough for the confidence showed in me, as well as the great memories.

As many of you know, I serve as President of McGuireWoods Consulting and practice law with the McGuireWoods Law Firm. I do a great deal of client work with state officials around the country, and also have a good bit of travel in my leadership role.  The consulting firm now has over 120 consultants in offices in eight states and Washington, DC.  Simply put – I need to cut back on the 25 travel days needed for NALC work to handle my other duties.

What makes this decision easier is that we have such a great in-house replacement in Scott Harrison.  The Board made a wise choice in elevating Scott.  Scott brings terrific knowledge of insurance issues, deep relationships with regulators, and an understanding of the role of small and mid-sized life and health insurers. He will lead the NALC to new heights.

The NALC has changed a great deal since I arrived in 2003. First of all, we are now in great financial shape, with assets over three times our annual expenses. This has allowed us to strengthen our outreach to important stakeholders and build the NALC’s profile. Other insurance trade groups seek to emulate our signature outreach and engagement with insurance regulators. We are a well-respected voice on important issues.

What hasn’t changed is the unparalleled member services and first-rate conferences we put on, directed by Dawn Bergsma, and commitment to doing things the right way for our companies and policyholders. Dawn remains a great asset for the NALC, and I cannot thank her enough for making my job easier.

I will continue to serve as Executive Director through the end of 2024, and Scott will begin his new duties on January 1, 2025. Looking forward to the next few months, and excited about the next chapter for the NALC.

Sincerely,

Jim Hodges