Current Director of the Illinois Council of NAIW:

Viola Lashley - (2007-2008)

Viola Lashley Biography

Viola Lashley, Illinois Council Director, has been a member of the National Association of Insurance Women (NAIW) since October, 1993. She is currently a member of the Chicago Association of Insurance Professionals (CAIP). She has worked in the insurance industry since 1978 and began her insurance career as the secretary to the Casualty Manager at General Accident Insurance. She is currently a Senior Underwriter at Wausau Insurance Company.

Viola has earned the CPCU and AU insurance designations and has completed two parts of the ARM program. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University in 2004 and received an MBA in Risk Mgmt & Insurance from Walden University in July, 2007. Viola received her CPIW designation in 1997 and has held an Illinois Producer’s license since 1987 for Accident & Health, Life, Fire and Casualty Insurance.

As an NAIW member, she has served in various positions at the local, state and regional level and on various National committees. For example, she has served as Budget & Finance chairperson, correspondence Secretary and as Chairperson for the Legislative and nominating committees. She received the Rookie of the Year award in 1995. She has completed numerous NAIW sponsored courses and competed in the CWC speak-off in 1998.

Additionally, she has served on the Nominating Committee at both the local and regional level. She has attended numerous State, Regional and National conferences and co-chaired the Hospitality Committee at the Illinois State Meeting in 1999. Furthermore, she was credentials chair for the Illinois State Meeting in 2000 and most recently served as President of CAIP in 2005 and 2006.

A former toastmaster member, Viola received the Competent Toastmaster Designation in 2000 and has been a member of the Chicago Chapter CPCU since 1995.

Viola has been married for 29 years. She and her husband have three children and five grandchildren. Viola is a member of Life Christian Center, Intl and is an active member of the church. Since finishing her degree, Viola has been relaxing and spending time with family and friends, visiting local associations and carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Illinois Council Director.

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Past Directors:

2006-2007 Mary Wolding
2005-2006 Tamra Forth
2004-2005 Tamra Forth
2003-2004 Elizabeth (Beti) Luttrell
2002-2003 Mary Wolding
2001-2002 Vilma Milan
2000-2001 Beatrice Grant
1999-2000 Judy Hanson
1998-1999 Harriet Kulas
1997-1998 Karen Bird
1996-1997 Sandra Knowles
1995-1996 Unknown
1994-1995 Margie Ritchter
1993-1994 Andrea Mitchel
1992-1993 Unknown
1991-1992 Carol Ponder

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