Awards & Recognition

This award recognizes an insurance company that has been of exceptional support to IIAN members. Nominees are qualified and chosen by IIAN member agencies, which rate their top carriers in seven categories and choose the best overall for the year.

• 2025 – Auto-Owners Insurance Company
• 2024 – Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
• 2023 – Imperial PFS
• 2022 – SFM Mutual Insurance
• 2021 – EMC Insurance
• 2020 – North Star Mutual
• 2019 – Nationwide
• 2018 – The IMT Group
• 2017 – Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
• 2016 – Continental Western Group
• 2015 – Auto-Owners Insurance
• 2014 – Iowa Mutual Insurance Company
• 2013 – FirstComp Insurance
• 2012 – EMC Insurance
• 2011 – The IMT Group
• 2010 – Auto-Owners Insurance
• 2009 – Columbia Insurance Group
• 2008 – Allied Insurance
• 2007 – Farmers Mutual of Nebraska

The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service as an IIAN committee chairman.

• 2025 – John V. Deardorff, Omaha – Legislative Committee
• 2024 – Zak Morken, Ogallala – Young Agents
• 2023 – Doug Brummels, Kearney – Spring Conference
• 2022 – Todd Anderson, York – Crop Insurance Committee
• 2021 – Vincent Christensen, St. Paul – InsurPac
• 2020 – Jon D. Hongsermeier, AIP, North Platte, – New Talent
• 2019 – Doug Brummels, Kearney – Annual Convention, NASC Board
• 2018 – John V. Deardorff, Omaha – Legislative Advisory Council
• 2017 – Zak Morken, Ogallala – Member Engagement
• 2016 – Rob Schmitt, Omaha – Trusted Choice
• 2015 – Lori Ruzicka, CIC, CISR, AAI, Omaha – Annual Convention
• 2014 – Michael J. Glaser, CPCU, ARM, Omaha – Board Development
• 2013 – Kathryn Kochenower, CIC, CRM, AIP, Gering – Professional Development
• 2012 – M. Thomas Greco, CPCU, CIC, Papillion – Public Relations
• 2011 – Mark B. Lisko, Omaha – NASC Board
• 2010 – Dee Sykora, AAI, AU, CPIW, Omaha – Annual Convention
• 2009 – Robert Hoppe, CPCU, AFIS – Legislative
• 2008 – Stephen Mason, Lincoln – NASC Board
• 2007 – David Chastain, CPCU, CLU, Omaha – Strategic Planning
• 2006 – Sandra Ryks, Papillion – Annual Convention
• 2006 – Renee Hennings, CISR, Blair – Annual Convention
• 2005 – Stacey Weiss, Elkhorn – Young Agents
• 2004 – Peggy Anderson, CIC, Hartington – Automation
• 2003 – Sandra Johnson, CIC, AAI, Lincoln – Legislative
• 2003 – Irwin Nelson, CIC, Ft. Calhoun – Legislative
• 2002 – M. Thomas Greco, CPCU, CIC, Papillion – Automation
• 2001 – Susan Broeker, CISR, Beaver City – Farm
• 2000 – John E. Bush, Omaha – Legislative
• 1999 – Lori L. Jensen, Omaha – Young Agents
• 1998 – Robert Hoppe, CPCU, AFIS, Columbus – Public Relations
• 1997 – Sheryl I. Hinton, CISR, Ogallala – Membership
• 1996 – James Pattavina, CPCU, CISR, Lincoln – Education
• 1995 – Stephen Mason, Lincoln – Non-Dues Income
• 1994 – Doug Steffensmeier, Beemer – Automation
• 1993 – Debra Peters, AAI, AAM, Lincoln – Young Agents
• 1992 – Virlene Schaffer, Lincoln – Membership
• 1991 – Sue Downey, CPCU, Omaha – Public Relations
• 1990 – Phil Harr, CLU, CPCU, McCook – Education
• 1989 – Don Killen, Lincoln – Legislative
• 1988 – Connie May, CPIW, Callaway – Membership
• 1987 – John F. Zimmer, III, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln – Strategic Planning
• 1986 – John E. Bush, Omaha – InsurPac
• 1985 – James Madron, McCook – Farm
• 1984 – Steve Morrow, AAI, Lincoln – Young Agents
• 1983 – Edward Copple, CPCU, Lincoln – Legislative
• 1982 – Darryl A. Johansen, CPCU, AAI – Education
• 1981 – Paul Friskopp, Shelton – Farm
• 1980 – Joe Bushey, Omaha – Membership
• 1979 – Brent Gilbert, Blair – Young Agents
• 1978 – Edward Copple, CPCU, Lincoln – Legislative
• 1977 – Dana M. Dannelly, CIC, Dodge – Farm

This award is voted on and presented by the IIAN membership, this award is given to an individual currently working in Nebraska who has done the most to promote the Big “I”, foster better company-agent relations, produce new business, and/or help agents provide superior service to their clients.

• 2025 – Sarah Zimmer, Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance
• 2024 – Ella Frazier, Auto-Owners Insurance Company
• 2023 – Adam Backer, NAU Country
• 2022 – Jeff Magee, MBA, CIC, RWCS, SFM Mutual Insurance
• 2021 – Rod Ulmer, CPCU, AU, EMC Insurance
• 2020 – Michelle Tiedeman, Auto-Owners
• 2019 – Jeffrey Ewen, Safeco Insurance
• 2018 – Josh Marshall, CPCU, ARM – Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
• 2017 – Nate Spurling – Auto-Owners Insurance Company
• 2016 – Laura Hays, CIC – Liberty Mutual
• 2015 – Ted Cremers – QBE NAU
• 2014 – Riley Tonkin, CPCU, CIC – EMC Ins. Companies
• 2013 – Steve Linbo – Markel FirstComp Insurance
• 2012 – Julie Richt – Liberty Mutual
• 2011 – Adam Crowe, AIC – North Star Mutual Ins. Co
• 2010 – Al Dillard – The IMT Group
• 2009 – Lynee Albright – AAA Nebraska
• 2008 – Andy Kraus, CPCU, AIC – Farmers Mutual of NE
• 2007 – Robert A. Bortz, CIC – Farmers Alliance Co
• 2006 – Steve Linbo – FirstComp Insurance
• 2005 – James Roche, CPCU – Le Mars Insurance
• 2005 – Eugene Peterson – United Fire Insurance Group
• 2004 – Jeffrey H. Allen, CIC – Columbia Insurance
• 2003 – Gary Taylor – Allied Insurance
• 2002 – Patti Massey – Progressive
• 2001 – Jim Headlee – Continental Western
• 2000 – Roger C. Nelson – North Star Companies
• 1999 – Lee Boelter – North Central Crop Insurance
• 1998 – Mark Linquist – Hawkeye Security
• 1997 – Darrin D. Warnock, AU – Ohio Casualty
• 1996 – Carol Miller, CIC – Omaha Property & Casualty
• 1995 – Eugene Peterson – United Fire & Casualty
• 1994 – Jo Ann Ross – General Casualty
• 1993 – J.B. Shockey – Cincinnati Insurance Company
• 1992 – William Everett, CPCU – Aetna Life and Casualty
• 1991 – Dave Becker – ITT Hartford
• 1990 – Karen Fish – Dairyland Insurance
• 1989 – Wayen Larson, CPCU – USF & G
• 1988 – Gary Baumann, CPCU – Farmers Mutual
• 1987 – Jeff Scanlan, CPCU – Cornhusker Casualty Co
• 1986 – Steve Linbo, CIC – Cornhusker Casualty Co
• 1985 – Howard C. Gebhardt – Cornhusker Casualty Co
• 1984 – Jeffrey H. Allen, CIC – National American
• 1983 – Jack Immell – Cornhusker Casualty Company
• 1982 – Howard C. Gebhardt – Cornhusker Casualty Co
• 1981 – Thomas Engelhardt – American States
• 1980 – John Deardorff – Aetna Life & Casualty
• 1979 – John E. Lewis – Aetna Life & Casualty
• 1978 – Frank E. Cochran – Hartford Steam Boiler
• 1977 – Gene Andrew – Universal/Inland Group
• 1976 – Howard C. Gebhardt – USF&G/Cornhusker Casualty Co
• 1975 – Ronald M. Hartman – Great American
• 1974 – Edwin C. Boehmer – Cornhusker Casualty Co
• 1973 – Gerald Herron – Continental Insurance Company
• 1972 – William D. Bisson – USF & G
• 1971 – Jack R. Cory, CPCU – St. Paul Companies

The Distinguished Service Award is presented by the IIAN President for exemplary service given to the Association.

• 2025 – Robert L. Hoppe, CPCU, AFIS, Columbus
• 2024 – Rod Muench, Omaha
• 2023 – Mike Keegan, Kansas City, MO
• 2022 – Derek Wright, Omaha
• 2021 – John V. Deardorff, Omaha
• 2020 – Dee M. Sykora, AAI, AU, AINS, Omaha
• 2019 – Robert L. Hoppe, CPCU, AFIS, Columbus
• 2018 – James A. Steider
• 2017 – Philip Winkelmann, Omaha
• 2016 – Stephen A. Mason, Lincoln
• 2015 – Todd D. Anderson
• 2014 – John V. Deardorff, Omaha
• 2013 – David R. Chastain, CPCU, CLU, Omaha
• 2012 – Mark B. Lisko, Omaha
• 2011 – Danforth Loring Jr., CPCU, Omaha
• 2010 – Robert L. Hoppe, CPCU, AFIS, Columbus
• 2009 – Kathryn Kochenower, CIC, CRM, AIP, Gering
• 2008 – Irwin H. Nelson, CIC, Ft. Calhoun
• 2007 – Sandra Johnson, CIC, AAI, Lincoln
• 2007 – Larry Palmer, Omaha
• 2006 – Curtis E. Smith, AFIS, LUTCF, North Platte
• 2005 – Kathryn Gosch, LUTCF, Springfield
• 2004 – Stephen A. Mason, Lincoln
• 2002 – Todd Mundhenke, Ainsworth
• 2001 – John E. Bush, Omaha
• 2001 – Stephen A. Mason, Lincoln
• 2000 – M. Thomas Greco, CPCU, CIC, Papillion
• 2000 – Dee M. Sykora, AAI, AU, AINS, Omaha
• 1999 – Sheryl I. Hinton, CISR, Ogallala
• 1997 – Michael Glaser, CPCU, ARM, Omaha
• 1997 – M. Thomas Greco, CPCU, CIC, Papillion
• 1996 – Deb Peters, AAI, AAM, Lincoln
• 1995 – Norbert E. Sukovaty, Lincoln
• 1994 – Michael Glaser, CPCU, ARM, Omaha
• 1994 – Allen Niedbalski, CIC, Columbus
• 1993 – Deborah Drewel, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1993 – Sandra Johnson, CIC, AAI, Lincoln
• 1993 – Richard H. Oehlerking, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1992 – William A. Brown, AAI, CIC, Grand Island
• 1992 – James C. Kahrhoff, CPCU, Grand Island
• 1992 – Todd Mundhenke, Ainsworth
• 1992 – Walter R. Nabity, CIC, Omaha
• 1991 – Patrick W. Thomas, CIC, Sutherland
• 1990 – Connie May, CPIW, Callaway
• 1990 – Thomas L. Tideman, Hartington
• 1989 – John F. Zimmer III, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln
• 1988 – Darryl A. Johansen, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln
• 1987 – Mark Boettcher Jr., Columbus
• 1987 – Ed Boehmer, Omaha
• 1987 – Edward Copple, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1986 – Joseph Elliott, Omaha
• 1986 – Paul Friskopp, Shelton
• 1986 – Thomas F. McGowan, Omaha
• 1986 – John F. Zimmer III, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln
• 1985 – Howard C. Gebhardt
• 1984 – Joseph A. Genoa, Auburn
• 1984 – Jack A. Hill, Omaha
• 1984 – Darryl A. Johansen, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln
• 1984 – Chester C. Linder, Broken Bow
• 1983 – William Brannen, York
• 1983 – Dale F. Starr, Fairbury
• 1982 – John Atkinson, Scottsbluff
• 1982 – Robert Marshall, Lincoln
• 1981 – Lee K. Clarke, CPCU, York
• 1981 – Elbert Mundhenke, Ainsworth
• 1981 – Francis J. Skupa, Campbell
• 1980 – Marlene J. Manning, Lincoln
• 1980 – Scott E. Nelson, York
• 1980 – Ken Olsen, Lincoln
• 1979 – Fred A. Fletcher, Norfolk
• 1979 – James Madron, Alliance
• 1979 – Quentin Z. Mortensen, Albion
• 1979 – Orville Shigley, Omaha
• 1978 – Joe Bushey, Omaha
• 1978 – Brent Gilbert, Blair
• 1978 – George C. Martin, Fremont
• 1978 – Elbert Mundhenke, Ainsworth
• 1977 – Fred A. Fletcher, Norfolk
• 1977 – Jerry G. Frieze, Columbus
• 1977 – C. Robert Jeffrey, Omaha
• 1977 – Chester C. Linder, Broken Bow
• 1977 – Danforth Loring Jr., CPCU, Omaha
• 1976 – George G. Barker, Omaha
• 1976 – John D. Bush, Omaha
• 1976 – Dana M. Dannelly, Dodge
• 1976 – George C. Martin, Fremont
• 1975 – Joseph Barker Jr., Omaha
• 1975 – Quentin Z. Mortensen, Albion
• 1974 – John Atkinson, Scottsbluff
• 1974 – Fred A. Fletcher, Norfolk
• 1974 – Eugene Schaffer, Lincoln
• 1973 – James W. Anderson, Kearney
• 1973 – Mark Boettcher Jr., Columbus
• 1973 – Marvin L. Lyman, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1971 – Clifford F. Pentico, Pierce
• 1970 – John Atkinson, Scottsbluff
• 1970 – Mark Boettcher Jr., Columbus
• 1969 – Lee K. Clarke, CPCU, York
• 1969 – Robert C. Reynolds, Lincoln
• 1969 – Carl A. Sanderson, Hastings
• 1968 – Donald J. Harr, McCook
• 1967 – Jesse Benson, Wymore
• 1967 – John D. Bush, Omaha
• 1967 – Edward Copple, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1967 – Albert J. Meyers, Holdrege
• 1966 – Danforth Loring Sr., Omaha
• 1966 – Thomas L. Miller, Lincoln
• 1966 – Ralph E. Potts, Columbus
• 1966 – Vincent A. Thomas, Sutherland
• 1965 – James W. Anderson, Kearney
• 1964 – Morris D. Patton, Norfolk
• 1964 – Francis J. Skupa, Campbell
• 1964 – Vincent A. Thomas, Sutherland
• 1963 – Gordon Gross, Omaha
• 1963 – Danforth Loring Sr., Omaha
• 1963 – Robert A. Sherwood, Lincoln
• 1962 – Lloyd E. Peterson, Omaha
• 1962 – Lawrence Rossiter, Hartington
• 1961 – Edward Copple, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1961 – Hal A. Pierce, Ord
• 1961 – Dale F. Starr, Fairbury
• 1960 – Leo J. Beck Jr., Lincoln
• 1960 – Robert M. Byrne, Omaha
• 1960 – George Cowton, Grand Island
• 1960 – Gordon Gross, Omaha
• 1960 – Francis J. Skupa, Campbell
• 1959 – George W. Babcock Sr., Chadron
• 1959 – Joseph Barker Jr., Omaha
• 1959 – Edward Copple, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1959 – Robert C. Crowl, CPCU, Omaha
• 1958 – Stephen M. Davis, Plattsmouth
• 1958 – Gerald W. Raschke, Omaha
• 1958 – Sutton Hice, York
• 1957 – George G. Barker, Omaha
• 1957 – Alfred E. Bechner, Lincoln
• 1957 – Lawrence C. Coy, Lincoln
• 1957 – Carroll S. Morrow, Kearney
• 1956 – John J. Jack Brittan, Alliance
• 1956 – Paul G. Gordon, Grand Island
• 1956 – Fred Gund, Crawford
• 1956 – Sutton Hice, York
• 1956 – Paul C. Morgan, Hay Springs
• 1955 – George G. Barker, Omaha
• 1955 – E.P. Gaines, Broken Bow
• 1955 – Paul C. Huston, Grand Island
• 1955 – Kenneth J. Lahrs, Fremont
• 1955 – Charles W. Martin, Omaha
• 1955 – Robert R. Penner, Beatrice
• 1955 – Earle L. Ritner, North Platte
• 1955 – Willis J. Robinson, Sidney
• 1954 – Leo J. Beck Jr., Lincoln
• 1954 – Mark Boettcher Jr., Columbus
• 1954 – V. James Harr, McCook
• 1954 – William H. Naggs, Omaha
• 1954 – Jack B. Red Norris, Hastings
• 1954 – Earl R. Wilson, Lincoln
• 1953 – Lee K. Clarke, CPCU, York
• 1953 – Arnold Crowles, Imperial
• 1953 – George Cowton, Grand Island
• 1953 – Claus Freberg, Lyons
• 1953 – Wendell Groth, Lincoln
• 1953 – Charles W. Martin, Omaha
• 1953 – Joe Morten Jr., South Sioux City
• 1953 – Paul Toombs, Omaha
• 1952 – Arnold Crowles, Imperial
• 1952 – Lawrence C. Coy, Lincoln
• 1952 – Wayman E. May, Cozad
• 1952 – Roy D. Raitt, Ainsworth
• 1952 – Kenneth F. Schenck, Omaha
• 1951 – A.F. Blackburn, CPCU, Grand Island
• 1951 – Robert M. Byrne, Omaha
• 1951 – Lee K. Clarke, CPCU, York
• 1951 – Clyde F. Coy, Lincoln
• 1951 – James D. Fenimore, Scottsbluff
• 1951 – Claus Freberg, Lyons
• 1951 – Merlin R. Garey, Edison
• 1951 – Herbert R. Walt, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1951 – Richard Stephens Sr., Grand Island
• 1951 – Paul Toombs, Omaha
• 1950 – Warren R. Barney, Kearney
• 1950 – A.F. Blackburn, CPCU, Grand Island
• 1950 – Robert M. Byrne, Omaha
• 1950 – John G. Jack Elliot, Scottsbluff
• 1950 – E.A. Fitzpatrick, Omaha
• 1950 – John A. Henley, Falls City
• 1950 – A.D. McCallum, Wauneta
• 1950 – Arthur Pinkerton, CPCU, Omaha
• 1950 – Herbert R. Walt, CPCU, Lincoln

Current National Director

Todd Anderson, York
Todd Anderson Insurance Agency

Past National Directors

• 2020-2023 – Debra J. Schilz, CIC, Ogallala
• 2014-2020 – Mark B. Lisko, Omaha
• 2008-2014 – John V. Deardorff, Omaha
• 2002-2008 – M. Thomas Greco, CPCU, CIC, Papillion
• 1996-2002 – Todd G. Mundhenke, Ainsworth
• 1993-1996 – Thomas L. Tideman, Hartington
• 1987-1993 – John F. Zimmer, III, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln
• 1978-1987 – Thomas F. McGowan, Omaha
• 1973-1978 – George C. Martin, Fremont
• 1970-1973 – James W. Anderson, Kearney
• 1967-1970 – Mark A. Boettcher, Columbus
• 1963-1967 – Jesse Benson, Wymore
• 1960-1963 – Danforth Loring, Sr., Omaha – 1967 National President
• 1957-1960 – Leo J. Beck, Jr., Lincoln
• 1953-1957 – George G. Barker, Omaha
• 1950-1953 – Robert M. Byrne, Omaha
• 1948-1950 – Herbert R. Walt, CPCU, Lincoln
• 1948 – Richard E. Stephens, Sr., Grand Island

The Outstanding CSR of the Year award is given to an insurance professional who has distinguished themselves through their commitment and contributions to the industry.

The competition, run by The Risk and Insurance Education Alliance, is open to any insurance customer service representatives, account managers or candidates primarily responsible for customer service.

Nebraska’s Outstanding CSR of the Year Award Winners

• 2025 – RaNae Calder, Beef State Agency, Crawford
• 2024 – Kim Hongsermeier, CISR Elite, Adams Insurance Advisors, Sutherland
• 2023 – Katie Shipp, CISR, CAWC, Dodge Partners, Omaha — 2023 NATIONAL OCSRY WINNER
• 2022 – Catherine Schuett, First Insurance Group-FNIC, Omaha
• 2021 – Stephanie Wegner, Silver Stone Group/HUB International, Omaha

2025 – Amy Hruska, ACPRIA, API, AIS, AINS, CISR Elite, Omaha
2024 – Doug Brummels, Kearney
2023 – Zak Morken, Ogallala
2022 – Vincent Christensen, St. Paul
2021 – Peggy McDonald, Stratton
2020 – Todd Anderson, York
2019 – Sandra Ryks, Bellevue
2018 – J. Greg Zimmer, Lincoln
2017 – Krae E. Dutoit, Grand Island
2016 – Michael E. Jones, CIC, David City
2015 – Philip F. Winkelmann, Omaha
2014 – Dee Sykora, AAI, AU, CPIW, Omaha
2013 – Lisa Laday-Davis, CPCU, ARM-P, ARe, Omaha
2012 – Ritch A. Nelson, LUTCF, Fort Calhoun
2011 – Edward S. Mark, AFIS, LUTCF, Exeter
2010 – Jerry Jensen, Grand Island
2009 – Mark Lisko*, Omaha
2008 – Kathryn Kochenower, CIC, CRM, AIP, Gering
2007 – Debra Schilz, CIC, CISR, Ogallala
2006 – Michael Glaser, CPCU, ARM, Omaha
2005 – James R. Peterson, CIC, Eagle
2004 – John Deardorff, Omaha
2003 – Robert L. Hoppe, CPCU, AFIS, Columbus
2002 – Douglas Steffensmeier, Beemer
2001 – Allen J. Niedbalski, CIC, Columbus
2000 – Irwin H. Nelson, CIC*, Ft. Calhoun
1999 – M. Thomas Greco, CPCU, CIC, Papillion
1998 – C.E. Tim Haley, LUTCF, Norfolk
1997 – James G. Zimmer, AAI*, Lincoln
1996 – Samuel V. Thomas, CIC, North Platte
1995 – Richard H. Oehlerking, CPCU*, Lincoln
1994 – Todd G. Mundhenke, Ainsworth
1993 – Jeffrey J. Schneider, CIC, LUTCF, Columbus
1992 – John E. Bush, Omaha
1991 – William A. Brown, CIC, AAI, Grand Island
1990 – Patrick W. Thomas, CIC, Sutherland
1989 – Thomas L. Tideman*, Hartington
1988 – Vi Kuhl*, Lincoln
1987 – D. Arnie Johansen, CPCU, AAI, Lincoln
1986 – Jerry G. Frieze, Columbus
1985 – John F. Zimmer III, CPCU, AAI*, Lincoln
1984 – Roger C. Nelson*, Lincoln
1983 – Douglas G. Durbin, AAI, Omaha
1982 – James C. Kahrhoff, CPCU, Grand Island
1981 – Chester C. Linder*, Broken Bow
1980 – John M. Atkinson, CIC, Scottsbluff
1979 – Robert C. Reynolds*, Lincoln
1978 – Del W. Ryder*, Grand Island
1977 – Thomas F. McGowan, Omaha
1976 – Donald J. Harr*, McCook
1975 – John D. Bush*, Omaha
1974 – A.J. Bud Meyers*, Holdrege
1973 – Robert A. Sherwood*, Lincoln
1972 – George C. Martin*, Fremont
1971 – C. Robert Jeffrey*, Omaha
1970 – James W. Anderson, Kearney*
1969 – Gordon Gross*, Omaha
1968 – Vincent A. Thomas*, Sutherland
1967 – Morris D. Patton*, Norfolk
1966 – Mark A. Boettcher, Jr.*, Columbus
1965 – Raymond C. Hansen*, Blair
1964 – Robert C. Crowl, CPCU*, Omaha
1963 – Donald F. Newville*, Lincoln
1962 – Jesse Benson*, Wymore
1961 – Kenneth F. Schenck*, Omaha
1960 – John J. Jack Brittan*, Alliance
1959 – Jack B. Norris*, Hastings
1958 – Leo J. Beck, Jr.*, Lincoln
1957 – Fred Barker*, Nebraska City
1956 – George G. Barker*, Omaha
1955 – Charles A. Kahrhoff, CPCU*, Grand Island
1954 – Robert M. Byrne*, Omaha
1953 – J.G. Jack Elliot*, Scottsbluff
1952 – Ben Joyce*, Lincoln
1951 – Arthur W. Pinkerton, CPCU*, Omaha
1950 – M.A. Bid Boettcher*, Columbus
1949 – Herbert R. Walt, CPCU*, Lincoln
1948 – Herbert R. Walt, CPCU*, Lincoln
1948 – George X. Smith*, Lincoln
1947 – Richard W. Stephens, Sr* Grand Island
1946 – Richard W. Walker, CPCU*, Omaha
1945 – C.M. Cy Reed*, Beatrice
1944 – Irving R. Zerzan*, Omaha
1943 – M.G. Mutt Volz*, Lincoln
1942 – Earle L. Ritner*, North Platte
1941 – Joseph Barker, Jr.*, Omaha
1940 – Everett L. Dawson*, Lincoln
1939 – Carroll S. Morrow*, Kearney
1938 – L. Cecil Simpson*, Fairbury
1937 – George Cowton*, Grand Island
1936 – George Cowton*, Grand Island
1935 – Arthur B. Dunbar*, Omaha
1934 – Philip W. Downs*, Omaha
1933 – Roscoe C. Alexander*, Omaha
1932 – J.B. Hillers*, Hastings
1931 – C.T. Flower*, Grand Island
1930 – E.M. Porterfield*, Grand Island
1929 – A.H. Berbig*, Kearney
1928 – C.J. Cash Reynolds*, Fremont
1925 – C.T. Flower*, Grand Island
1924 – J.H. Steel*, Hastings
1923 – Frank T.B. Martin*, Omaha
1922 – Frank T.B. Martin*, Omaha
1921 – Samuel C. Waugh*, Lincoln
1917 – Fred Walt*, Lincoln
1916 – C.T. Flower*, Grand Island

New in 2005, this award is presented to a living individual who has achieved national prominence and made a major contribution to the health, prosperity, education, and/or well being of the citizens of Nebraska.

• 2021 – Hon. Bruce R. Ramge, Director of Insurance, State of Nebraska
• 2017 – Hannah Huston, Third Place Winner, “The Voice”
• 2015 – Jeff Raikes, Raikes Foundation
• 2009 – Clayton C. Anderson, NASA Astronaut
• 2007 – Christina M. Hixson, Trustee, Lied Foundation Trust
• 2006 – Sen. E. Benjamin Nelson, U.S. Senate (NE)
• 2005 – Hon. Tom Osborne, U.S. House of Representatives (NE)

This award is presented to the agent (45 years or younger having six or fewer years insurance experience), who has demonstrated dedication to his/her profession by involvement in national, state or local association activities, personal efforts to further himself/herself as an insurance professional, skills in selling insurance, and involvement in community activities.

• 2025 – Samantha Laue, Beatrice
• 2024 – Alex Weiss, Kearney
• 2023 – Katie Shipp, CISR, CAWC, Omaha
• 2022 – Kelly Brink, AIP, Omaha
• 2021 – Jon Hongsermeier, AIP, North Platte
• 2020 – Brian Bradley, Lincoln
• 2019 – Zak Morken, Ogallala
• 2018 – Michael Luna, Omaha
• 2017 – Dustin Kowalewski, Omaha
• 2016 – Elliot Bassett, AIP, Omaha
• 2015 – Vincent Christensen, St. Paul
• 2014 – Nicole L. Ostrander, Lincoln
• 2013 – Jamie Gustafson, Central City
• 2012 – Gary Wagner, AAI, AIC, CPSR, Omaha
• 2011 – Lori Ruzicka, CISR, Omaha
• 2010 – Andrew C. Bassett, CPCU, CIC, Omaha
• 2009 – Crystal Lessert, AIP, Morrill
• 2008 – Sean D. Chastain, CIC, Omaha
• 2007 – Erica Tucker, CISR, Eagle
• 2006 – Sandra Ryks, Papillion
• 2005 – Kathryn Kochenower, CIC, Gering
• 2004 – Lori A. Spall, Valentine
• 2003 – Jeffery Noble, Albion
• 2002 – Lorrie Painter, Omaha
• 2001 – Renee Hennings, CISR, Omaha
• 2000 – David A. Chally, Kearney
• 1999 – Peggy L. Anderson, CIC, Laurel
• 1998 – Mark Lisko, Omaha
• 1997 – Lori L. Jensen, Omaha
• 1996 – Bob Isaacson, AAI, Holdrege
• 1995 – Ritch A. Nelson, LUTCF, Omaha
• 1994 – Debra Peters, AAI, AAM, Lincoln
• 1993 – James E. Spitsen, CIC, ARM, Lincoln
• 1992 – Debra Peters, AAI, AAM, Lincoln
• 1991 – Michael Glaser, CPCU, ARM, Omaha
• 1990 – Allen J. Niedbalski, CIC, Columbus
• 1989 – Jay Huston, CIC, Grand Island
• 1988 – Mark Linder, AAI, Broken Bow
• 1987 – Mark Kolterman, Seward
• 1986 – Steve Morrow, AAI, Lincoln
• 1985 – David Maurstad, Beatrice
• 1984 – Allen J. Niedbalski, CIC, Columbus
• 1983 – Mark A. McCue, Grand Island
• 1982 – John E. Bush, Omaha
• 1981 – James C. Madron, Alliance
• 1980 – Scott Nelson, York
• 1979 – Daniel D. Hartman, AAI, Kearney
• 1978 – Danforth Loring, Jr., CPCU, Omaha
• 1977 – Joseph P. Finn, CPCU, York
• 1976 – James C. Kahrhoff, CPCU, Grand Island
• 1975 – Roger C. Nelson, Lincoln