On Tuesday, May 17th, at the VTAIP Annual Meeting, NEEE President Todd Wood was pleased to announce the first annual Mari Schaarschmidt Service Award. This award is given in honor of Mari and her legacy of community service and organizational involvement.
Mari began her insurance career in 1969 in Germany. In 1981 Mari joined her husband Ralf to build New England Excess Exchange, an MGA based in Barre. In addition to growing the MGA, Mari spent her free time giving back through involvement on many national and state insurance boards and non-profit organizations.
Mari’s experience includes: Treasurer, New England Surplus Lines Association; President, Institute of Professional Practice; Co-Chair, Communications Committee for AAMGA; and Member, Membership and Ethics Committee - NAPSLO; among others. Locally, Mari held seats as a Committee Bylaws Chairperson and State Public Relations Chairperson for the Vermont Association of Insurance Women. In the non-profit sector Mari formerly held the role of Executive Director of the Vermont State March of Dimes and regularly supported Doctors Without Borders.
The award is presented to a candidate who exemplifies a commitment to service within the insurance industry and through community initiatives. The nominee will receive an honor plaque and $250 to donate to a local non-profit of their choice.
The recipient of the first annual Mari Schaarschmidt Service Award is Pat Murray, who has shown dedication to community service and volunteering over many years. To name just a few of these accomplishments:
- Auxiliary Member at the Local VFW Post, assisting with events to raise funds supporting the needs of veterans.
- Volunteer for Ladies Ride for Breast Cancer, raising funds for a breast cancer patient in need of financial support.
- Service on the board of the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program, a non-profit whose main objective is to solicit public feedback and identify fire setters.
- And finally, achieving a whopping 13 designations throughout her insurance career.
Congratulations Pat and well deserved!
