NEW YORK (January 9, 2024) –The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities and enriching lives, today announces that Wendy Houser, Chief Wholesale Officer at Markel Specialty, has been named Chair of IICF’s International Board of Governors.
Houser is currently responsible for leading the growth and success of Markel Specialty’s wholesale business. She has been an active supporter of the IICF and a leader in its Southeast Division for many years. The IICF Southeast Division achieved significant success throughout Houser’s three-year term as the Division Board Chair, from 2017 – 2019, with this division having contributed more than $8.5 million in community grants awarded since 2013. During her tenure, the Southeast Division expanded through the launch of the IICF Houston Associate Board.
Houser was the recipient of IICF’s 2022 IICF Southeast Philanthropic Leadership award and she helped to spearhead the IICF’s Step Up Challenge, a charitable initiative developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage people to walk together and exercise while raising funds for children and families in need. In addition to her extensive insurance industry experience, Houser also served nine years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve.
“The IICF plays a critical role in the insurance industry, rallying companies to unite in support of our communities and lending a hand up to our neighbors during their times of need,” said Houser. “I am honored to be selected as IICF’s next Board of Governors Chair and I look forward to building on the phenomenal work of my predecessors across the US and UK by expanding our reach to new communities and new ways to serve.”
Houser succeeds Hank Watkins, Regional Director and President, Americas, Lloyd’s, who served as Board of Governors Chair for the past three years. Among many notable accomplishments during his tenure, Watkins secured a $500,000 donation from Lloyd’s in support of the IICF’s Covid-19 Children’s Relief Fund. This remains the largest single donation to the IICF in its thirty year history.
“IICF is grateful for Hank’s extraordinary commitment to the IICF and his thoughtful guidance and leadership,” said Bill Ross, CEO of IICF. “Today, we are extremely excited to welcome Wendy to lead the IICF Board of Governors into our next decade of community impact. Wendy is an inspiring leader in our industry, challenging colleagues both at Markel and within the IICF to do more and think innovatively when it comes to giving back. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, we look forward to Wendy’s vision and dedication to making a lasting impactful in far-reaching ways.”
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF is celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of serving as the philanthropic voice and foundation of the insurance industry throughout 2024, having contributed more than $47 million in community grants along with over 337,000 volunteer hours by more than 125,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where funds are raised for maximum community impact, serving hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across the US and UK.
IICF is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at www.iicf.org or follow us on social media at: LinkedIn and Instagram
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