Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame

10/30/2026

The 2026 Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame celebration may have just wrapped up, but we’re already looking ahead to our next class of honorees! Nominations are now open through June 1, 2027.

Know someone who has made a significant impact on the insurance industry, has a strong Iowa connection, serves as a role model, demonstrates the highest standards of ethical conduct, and gives back to their community? We’d love to hear their story.

Review the criteria and submit your nomination here: https://iihof.org/hall-of-fame/nominations/.

Submit Nomination Nominations are open through June 1, 2027 To be eligible for consideration, nominees must: Have significantly impacted the insurance industry Have an Iowa connection Serve as a role model for young people and others in the industry Exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct H...

10/15/2026

The room was full of energy, stories, and well-earned recognition. Now, the recap is officially here.

Professional photos from this year’s Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Celebration are ready to view. Whether you were on stage, raising a glass in the crowd, or catching up with longtime peers, check out the moments that made the night memorable.

👉 View and download the gallery:

Professional photos from the 2026 Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

10/06/2026

The stage is set for an incredible evening at the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Celebration!

Looking forward to celebrating this year’s inductees for their lasting impact on our industry, and equally excited to recognize the outstanding scholarship recipients who represent the next generation of leadership and talent.

Proud to be here with colleagues and friends from across the state. Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees and future leaders!

09/30/2026

As we gather next week to celebrate the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and recognize this year's scholarship recipients, we want to recognize the organizations whose generosity makes this evening possible.

Thank you to our sponsors for your continued support of the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame and its mission. We are grateful for your partnership, your investment in future industry leaders, and your commitment to strengthening the insurance profession across Iowa.

View the organizations whose support makes this event possible at: https://iihof.org/hall-of-fame/sponsors/

09/28/2026

Over 350 attendees are expected at this year's Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Celebration as we recognize our 2026 inductees and scholarship recipients. Don't miss this special evening of honoring excellence and supporting the next generation of insurance leaders. Registration ends today!

Join Iowa’s insurance industry leaders as we recognize those who have made a lasting impact on our industry.

09/21/2026

At the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame, our mission is more than a tagline. It's a commitment.

Each year, we celebrate today by honoring leaders whose vision, service, and contributions have shaped Iowa's insurance industry through induction into the Hall of Fame.

We also build for tomorrow through our scholarship program, investing in the next generation of leaders who will carry our industry forward.

This year, we are proud to recognize 11 outstanding scholarship recipients, whose hard work, academic achievement, and leadership potential reflect a bright future for Iowa and the insurance profession.

Learn more about our 2026 scholarship recipients at: https://iihof.org/scholarships/scholarship-recipients/

09/15/2026

2026 Inductee Profile #4 - Arthur C. Schneider

https://iihof.org/recipients/arthur-schneider-2026/

Arthur Schneider was a Certified Public Accountant and nationally recognized authority on insurance company taxation whose career influenced the insurance industry in Iowa and across the country. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Purdue University, a Master of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University, and a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University. He became a CPA in 1976 and received the Elijah Watt Sells certificate for earning one of the highest CPA exam scores in Illinois.

Schneider spent the first 24 years of his career with KPMG, where he focused on the complex specialty of insurance company taxation. He became a partner after 10 years and later managed the Insurance Tax group in KPMG’s Washington National Tax office. In that role, he oversaw technical and quality control matters for the firm’s nationwide insurance tax practice and became widely recognized as a leader on insurance tax issues.

In 2000, Schneider joined Transamerica in Cedar Rapids as Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer. His work at Transamerica created a strong Iowa connection and placed him at the center of tax strategy and policy for one of the nation’s leading insurance organizations. He became a trusted resource for insurance executives, tax professionals, actuaries, policymakers, and regulators because of his technical expertise, fairness, and ability to explain complex issues clearly.

Schneider’s influence extended through his work with the American Council of Life Insurers, where he helped shape industry positions on important tax and regulatory matters. He was involved in national discussions affecting insurance taxation, including issues arising during consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. After retiring from Transamerica, he continued contributing to the industry as a consultant to the American Council of Life Insurers until health challenges forced his retirement in early 2023.

A frequent speaker, writer, and editor, Schneider contributed to major insurance tax conferences and professional publications. During his career, he wrote or coauthored numerous articles, edited KPMG’s Federal Taxation of Insurance Companies treatise, and served as a long-time editor of Taxing Times, a Society of Actuaries publication. His commitment to accuracy, clarity, and principled analysis earned him broad respect across the profession.

Schneider was also known as a mentor and role model who valued curiosity, collaboration, and professional excellence. He encouraged others to ask why, understand the reasoning behind decisions, and continually look for better ways to serve their organizations and the industry. His induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame honors his Iowa-based leadership at Transamerica, his high ethical standards, and his enduring impact on insurance professionals nationwide.

Arthur C. Schneider 2026 Arthur Schneider was a Certified Public Accountant and nationally recognized authority on insurance company taxation whose career influenced the insurance industry in Iowa and across the country. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Purdue University...

09/08/2026

2026 Inductee Profile #3 - Terry Friedman

https://iihof.org/recipients/terry-friedman-2026/

Terry Friedman spent more than 40 years with Friedman Insurance Group, later part of the LMC Group, where he helped build one of eastern Iowa’s respected independent agencies. He was involved in every facet of the agency and contributed to its growth in both revenue and reputation. From 2004 through 2020, Friedman served as President and CEO, guiding the agency with a strong focus on technical excellence, client service, and professional integrity.

Friedman earned a bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, and has held the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation since 1997. His Iowa insurance career has been defined by leadership, education, and service to the independent agency system. He served on the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI) from 2006 to 2019 and was the organization’s president from 2017 to 2018.

His industry leadership also includes service as a committee member and past chair of the IIAI Technical and Industry Affairs Committee for the past 25 years and continues to serve on the committee. He also participated as the Iowa representative with the Mid-American Insurance Conference, a national organization that makes recommendations to improve insurance policies, where he served on the board for 10 years, and as chair of the conference. Friedman also served on the State of Iowa Workers Compensation Appeal Board, where he contributed insurance expertise to issues affecting Iowa employers and workers.

He continues his industry service as a faculty member for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) “Ask an Expert” forum.

Throughout his career, Friedman has been and continues to be a resource for agents. His approach emphasized not only technical knowledge, but also the importance of honesty, integrity, and sound judgment in the insurance profession. Many agents have benefited from his willingness to answer questions, share expertise, and help them see the value of a career in insurance.

Friedman’s commitment to service extended well beyond his agency and professional associations. He has been a board member and has held leadership roles with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Friends of St. Mary’s/Steeple Square, Martita Theisen Childcare Center, Sisters of St. Francis Charitable Trust, Briar Cliff University, Divine Word College, and Stonehill Franciscan Services. In 2020, he and his wife, Paula, were recognized by the Dubuque Telegraph Herald as Dubuque’s First Citizens of the Year for their service to the community.

Friedman’s induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes his Iowa roots, decades of leadership in the independent agency system, commitment to ethical practice, and lasting role as a mentor to insurance professionals across the state.

Terry Friedman 2026 Terry Friedman spent more than 40 years with Friedman Insurance Group, later part of the LMC Group, where he helped build one of eastern Iowa’s respected independent agencies. He was involved in every facet of the agency and contributed to its growth in both revenue and reputat...

09/04/2026

2026 Inductee Profile #2 - David O. Creighton, Sr.

https://iihof.org/recipients/david-creighton-sr-2026/

David O. Creighton, Sr. served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962 before beginning a career that would make him a respected figure in the Iowa insurance community. After earlier entrepreneurial experience as the owner of David O’s diner, Creighton entered the insurance industry in 1971 and spent nearly five decades serving clients, building agencies, and advancing the profession.

Creighton became known as a customer-focused agency leader with a strong belief in education, service, and professional excellence. In 1988, he consolidated multiple agencies into The Bryton Companies, creating an organization designed to preserve local relationships while giving agencies stronger operational support. The model helped agencies remain connected to their communities while expanding the range of expertise and services available to clients.

Over the course of his career, Creighton earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designations. He was recognized as a PIA Agent of the Year and was active in the Professional Insurance Agents organization. His industry involvement included service as part of PIA delegations to Washington, D.C., where he advocated for insurance issues affecting carriers, agencies, and policyholders.

Creighton’s Iowa connection was reflected not only through his agency work, but also through his public service. He served 18 years on the IPERS Investment Board, helping guide and protect retirement funds for public employees across Iowa. He also served 12 years on the Iowa State Cosmetology Board, contributing regulatory oversight and leadership outside the insurance profession.

His community involvement was wide-ranging. Creighton was a long-standing member of Hyperion Field Club and helped bring professional women’s golf tournaments to central Iowa. Those events raised significant charitable support and helped showcase Des Moines as a host community for major golf events. He also dedicated many years to mentoring and supporting others through recovery programs, leaving a legacy of encouragement, steadiness, and service.

Creighton was remembered by those around him as a visionary, mentor, and role model whose enthusiasm for serving others shaped his professional and personal life. His induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame honors a career grounded in Iowa service, high ethical standards, and a lasting commitment to helping clients, colleagues, and community members succeed.

David O. Creighton, Sr. 2026 David O. Creighton, Sr. served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962 before beginning a career that would make him a respected figure in the Iowa insurance community. After earlier entrepreneurial experience as the owner of David O’s diner, Creighton entered the...

08/24/2026

2026 Inductee Profile #1 - Ronald Boyd

https://iihof.org/recipients/ronald-boyd-2026/

Ronald Boyd graduated from Drake University in 1974 with a business degree focused on insurance and marketing and went on to build a career that helped shape the future of a regional property and casualty insurer. He began his insurance career at Continental Western, where he worked as an underwriter and advanced into regional management. He later led insurance agency operations in Minnesota for Norwest Bank before joining Midwest Family Mutual in 1991.

When Boyd arrived at Midwest Family Mutual, the company wrote approximately $9 million in home and auto premium across Minnesota and Wisconsin. He brought a broader vision for the organization, including an expansion into commercial lines and a growth strategy that eventually moved the company into Iowa and Nebraska in 1997. Over the next several decades, Midwest Family Mutual expanded from a two-state operation into a multi-state carrier and grew property and casualty premium to more than $230 million.

Boyd was named President and CEO in 2000 and led the company through a period of sustained growth, operational modernization, and geographic expansion. One of his most significant Iowa connections came in 2012, when he led Midwest Family Mutual’s redomestication from Minnesota to Iowa. That move strengthened the company’s Iowa presence, supported independent agencies across the state, and made Iowa one of the company’s most important markets.

Boyd was also an early leader in remote work. Years before remote operations became common, he guided Midwest Family Mutual toward a work-from-home model that allowed the company to attract and retain talent across its operating territory. His forward-looking approach helped modernize the company’s operations while improving flexibility for employees and service continuity for agents and policyholders.

Throughout his career, Boyd has been known for responsible leadership, a strong commitment to the independent agency system, and a focus on developing people. He encouraged professional education across the company and helped foster a culture in which many employees pursued the CPCU designation and other professional development opportunities.

His impact extended beyond the company through community and charitable work, including the formation of the Boyd Midwest Family Foundation with his wife, Victoria. The foundation supports employees, agents, policyholders, military families, scholarships, and nonprofit organizations. Boyd’s induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes his Iowa connection, ethical leadership, commitment to innovation, and lasting influence as a role model for insurance professionals.

Ronald Boyd 2026 Ronald Boyd graduated from Drake University in 1974 with a business degree focused on insurance and marketing and went on to build a career that helped shape the future of a regional property and casualty insurer. He began his insurance career at Continental Western, where he worked...