The Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame, founded at The University of Olivet, will honor three outstanding insurance industry leaders, legends, and innovators at the 22nd annual induction ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 in Lansing.
Inductee: Michael R. Hubbel, CPCU, AU, ARM, AIM, ARP, ASLI, ARe, is professor emeritus at The University of Olivet, on the faculty for the Center for Professional Education in the Tobin School of Business at St. John’s University, and for the Fox School of Business at Temple University.
Hubbel has more than 44 years of experience in the field of risk management and insurance. He served as vice president, senior research analyst, and product development analyst for three different insurance companies. Hubbel taught insurance and risk management courses and seminars throughout the world for several universities and corporate clients. He led the risk management and insurance program at The University of Olivet to a top-10 national ranking and a top-20 international ranking. He developed partnerships with Fanshawe College in Ontario, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and Eaton Intermediate School District. He helped other universities develop risk management programs, and led the Gamma Iota Sigma collegiate insurance fraternity at the national level to become an independent organization.
Hubbel earned the BA in Risk and Insurance at Michigan State University, and the MBA in Risk Management at St. John’s University (The College of Insurance).
Inductee: Robert W Umstead, CPCU is an independent insurance agent at the Steenland Insurance Agency in Grand Rapids. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1974 and his Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters professional designation from the American Institute of Property & Casualty Underwriters in 1986.
Umstead has 37 years of experience in the sales and service of multiple lines of personal and commercial insurance. He served as President of the Kent County Association of Insurance Agents, the West Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, and the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. Umstead is the recipient of the Ambassador Award for service in furthering the professional image of the Independent Insurance Agent to the public, the Capitol Award for service in furthering a favorable legislative and regulatory environment for Independent Insurance Agents and their clients, and the Waldo C. Hildebrand Award for Rob’s Lifetime of Service and Contribution to the Insurance Industry.
Umstead is involved in many community activities including acting as a longtime Deacon and Board member of Calvary Church of Grand Rapids. Rob owes a debt of gratitude to his wife, Linda, and his four children for their love, support, and the sacrifices that they have made over the years. He states that he would not have succeeded without them.
Inductee: David A. Walker AAI, CIC, LIC, ARM, CRM, CAWC is an independent insurance agent and President of Hartland Insurance Agency Inc. in Hartland. After attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln he joined Hartland Insurance Agency as a producer in August of 1981. He has been instrumental in the expansion and growth of the agency over the last 35 years.
Walker has more than 36 years of experience in sales and service of multiple lines of personal and commercial insurance. At the state level he has served as a board member and President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Genesee County and the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). At the national level he was elected to Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) board of directors in 2004. In 2009 he was elected to the Executive Committee of IIABA and proceeded through the chairs serving as Chairman from September, 2015 to October, 2016. He currently serves as the Immediate Past Chairman of IIABA, on the IIABA Technical Affairs Committee and Trusted Choice.com Board of Managers.
He has served as an expert witness and taught numerous classes throughout the United States and currently serves on the National Faculty for the National Alliance CIC program.
Walker is involved in numerous community activities having served on the board of directors of Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce from 2004-2006. He served on the Board of Education for the Fenton Area Public Schools for 18 years, the last 7 as board President, he was a founding member of the Hartland Rotary, both a Deacon and Elder for Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church and currently serves as Trustee on the Tyrone Township Board and the Board of Governors for the Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the love and support of his wife Barbara and their entire family.
The Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame was established at The University of Olivet in 1994 as a way to pay tribute to individuals who have made a significant impact on the ability of the Michigan insurance and risk management industry to serve the public. An election panel, representing a cross-section of the insurance and risk management business, identifies leaders and/or innovators who have made significant contributions in five areas: product/service development, education, recruiting new participants, legislative and regulatory activity, and exemplary service.
The University of Olivet is also home to a nationally recognized undergraduate insurance and risk management program, an online MBA in Insurance, and Gamma Iota Sigma chapter consistently ranked among the top three chapters in the nation each year – the best chapter in the nation six times including 2013 and 2014.
Nominate an insurance industry leader to the Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame or contact Carol Breed, administrator at The University of Olivet at 269.749.7626.