As we’ve shared previously, Assistant General Counsel Susan Jennings will retire in January after 30 years with National Life. She’s been our go-to for many years on many issues, but particularly on annuities and the 403(b) business. Her expertise will be missed both here and throughout the industry.
Before we let her go, though, we wanted to catch up for a few minutes for a few questions. Here’s what she had to say.
Q. What are your plans for after you retire?
A. To keep an office at my husband’s law firm and be an infuencer through social media on retirement issues, including addressing issues of interest to “preretirees.”
Q. In your 30 years working with us, you’ve become the go-to person for questions about annuities and the 403(b) business. What got you interested in this part of our industry?
A. I was led to these industry issues by the direction our company took for business opportunities. My grandparents were teachers and attended well regarded universities but had no financial management background. I know they had annuities for providing retirement income and they did them well.
Q. You’ve got a lot more than Texas in your life. Can you tell us your association with Vermont (OK, well, we kind of know that one), and Rhode Island and Colorado? Are we missing any states that are near and dear?
A. I was born in Providence, R.I., but grew up in Seekonk, Massachusetts. My family was one of the early settlers in South County, Rhode Island, and my grandparents lived and/or summered there. My brother still lives in New England and my Dad lived in Rhode Island until his recent passing this summer. I feel a very strong tie to the area as there are so many landmarks, etc., that are family related. My husband and I own some fractional interests in condos in the Vail/Beaver Creek area in Colorado so we love going in the winter to ski and the summer to “cool off.”
Q. We hear you’re quite the swimmer dating back to college. Can you tell us about your most memorable competition?
A. I did not start competitive swimming until right about the time of my 14th birthday. Seekonk built its first high school that summer and the facility included a swimming pool. We had a fabulous coach and within a very short time our swim team was a dominant force in New England swimming. Right after my 15th birthday I won the Rhode Island state swimming championship for the mile at a lake in Lincoln, R.I. It was my first big win and was very close. I wore a blue swim cap so my mother could see me and I think she nearly fainted as it was very tight between myself and another swimmer. I do not think my family thought I would do so well as my Dad stayed home to paint the house. It was a surprise. [Susan didn’t add here, but she was also a Big Ten champion in college at Indiana University.]
Q. And you’re also a skier. There aren’t too many ski resorts in Texas. So where’s your favorite and what’s your favorite trail there?
A. There are no ski areas in Texas – you have to leave the state. My favorite ski area is Deer Valley because when you ski into the Stein Erickson hotel, these young men run out to take your boots and skis and hand you a cup of hot cocoa. Just my speed right now as a more mature skier.
Q. We remember when you were on PBS’ Antiques Road Show. What other antiques do you have and what do you think is the most distinctive?
A. I actually have three samplers from my great-grandmother. They only showed one on the show. This summer I have been sorting my Dad’s family papers, books, and photos. There have been many great finds that I did not know we had. One of the most exciting was a diary of my great-grandmother, who lived in Fitchburg, Mass., during the Civil War. She talks about reading a book about slavery (which I wonder if it was Uncle Tom’s Cabin) and how much it disgusted her. However, she was pregnant and her father-in-law paid to keep her husband from serving in the war when he got drafted. Interesting to me how this happened. I also have some great pictures from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I took five to be restored in Dallas (which is not cheap). One is of my great-grandfather and his brothers, who were fisherman but also crewed on America’s Cup boats in Newport for the New York yacht club. You will note the man with the sweater has the boat Rainbow on his garment. I understand the Rainbow actually won in the late 1890s.
Q. If you were asked to give a TED talk, what would your message be?
A. My TED Talk topic would be following your passions in your work: When you care about what you spend your time at, your life is rewarding and purposeful.
Q. What is something you think everyone should try at least once?
A. Everyone should try inviting people you think are interesting but do not know well to your home for a seated dinner. My husband and I used to do this and it is a great way to learn so many new things and get to know people better
Q. You’re pretty active in the civic life of Dallas. What is your favorite charity and why?
A. I am partial to our school district foundation. Having schools which care about providing the best environment for learning and parents who support that is what makes a school district great.
Q. What are your parting words of advice for your colleagues?
A. My advice is to not worry about the little things – keep your vision on the issues that matter. Fretting can be the roadblock that prohibits you from achieving the things about which you are passionate.