The following announcement was distributed by Angela McCraw on Thursday, May 20th:
After 15 years of commitment and dedication to our organization, Maryann Ellis has announced her retirement effective July 9th.
Those of you who know Maryann well, know that she has a “family-first” mindset and has managed to juggle a successful career and spending time with her husband, kids and grandkids. What is interesting is that Maryann and Mike have family spread out all over the world – From the US (Texas and New York) to Canada, England, and Australia. They are anticipating travel will open up further this summer and have plans to travel the world to visit their family. They have 4 kids and 8 grandkids who I know are begging them both to come as soon as they can. (She spoils them, of course!)
Maryann joined National Life Group in 2006 as VP of Annuity Operations. There were some major changes in the annuity business over her tenure including a “double whammy” in 2009 with the changes to the 403(b) regulations PLUS the publication of new suitability regulations – both of which rocked our world at the same time. Maryann led our team through this tumultuous period which paved the way for how we would support this segment of our business over the next 10 years and beyond. In 2011, Maryann was asked to start up a new team called Retirement Services with a focus on building strategic relationships with our Plan Sponsors, 3rd party administrators and distribution partners.
The Client Partner Team has been her most recent contribution where she has been focused on supporting Team Louis Puglisi and some of our top agency relationships. In December, Maryann assumed the leadership role for this Client Partner Team. She has embraced this opportunity with the same passion, dedication and commitment she has had in all of her endeavors.
For many people, including me, Maryann is considered a true partner, friend and a wealth of knowledge. Words can’t express how much we will miss her high-energy, partnership and passion for our business every single day.
Maryann’s retirement date is July 9th. After that time, the Client Partner Team will report directly to me.
Please join me in thanking Maryann for being an important part of the success of our organization and wish her well as she focuses on her future with family. We will be sending an invite for a farewell event on ZOOM closer to her retirement date.
Best Regards,
Angela McCraw