American Fidelity Assurance Names New President

Sept. 10, 2009 - PRLog -- OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – American Fidelity Assurance Company has named David Carpenter its new president and chief operating officer. Bill Cameron will continue with the company as chief
executive officer and chairman of the board of directors but will be able to devote more time to other entities in the Cameron family companies, which include INSURICA, American Public Life, First Fidelity Bank, First Financial, Asset Services/InvesTrust and Alcott.

“Over the last five years, I have taken more of my time in overseeing the Cameron family companies, and relied more each year on our leadership team to assist me with the day-to-day operations of AFA,” Cameron said. “As chairman and CEO of AFA, I am excited that we have now reached this point of growth with American Fidelity and our affiliated entities that necessitates the expansion of our leadership structure.”

Although Cameron will give up directing the daily activities of American Fidelity Assurance Company, he will remain actively involved in the company and setting the overall goals and direction for the organization as well as ensuring its culture retains the family atmosphere that has made it a Great Place to Work.

Carpenter also will serve as vice chairman of American Fidelity Assurance Company. In addition to Carpenter’s appointment, other AFA executives also have assumed new roles.

Gary Tredway, Al Litchenburg and Bob Brearton have been named Vice Chairmen of American Fidelity Assurance Company. This new executive leadership structure will replace the current Office of the Chairman.

“I have great respect for each of these individuals, as they have all shown uncommon skill at handling their responsibilities,” Cameron said.

Carpenter has been with AFA for almost 33 years and has done an outstanding job throughout his career, Cameron said. He effectively served as the leader of the Financial Management Services Division and a member of the Office of the Chairman. He was president of the Association Worksite Division during a time when change was needed to make the division a viable entity for the future. Most recently, Carpenter has worked closely with Information Systems teams to develop a process that will provide faster delivery while enabling greater flexibility in the company’s systems. As president, Carpenter will also continue to provide leadership of the Information Systems, Law, Corporate and Human Resources and Strategic Quality Management divisions.

Tredway will continue to lead the development of our Voluntary Worksite Group (VWG) as president. Currently, the Voluntary Worksite Group includes both American Fidelity Educational Services (AFES) and the Association Worksite Division, (AWD) AFA’s largest Strategic Business Units. Tredway also provides strategic direction to the First Financial team in Houston. He will continue as president of AFES in addition to his other responsibilities.

Litchenburg will serve as president of the Life and Health Group, which includes American Public Life as well as the Strategic Development, Strategic Alliances and Life Divisions. Through Litchenburg’s balance of leadership and product knowledge, he will provide the direction and vision needed to make each area successful.

Brearton currently serves as chief financial officer of American Fidelity Assurance Company and American Fidelity Corporation. He will be expanding his current role to pull together the financial leadership of the Cameron group of companies. Brearton will be responsible for the development of a more integrated and comprehensive financial strategy that encompasses all entities. He is also being named treasurer of American Fidelity Assurance Company, American Fidelity Corporation and American Public Life.

“I am excited about these changes and opportunities that are before us including a leadership structure that grows and evolves as the company grows and evolves,” Cameron said. “As I continue my responsibility as chairman and CEO of AFA, this new structure enables me to spend more time with our affiliated entities, develop new ventures, to remain focused on my role as the ‘keeper of our culture’ and to build on our promise to remain financially secure for both our Customers and our Colleagues.”

About American Fidelity Assurance Company
American Fidelity Assurance Company is a third-generation, family-owned organization providing insurance products and financial services to education employees, trade association members and companies throughout the United States and across the globe. Founded in 1960, it has grown to become one of the largest private, family-owned life and health insurance companies in the United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, American Fidelity has more than 1,500 employees in 26 locations across the nation. It was named to Fortune magazine’s 2009 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the sixth straight year and was named on Computerworld magazine’s list of the “Best Places to Work in IT,” ranking number one in 2004. In addition, it is ranked by Training Magazine as one of the Top 125 Companies in America for employee training. Since 1982, American Fidelity has been rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, one of the nation's leading insurance rating services. Visit American Fidelity Assurance Company at www.afadvantage.com

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American Fidelity Assurance Company is a family-owned organization providing disability income insurance, life insurance, annuities and supplemental health insurance to education employees, trade association members and companies.