The National African American Insurance Association recognizes Archon Frank J. Smith with the 2009 NAAIA Pioneer Award at the NAAIA 5th Annual Legislative Conference

On April 29 The National African American Insurance Association announced Frank J. Smith, President and CEO of Sphinx Financial Group, Williamsburg, VA, as the recipient of its 2009 NAAIA Pioneer Award.

The NAAIA Pioneer Award honors those African American insurance professionals who were pioneers in the insurance industry and helped to open doors for those who came behind them. Mr. Smith joined Travelers Insurance Company in 1974 as a manager in the home office. Smith received several promotions and concluded his career as Vice President of Emerging Markets with national and International responsibilities. Smith was the first African American Vice President at Travelers Insurance. “One of my major accomplishments was the diversification of the sales force to include minorities and particularly African Americans” states Smith. In January 1991 Travelers had three (3) solid business relationships with minority agents in financial services. By the end of 1993, more than 500 minority agents were participating in the emerging markets program.

Mr. Smith is a graduate of Hampton University, Hampton, VA and the American University, Washington DC., where he earned his B.S. and M.B.A. respectively. He is also a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Management Development Program, Ohio State University’s Executive Management Program and Columbia University’s Executive Management Program. Mr. Smith is listed in Who’s Who in the East and Who’s Who in Black America cited in both publications for his contributions and accomplishments in industrial engineering, management consulting and community service. Smith has been previously honored as a distinguished Alumnus by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and has received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Hampton University. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities.

The award was presented during a reception ceremony in Washington, D.C. The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) was organized to create a network among minorities who are employed by insurance companies or self-employed in the insurance industry. Pooling this wealth of talent contributes to the growth of the association and its members through sharing of professional experience, knowledge, and information. Website: www.naaia.org.