In the best-selling book Tuesday's with Morrie, we learned many wise lessons from sociology professor Morrie Schwartz, as shared by the book's author, Mitch Albom.

We learned lessons of acceptance, communication, love, moral values, openness and happiness. We learned these lessons through the kind of wisdom that can only come from a caring and adept person, who has had a lengthy and rich life.

At IASA, and broadly throughout the industry, we have been privileged to have our own “Morrie”—Morty Mann. Many of you know Morty because he has been teaching us all about statutory accounting, and annual statement reporting for a long time. With his booming voice and infectious positive spirit he has been an energetic and knowledgeable force—and resource—for thousands of conference attendees, friends, and clients.

Morty started his insurance career back in 1959 with Colonial Penn Group. He held positions of controller, vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Colonial Penn's property/casualty operations; president of Intramerica Life (Colonial Penn New York Life Operations) and senior vice president of the group.

After “retiring” in 1988 other work-related positions included senior vice president of Trinity Square Services, (an international consulting operation); chairman of the Insurance Advisory Board of Global Financial Press; senior vice president of insurance regulatory affairs at St Ives Burrups Insurance Division;, and a senior advisor for Bowne Insurance Services (now RR Donnelly).

Through many of these outstanding positions he has been a long-time volunteer for IASA. His accomplishments for our organization include speaking at seminars, as a co-editor and contributing writer for our textbooks, chairing committees, and much more.

I have known Morty for about the last 15 years of his career and he has been a wonderful personal resource to me. I have been impressed with his respect throughout the industry and in the way he has selflessly served the insurance industry.

He has truly had an amazing career.

That would be enough for most people, but not Morty. On the personal side Morty has done just as much, alongside his lovely wife Herminia (Hermie) of more than fifty years. Morty and Hermie have two daughters and three grandchildren, of which they are very proud.

Morty and Hermie have been world travelers, going to Europe and Asia and still take frequent trips. Morty plays golf and he and Hermie have been active in a gourmet cooking group.

Morty also loves the theatre, and not just from the audience. He is a bit of a thespian and has acted in theatre productions of his synagogue, which he is also active in. He once had the starring role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. That must have been something to see.

From my perspective Morty is an absolute gem. He is that rare individual who never seems to have a bad day. He is a great example, and someone that I am proud to call a trusted friend.

So my recommendation is that all of you swing by the IASA Town Center in the exhibit hall and have a little, “Tuesday with Morty”. He will be there today, volunteering for IASA, and showing off the wonderful IASA textbooks he helped make a reality, and, serving an industry that has had the good fortune to have his caring attention for many years.

Special Reports /

IASA 2011: Saluting One of IASA&rsquo;s Great Volunteers

Related Stories

Recommended For You

IASA 2011: Saluting One of IASA’s Great Volunteers