Bill Gunter has been awarded the McKay Cup by the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA). The award, presented to FAIA members who demonstrate exceptional legislative policy and fundraising prowess, is named for Richard S. McKay, FAIA president in 1954-1955. McKay is largely credited with overseeing an unprecedented association membership increase, the inauguration of five new local boards, and the passage of 11 bills in the Legislature, including one that established Florida's high school drivers' education program.
Gunter received the award during FAIA's Legislative Fly-In in mid-March in Tallahassee. In presenting the award, FAIA President and CEO Jeff Grady said, "I know of no other individual who unselfishly devotes so much time and effort to advocating on behalf of independent agents. His tremendous knowledge of both the insurance industry and the political process that affects its progress is of great benefit to all agents."
"I sincerely appreciate this award, but it is a true recognition of the growth and strength of FAIA's grass roots legislative efforts that reach out to legislators in every community in Florida on behalf of insurance consumers," Gunter said.
Gunter has been professionally involved in the insurance industry for over 40 years, beginning with State Farm Insurance in 1959 in Orlando. Later, he served as senior vice president of Southland Equity Corp. and president of Southland Capital Investors, Inc. Currently, Gunter is chairman of the board of Rogers, Gunter, Vaughn Insurance, Inc. (RGVI) of Tallahassee and CEO of Bill Gunter & Associates, a financial and insurance consulting division of RGVI.
Gunter is equally well known for his public service career, which has spanned two decades. His elected posts include state senator and U.S. Congressman. Additionally, he was Florida's Insurance Commissioner, Treasurer and State Fire Marshal from 1976 through 1988, during which time he took a lead role in reviewing and rewriting of the state insurance code under the Sunset Law.
In his volunteer work with FAIA, Gunter was a driving force in the creation of the FAIAPAC, an association political action committee, and has served as its president since its inception in 1999. He is the immediate past chair of the FAIA board of directors and has chaired numerous association committees and task forces, including the legislative council. He also served a three-year term on the government affairs committee of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc.
Gunter also serves on the boards of directors of various organizations and participates in many civic organizations. He is currently president-elect of the Economic Club of Florida and a member of Rotary International. A 33rd degree member of the Scottish Rite Masons, he is also a past president of the University of Florida National Alumni Association and past president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In 2004, the University of Florida honored him as the recipient of its Stephen C. O'Connell Distinguished Service Award.
Past recipients of the McKay Award include Lew Ambler (inaugural); Raymond W. Butler, III; Tom Cotton; Harold Humphrey; Bob Rosier; and Gene Waddell. FAIA is the state's largest insurance association, serving nearly 1,900 independent insurance agencies representing over 18,000 licensed agents.
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