Walter Mather Award

DAVID MCCLAIN

David McClain was chosen as the 2015 Walter Mather Award recipient in recognition of 10 years of service on the ABC Board of Trustees. His participation has included a number of roles and in particular he was commended for his willingness to serve ABC in any board role as needed. His sound judgement and wise words were critical during the shift in coordinating broker houses and in negotiating increased operating fees for the ABC, Inc. David attended the 2006 Spring Meeting and was elected to the Board as a Trustee. He became Secretary in 2007 and was voted in as President at the 2008 Spring Meeting. David was President from spring 2008 to spring 2012. David moved back into the role of a Trustee for the rest of 2012 “ 2013. He became Treasurer in spring 2014. Dave took over as interim President October 2014 “ April 2015 and continued to maintain the role of Treasurer, a position which he still holds today. 

Walter Mather Award Co-Sponsors, ABC and CGNMB LLP, are delighted to recognize such a worth candidate.

JOHN GREEN

ABC was successful in surprising John Green with the 2014 Walter Mather Award in April at the London Market Reception which concluded the Spring Meeting in London.

John, retired Lead Underwriter from ACE Global Markets Limited, was ABC's guest at the Reception held at Lloyd's of London on April 8. Rick Broderick, ABC President and ABC Awards Panel Chair, presented John with the crystal award that is bestowed annually. The award is given out to candidates who have greatly impacted ABC and John was involved with ABC for many years, having been the Lead Underwriter of the program at ACE, originally Ariel syndicate at Lloyd's.

During the presentation, Rick noted, "John's leadership ensured that the ABC progressed from its early days towards this landmark year of 2014, being the 60th Anniversary of the recording of the first ABC declaration.

ABC and Cooper Gay & Co Ltd have been honored to work with John over the years and noted that he was instrumental in the success of the ABC program. The ABC leaders offered their best wishes to John in his retirement.

Pictured is John Green (L) with Rick Broderick (R)

SUSAN ASELAGE

ABC is pleased to announce Susan Aselage from Sabreliner Corporation as the 2013 Walter Mather Award winner. Susan was recognized for this award at the ABC Annual Conference in San Diego, California in September 2013. She was nominated and chosen by the ABC Awards Panel comprised of a select group of Trustees, Brokers, and Lead Underwriters. 

Awards panel Chair, Rick Broderick, noted, There is no one more deserving for this award than Susan. She has been on the Board of Trustees since 1991. That is more than 22 years of service. Susan's participation has included a number of roles and in particular she has served as Treasurer for 14 years. Susan's knowledge and experience have made her indispensable at board meetings and we want her to know that her many years of support are appreciated by all of us. We are delighted to see her recognized for her contributions.

As Susan was unable to accept the award in person she prepared the following statement that was read at the 2013 Annual Conference during the awards ceremony. "I am very honored to have been chosen to receive the Walter Mather Award. Since becoming a Trustee over 20 years ago, ABC has persevered through unprecedented volatility in the market; during this period, it has continued to make innovative changes and thus maintain its premier position as the leader in the aviation insurance market. This has been accomplished through the hard work and coordination of its underwriters, brokers, lawyers, and trustees. I look forward to the next 25 years with ABC!"

ABC and Cooper Gay & Co Ltd are delighted to bestow the award in its second year to Susan who has held the longest board position in ABC history.

JOHN HOWES

At the ABC Annual Conference in Naples, Florida in September 2012 John Howes was chosen by the ABC Awards Panel comprised of a select group of Trustees, Brokers, and Lead Underwriters.

John Howes was selected as an award recipient for his many years of leadership and dedication to ABC. The ABC's first coordinating broker was JH Minet and John saw the move from Minet in the 1980s through to Crawley Warren, on to Benfield and then to Cooper Gay in 2008. Each move and the great majority of the ABC program renewals since 1955 have seen John's involvement and guidance for which the market has been truly appreciative.

RICHARD "RICK" ROBERTS

At the ABC Annual Conference in Naples, Florida in September 2012 Richard (Rick) Roberts was chosen by the ABC Awards Panel comprised of a select group of Trustees, Brokers, and Lead Underwriters.

Rick Roberts was selected as an award winner for his service to ABC, and was especially commended for his forward thinking and innovative leadership. Rick has participated on the ABC Board of Trustees since 2008 and for many years has been instrumental in ABC marketing initiatives. In 2012, Rick was elected ABC President and was part of the leadership team which created the Innovation Committee.