The Distinguished Leadership Award is given yearly to an insurance executive who has demonstrated great leadership and character in his or her company, industry and community, providing ongoing support to charitable enterprises.
The proceeds of the gala support causes championed by ISOP, a non-profit organization serving the risk and insurance community through networking, scholarships, career development, and charitable support, including a scholarship fund and fire safety initiatives. One such activity that has garnered much attention is the partnership ISOP has with the Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit with the goal of preventing fires and promoting fire safety. Since it began fundraising in 2012, ISOP has raised more than $250,000 to provide and install thousands of lithium-powered smoke detectors for low income homes.
“John is extremely passionate about the work he does. He leads by example through his dedication to insurance and the wood-related industries we serve, as well as through his support of the community and various charitable organizations,” says Steve Firko, SVP of Claims. “John’s commitment to these industries and his unwavering support of vital causes has been the driving force behind the growth of PLM and the shaping of its values as an organization.”
Smith’s leadership has been a crucial component of PLM’s success since he took over in 2004. Its assets have grown from around $100 million to approximately $540 million today. PLM is now the largest mutual wood insurer in the country.
Smith has also served on a number of boards, including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), Insurance Society of Philadelphia (ISOP), Western Hardwood Association (WHA) and the board of the Fireman’s Hall Museum in Philadelphia. He currently serves as a trustee on the Griffith Insurance Educational Leadership Council and The Institutes Board.
He is a past recipient of the Man of the Year award by the Greater New York Council of Insurance Brokers and has received recognition from the Insurance Education Foundation and NAMIC for his service to the organizations. In addition, he is a former president of the Central New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts and an Honorary Fire Chief of the Union Fire company, the first volunteer fire organization in the country.
About Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual
Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM) (
www.plmins.com) is a nationally recognized property and casualty insurance carrier serving the lumber, woodworking and building material industries. Backed by more than 100 years of experience, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company protects over 5,000 businesses nationwide with property, general liability, inland marine, business automobile, commercial excess liability and equipment breakdown coverages.
