AALU And GAMA International To Merge By June 2020

The Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU) and GAMA International today announced they will create a new organization representing the financial security profession.

This organization will be the first of its kind in the industry, representing all distribution channels and bringing together the strengths of AALU’s advocacy and GAMA’s leadership and professional development, the group said in a news release.

The new organization will represent and serve the entire financial security profession, regardless of role, marketplace, or experience. It will be built on three pillars: elevating the profession, leadership and professional development, and best-in-class advocacy.

It will have a new name, announced at a later date, and the two groups intend to operate as one no later than June 2020, the release said.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors formed GAMA in 1951 and AALU in 1967 to serve as "niche groups within NAIFA’s broader ranks, agency managers in the case of GAMA and agents serving advanced markets in the case of AALU," noted Kevin Mayeux, NAIFA CEO, in a separate statement.

He sought to highlight NAIFA's ongoing role amid the merger news.

"Their merger spotlights NAIFA’s continued role as the established association representing the entire agent-advisor community promoting financial security for all Americans since 1890. NAIFA, with our leading advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals, will continue to serve as the grassroots army for financial professionals and the Main Street consumers they serve. We will continue to have the largest association PAC and to host the largest grassroots D.C. fly-in in the industry.

"We will also continue our advocacy on behalf of agents and advisors at the federal and state levels, one result of which was recently reflected in our partnership with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in a lawsuit ultimately resulting in the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule being overturned."

Marc Cadin, who took over as president and CEO of AALU in September 2018, will serve as CEO, and Bonnie Godsman, who has served as CEO of GAMA for five years, will serve as president.

“When you look across distribution, there is far more that unites the profession than divides it,” said Marc Cadin, president and CEO of AALU. “We intend for this to be the start of a unifying effort that will bring together the entire profession so that we can more effectively address its biggest challenges. This is a moment the profession has needed for a long time. It has been an honor to work with Bonnie, who has been extraordinary in both leadership and vision, and our joint task force to bring it to fruition."

“AALU and GAMA are both independently strong and a perfect complement to each other,” said Bonnie Godsman, CEO of GAMA International. “The opportunity to come together will accelerate our ability to drive growth and greater value for our members. With AALU’s advocacy strengths empowering more people to get involved and GAMA’s leadership programs, the opportunities will be endless.”

“Our profession has needed this kind of representation for as long as I can remember,” said Frank Scalese, Managing Partner of Blue Ocean Solutions and president of GAMA’s Board of Directors. “Most people in our industry aren’t members of any one organization. That has to change – so we are creating a new organization, with a new mission, and a new name that will enable us to unify the entire profession.”

“Conversations about unification have been ongoing for three years, and Bonnie and Marc are the two leaders we have needed to make it happen,” said Ray Bening, president of Bening Financial and chairman of AALU’s Board of Directors. “GAMA has developed some of the strongest leaders in our industry. With their direct relationships with over 100,000 affiliated professionals, they are a perfect fit for us and our membership. We are going to create a model to help them grow their practice and advocate to protect their clients.”

This past year AALU has seen significant advocacy victories, such as the inclusion of life insurance sales in the 199A tax deduction, passage of the SECURE Act in the House, and improved Transfer for Value rules.

GAMA International has reinvented and increased participation in its annual conference, LAMP, grown its international operation to 22 countries with nine chapters, and expanded member engagement offerings. Together, the memberships will total over 8,000 members.

Kelly Kidwell, of Pacific Advisors, will serve as the first chair of the new organization's Board of Directors, and Jeri Turley, of Winged Keel, will serve chair-elect. Ed Deutschlander, current chair of the GAMA Foundation, Rick Van Benschoten, current AALU Treasurer, and Bob Baccigalupi, current GAMA Treasurer, will serve as the remainder of the executive committee.

About AALU

AALU is the leading organization of financial professionals who provide life insurance and retirement planning solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. AALU has a rich history of success with a single focus on the issues impacting life and annuity products, and the clients its members serve. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AALU is committed to providing its members with the essential tools and services required to help grow their businesses, serve their clients, and protect the financial and retirement security of the American people.

About GAMA International

GAMA International is an independent national nonprofit organization 501(c) (6), founded more than 85 years ago. GAMA International is the only association dedicated to promoting the professional development needs and leadership skills of first-line and front-line leaders in the insurance, investment, and financial services industry.