Savoy Magazine Recognizes New York Life’s George Nichols among Corporate America’s Most Influential Blacks [Health & Beauty Close – Up]

New York Life announced that George Nichols III has been named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy magazine.

Nichols, senior vice president in charge of New York Life'sOffice of Governmental Affairs, is responsible for federal and state government relations and the company's Political Action Committee.

According to Savoy magazine's recent announcement, Nichols was named as one of its 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America based upon his exemplary record of accomplishments and achievements in various spheres of influence, his community outreach, and efforts to help improve the community and inspire others. He is the senior executive mentor of New York Life's African-American employee resource group.

Ted Mathas, chairman and CEO of New York Life, said, "We applaud George for this important recognition. He is a natural leader and excels in his career because of his ability to navigate the ever- changing legislative and regulatory landscape in the most diplomatic way. Even further, his commitment to his family and his support of volunteer efforts and community programs, especially those that focus on youth and mentoring, make him very deserving of this honor."

Nichols is a member of the company's Executive Management Committee, which is comprised of New York Life's senior executive leadership and assists the chief executive officer in setting policy for the company.

Nichols joined New York Life as a senior vice president and assistant to the chairman in 2001. From 2001 to 2003, Nichols was senior vice president in the Agency Department, where he was responsible for overseeing the distribution of New York Life products. In 2003, Nichols was appointed senior vice president and profit center head for New York Life's AARP Tampa Operations, a direct marketer of life insurance. He was named to his current role in 2006.

Prior to joining New York Life, Nichols was the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Insurance, where he was responsible for regulating Kentucky's$10 billion insurance industry. Before that, he was the executive director of the Kentucky Health Policy Board; vice president of marketing for Athena of North America; executive director of product development of Southeastern Group, Inc. (dba Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky); chief executive officer of Central State Hospital in Louisville; and executive assistant to the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services.

According to a release, Nichols was Kentucky's first African- American insurance commissioner (1995), the first African-American president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) (1999), and the first African-American elected to New York Life's Executive Management Committee.

Savoy is a cultural catalyst for the African-American community-- a magazine that showcases and drives positive dialogue on and about black culture.

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