The Private Risk Management Association Presents Kurt Thoennessen with 2015 JoAnn Heltibridle Award for Excellence

PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Private Risk Management Association (PRMA), the independent, not-for-profit, member-owned organization committed to raising the specialist high net worth (HNW) insurance category, today announced that Kurt Thoennessen of Ericson Insurance Advisors has received the 2015 JoAnn Heltibridle Award for Excellence.

The JoAnn Heltibridle Award is named in honor of a distinguished personal insurance professional that perished in the attacks on September 11, 2001.  JoAnn was universally recognized by her peers, colleagues and clients as a personal risk management expert with utmost integrity and uncompromising client commitment.  PRMA is proud to commemorate JoAnn's life and career by honoring others that espouse the same virtues and qualities that she lived every day with this annual award in her name.

"JoAnn was not only a terrific insurance specialist, she was also a truly wonderful person," said Ross Buchmueller, Member of PRMA's Board of Trustees and CEO of PURE Insurance.  "I'm delighted that PRMA has carried on the tradition of this award that was created shortly after JoAnn's passing and believe Kurt is the perfect recipient."

Currently a Vice President at Ericson Insurance Advisors in Washington Depot, Connecticut, Kurt has been providing personal insurance solutions to wealthy families since 2007.  He works closely with family office professionals and other wealth managers to ensure his risk management solutions integrate with his clients' overarching wealth preservation strategies.  Kurt has also exhibited a commitment to thought leadership.  He created a LinkedIn group for high net worth insurance professionals to exchange insights and discuss important issues that HNW clients face in managing personal risk. Today that group has more than 3,500 members and established a similar facility for PRMA's membership. 

"Kurt's dedication to expertise, commitment to his clients, and exceptional relationships throughout the industry are truly unique," said Jerry Hourihan, president of AIG Private Client Group. "I was fortunate to have known JoAnn and can attest that Kurt is a worthy recipient of this award in her name."

The Joann Heltibridle Award for Excellence was given at the second-annual PRMA Summit in Atlanta.  For more information about the Summit, visit prmasummit.org.

About the Private Risk Management Association (PRMA)

The Private Risk Management Association (PRMA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit association committed to the advancement and growth of the high net worth (HNW) risk management & insurance niche. PRMA provides specialized education and practice management resources, while raising awareness of and advocacy for the niche. Members include many insurance agents and brokers, carriers, and other specialists who serve the wealthy. Visit privateriskmanagement.org to learn more.

SOURCE Private Risk Management Association

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