America's Benefit Specialist August-September 2022

NAHU BESTOWS ITS HIGHEST HONOR ON

MIKE GRAY AND JOHN WORD III

T here was a lot to celebrate the evening of June 27, as NAHU recognized two recipients of The Harold R. Gordon Memorial Award, regarded as the top honor in the health insurance industry. The first honoree was Michael D. Gray, RHU, a steadfast and in spiring member of the Nebraska AHU. Since Mike joined NAHU in 1996, he has been motivated to help and grow the association—and to motivate other members to become leaders. For his local chapter, the Lincoln AHU, he has served as professional development chair, legislative chair, membership chair, HUPAC chair and president. He had led the Nebraska AHU in a similar manner, as legislative chair, HUPAC chair, professional development chair and president. On the national level, Mike served as Region 4 vice president on NAHU’s Board of Trustees. During his term, the Region was awarded the Membership Drive Champion Cup for its excellence in membership growth and advocacy. Perhaps where Mike is best-known, however, is as a driving force behind the growth of NAHU’s political action committee. Mike has served on and led the HUPAC Board for many years and everyone who has met Mike knows how important it is to him. His efforts raised the PAC’s fundraising to all-new levels. To honor his efforts, NAHU created the Michael D. Gray Award in 2011 to recognize the top HUPAC donor.

Mike has also recruited scores of new members to our association (at least 70). He’s won NAHU’s Triple Crown Award 12 times and has qualified for the Leading Producers Round Table 17 times. Outside of NAHU, Mike serves on the board of the Community Health Partners Initiative, an organization that strives to improve the health of people in Lincoln and Lancaster County. While serving as president of CHPI, Mike was instrumental in securing a grant for a health center in Lincoln, which became a reality and now helps thousands of individuals every year. Mike is also very involved in the Lincoln Valley Scottish Rite. He oversees the group’s RiteCare Program, which treats children with speech and language disorders regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Finally, Mike is a leader in the National Association of Home Builders, serving on its board and helping with its PAC. Here is what some of Mike’s friends and colleagues had to say about him: Former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson: “Mike was very helpful to me during my time in the Senate. He was always a valuable resource and could be counted on to give you his straightforward opinion. I am proud and fortunate to be able to call Mike my friend.” NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein: “Mike Gray has been an outstand ing industry leader and a decades-long supporter of NAHU. He’s

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