March 3, 2025
The midtown Manhattan ballroom of the New York Marriott Marquis—filled with accomplished members of the insurance industry—had the friendly feeling of a comfortable living room gathering of old friends as St. John’s University’s Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science (GSRM), part of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, hosted its 29th annual Insurance Leader of the Year (ILOTY) Award Dinner on February 26.
The annual event raised a total of $3,117,110 to fund student scholarships and support academic program initiatives, while honoring M. Steven DeCarlo, Executive Chair, Amwins, as the 2024 Insurance Leader of the Year. Attendees included nearly 1,100 members of the global insurance industry, senior leadership from the University, current GSRM students, faculty, business executives, guests, family, potential and accepted students, and friends.
The prestigious award, presented annually since 1995, recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals whose leadership in the worldwide insurance and financial services industry sets them apart from their peers. “I am truly honored to be recognized as the Insurance Leader of the Year,” remarked Mr. DeCarlo, a self-described “‘E&S’ guy.”
Mr. DeCarlo emphasized the unique and vital role Excess & Surplus lines (E&S) Insurance plays in the insurance industry. E&S coverage is a specialized type of insurance policy that offers protection for risks that standard insurance policies will not cover.
“One of the key distinctions of the Greenberg School of Risk Management is its focus on experiential education and its unparalleled engagement with the insurance industry,” he said. “We want to get E&S into the room with St. John’s.”
Demonstrating that pledge to cultivate stronger partnerships, Mr. DeCarlo shared: “I’m pleased to announce that in the interest of making a lasting difference well beyond tonight’s event, a group of us have banded together to establish a special gift to the School—the Amwins Industry Leadership Endowment—which will serve to support in perpetuity activities that keep the School fully engaged with industry; preserve its robust Board of Overseers and Executive Advisory and Alumni Councils; and assure that students get the best possible insurance industry experience during their studies.”
Reaching into his pocket to display a $10,000 check that was donated during the predinner cocktail hour, Mr. DeCarlo beamed as he added, “I am happy to report that as of tonight, gifts and pledges to this newly endowed fund are at $608,500. This brings tonight’s total of support raised for the Greenberg School to $3,117,110!
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Amwins is a global specialty insurance distributor that provides a diversified mix of property and casualty (P&C), and group benefits products. The firm also offers a range of value-added services to support these solutions, including product development, underwriting, premium and claims administration, and actuarial services.
Earlier in the evening, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s, in his opening remarks, referred to GSRM as “one of the crown jewels of our University.” He thanked Mr. DeCarlo and all the attendees for their time, talent, and treasure throughout the year.
“We thank the industry for internships, employment opportunities, the valuable insights you share with our students during campus visits, and for engaging with our students at conferences and events,” he said.
Fr. Shanley emphasized the importance of insurance in the world in which we live. Citing the recent fires in Los Angeles, CA, he explored what people took with them when they fled disaster and could only save a few items as they tried to save their lives.
He posed the question to the audience: “What would you save? We all have things in our lives we want to save if we start anew.”
“Insurance is the hope for a new beginning, restoration, and healing,” Fr. Shanley continued. “You help people who have suffered—and it is so important to have that connection to service like we do at St. John’s. Thank you all for what you do to serve.”
Before the event, current, recently accepted, and potential GSRM students and their families gathered professional career advice and encouragement from GSRM faculty and administrators.
Sprinkled throughout the ballroom were current GSRM students and recently accepted students who networked with attendees throughout the event.
One such student, Emma Pepe, who is earning her Master of Science degree in Enterprise Risk Management, served as the student speaker.
The former public-school teacher shared, “Finding a career that is the right fit is challenging and overwhelming. Witnessing the impact that insurance can have on someone’s life by offering them a sense of security and stability is why I was inspired to pivot my career toward insurance to help ensure that everyone gets the protection they rightfully deserve.”
George Russon, a graduate student studying Enterprise Risk Management, attended the dinner for the first time. He cited these networking events as transformative characteristics of his GSRM experience.
“I’m spending my spring break on an experiential study abroad trip to London, Zurich, and Dubai,” he said. “It is great to be included in these networking events and meet professionals in the industry.”
The Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science was founded in 1901 as the Insurance Society of New York and over the years evolved into The College of Insurance (TCI). In June of 2001, TCI merged with St. John’s University, becoming a School that is part of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.
From its location at 101 Astor Place in Manhattan’s East Village, St. John’s awards undergraduate, M.B.A., and M.S. degrees in the insurance, risk management, and actuarial science disciplines. Through its Tobin Center for Executive Education, the University also provides education, training, and consulting services to industry, governments, and regulators worldwide.
GSRM is a global leader in risk and insurance education and training, and draws candidates from many regions of the world. All degree programs offered by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, and thus by GSRM, are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“This annual event only strengthens the regular support received at GSRM from the insurance industry,” said Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean, and Joseph H. and Maria C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “Students and faculty interacting with industry leaders here and beyond is just one regular characteristic of the comprehensive education provided at Tobin. Our students gain valuable industry insights, build relationships with potential clients and partners, learn from experienced peers, and enhance their opportunities and career advancement.”
The 30th Annual Insurance Leader of the Year Award Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday January 21, 2026.
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