The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) on Jan. 22 announced the hiring of Karen Alvarado as its new Vice President for Compliance and Regulatory Affairs - rounding out the first-ever IRI government affairs team and bringing true industry and product expertise in-house. Alvarado's hiring is latest in the transformation of the new IRI.
"Karen Alvarado is a true industry leader who brings years of experience to the IRI and immense value to our members," said Cathy Weatherford, IRI President and CEO. "Karen will help give our members an even bigger, more credible voice with regulators, provide real thought leadership on critical issues and help bring our work on standards to the forefront of the industry."
Before coming to IRI, Alvarado spent the last four years as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Aegon Insurance Group, Transamerica Capital Management. Prior to that, she spent a decade with Pacific Life as Assistant Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and seven years in that same role with Delta Life & Annuity Company.
"For many years, I have had the pleasure of working with IRI as an industry representative, co-chairing a number of IRI committees and spearheading initiatives," Alvarado said. "After spending 25 years in the insured retirement industry, I am excited about this rare opportunity to serve our industry and advance our members' interests."
In addition to Alvarado, Washington D.C.-based IRI has greatly expanded by recruiting top talent. Cathy Weatherford, who spent the last 12 years as head of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) after serving as the elected Insurance Commissioner for the state of Oklahoma, came on board over a year ago as President and CEO. She then added to her team the former Insurance Commissioner for the state of Ohio; the Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor and Communications Director for United States Senators and members of the House; government affairs experts and seasoned communicators with over three decades of experience at the highest levels of Capitol Hill, the Executive Branch, presidential and Congressional campaigns; and a national authority in standards development.
"This is a critical moment in our industry that requires a new, reinvigorated approach," Weatherford said. "IRI is becoming a trusted resource for consumers and financial advisors looking for guaranteed income in an economy and times where there is little certainty. We are providing the knowledge and confidence in retirement planning that can no longer be taken for granted."
Visit www.IRIonline.org to experience the new, vast resources of the new Insured Retirement Institute for yourself.
