FRITZ LEWIS

          1994 Charter Member

          Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame

Fritz Lewis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College in 1958 and his M.A. from Western Michigan in 1964.  He taught and coached in high schools prior to accepting a position with Olivet College in 1974 where he served as Instructor, Registrar, Athletic Director, Assistant to the Provost, Assistant Vice President and Vice President for Academic Development.

Lewis accepted a position with the Independent Insurance Agents of Michigan in 1975.  He became its Executive Vice President in 1979 until a merger caused the organization to become the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents in 1992, at which time he became CEO.

Throughout his tenure, the agents association has shown tremendous growth in membership, continuing education, public relations and legislative involvement.  In 1975, Mr. Lewis founded the Continuing Education Program for insurance agents in Michigan (the first of its kind in the state).  This program was designed to help agents keep up with the constant changes that take place in the industry.  It also helped to further develop the professional expertise of agents so that they could better serve consumers.

One of Mr. Lewis; trademarks was his ability to make sure that agents were part of the solution to any major insurance changes that took place in Michigan.  Throughout the debate on Michigan’s Essential Insurance Act, Auto Insurance Reform, and Mandatory Seat belt Enforcement, independent insurance agents were highly visible in helping to formulate policy.  Mr. Lewis has always felt that agents have a social and moral responsibility to not limit their agenda to selling auto insurance.  IN the area of auto and driver safety issues, the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents has been in the forefront of promoting driver safety.  The association remains fully committed to enhancing the public image of insurance agents within their community and the safety of their customers.

Upon his retirement in 1994, Mr. Lewis was recognized for his distinguished 20-year career in the insurance industry as well as his record of unequaled achievement and legacy of goodwill.