O’Brien retires; NAFA looks for new chief

A spokesman for the National Association of Fixed Annuities said it was coincidental that Kim O'Brien's retirement became effective the day that her letter requesting qualified longevity annuity status for indexed annuities was to be presented to the Treasury Dept.

Kim O’Brien has retired from her position as president and CEO of the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), effective January 16, 2015, the organization announced this week. During the board of directors’ search for an executive director, Janet Terpening, Director of Operations, will take over the duties being vacated by Ms. O’Brien, according to NAFA.

The retirement became effective on the day that NAFA had said it would present a letter signed by O’Brien to the Treasury Department requesting qualified longevity annuity contract status for fixed indexed annuities. A day earlier, RIJ published an editorial that examined the argument made in the letter. Asked in an email if these events were coincidental, a NAFA spokesman responded, “Absolutely.”

A NAFA release said:

“An ardent advocate for fixed annuities with 10 years at the helm of NAFA, Ms. O’Brien dedicated a large portion of her career to the fixed annuity industry. O’Brien played a key role in leading the membership of NAFA in promoting fixed annuities in her work with legislators and key members on Capitol Hill. 

“NAFA will continue its mission and dedication to promoting the awareness and understanding of fixed annuities and their benefits to consumers. NAFA is well-positioned for significant growth, due in part to Kim’s vision and leadership. We are confident Kim’s successor will have all the tools, staff, and resources needed to exceed NAFA’s goals in the future,” said S. Christopher Johnson, Chairman of the Board of Directors.”

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