Washington, D.C. (May 16, 2011) – Peter L. Tedone, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vantis Life Insurance Company, Windsor, CT, is the 2011 recipient of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Forum 500's Distinguished Service Award. He received the award at the Forum 500 Section’s Leadership Retreat in Washington, D.C. on May 11.

The award is presented to an individual whose work has greatly contributed to the life insurance industry, especially to small and medium-sized life insurance companies, which the Forum 500 represents.

“The award is in recognition of Peter’s leadership and tireless efforts to advance the goals of ACLI members,” said Dirk Kempthorne, ACLI President and CEO. “Peter’s character has earned him great respect from his industry peers. He personifies the life insurance industry’s commitment to helping Americans achieve financial and retirement security.”

Mr. Tedone joined Vantis Life in 1987 as Assistant Vice President and Marketing Director. He served the company in various roles until appointed President & CEO on February 1, 2000. He was elected a member of the Board of Directors in 2001.

Prior to joining Vantis Life Insurance Company, Mr. Tedone was New England Vice President for Security of America Life Insurance Company, a US Life Company.

Mr. Tedone received his MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his undergraduate degree from Quinnipiac University. He also received his Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the American College.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tedone has served on the boards of many non-profit organizations and is currently on the Advisory Board of the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford, where he is a member of the adjunct faculty teaching courses in strategy and leadership. He is also a member of the Executive Board of the Insurance and Financial Services Committee of the Metro Hartford Alliance.

Mr. Tedone, and his wife Lydia, reside in Simsbury, Connecticut.