WASHINGTON – The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today announced that it has combined its advocacy functions – Government Relations and Public Affairs – into one department and named Jill Kozeny Executive Vice President, Chief Advocacy Officer. 

Kozeny joined ACLI in 2019 after decades of staff leadership in the U.S. Senate, including 10 years with the Finance Committee (2001-2011) and later as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley. At ACLI she has been integral to the transformative leadership of President and CEO Susan K. Neely. 

“Jill has built ACLI’s public affairs function and delivered an advocacy infrastructure for integrated strategies and data-driven campaigns that elevate and define issues key to family financial security,” said Neely. “These efforts are demonstrating the proven capabilities and commitments of a sector with 180 years of experience as today’s policymakers work to help more people build financial certainty.” 

“I look forward to this expanded responsibility and the opportunity to drive value for ACLI’s membership in new ways,” said Kozeny. “ACLI members help people navigate financial shocks through all stages of life, from one generation to the next. And ACLI has a high-impact mission to help advance public policies that safeguard and expand access to greater financial security, strengthening and empowering families and communities in every part of the country. Telling this story and making connections unlocks possibilities that serve the public interest.” 

Among the organizational changes at ACLI, four team leaders were elevated to Senior Vice President: Howard Bard, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel; Scott Dixon, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer; Carrie Haughawout, Senior Vice President, Life Insurance and Regulatory Policy; Maria Palacios, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer.

The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI’s member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers’ financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI’s 275 member companies represent 93 percent of industry assets in the United States.