Insurance executive Lillie S. Axelrod was named the 2016 Risk Management Alumna of the Year at the annual Insurance Society – Gamma Iota Sigma Banquet hosted by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business’ Risk Management and Insurance program in Athens on April 27. Axelrod is the 26th recipient of the UGA RMI award, which was established in 1992.

“Lillie’s career achievements have distinguished her in her field and she is well deserving of this recognition,” said Rob Hoyt, Head of the Risk Management and Insurance Program at the Terry College.

Axelrod is an executive vice president and senior client leader with the Wells Fargo Insurance office in Atlanta, specializing in working with the largest and most complex accounts requiring extensive risk management and captive expertise. She leads a team of over 25 WFI professionals managing and growing an impressive client list that includes expertise in real estate, restaurants, healthcare and select large complex clients. Axelrod is recognized as the most successful sales executive within the WFI network.

Originally from High Point, North Carolina, Axelrod graduated summa cum laude from the Terry College with a bachelor’s of business administration degree in 1981. She began her career in the insurance industry as a reinsurance broker where she worked with Lloyds of London syndicates and other international insurance companies; negotiating and placing reinsurance coverages in the U.S. She later became involved with designing, implementing and servicing reinsurance programs for domestic insurance companies.

Axelrod remains a dedicated student of insurance having authored articles on topics ranging from workers’ compensation and export credit insurance to employment practices liability and directors and officer’s liability. She is also a Certified Insurance Counselor.