Fraternal Advantage - Fall 2009

Barbara A. Cheaney Advances to Immediate Past Chair of the NFCA Board
Catholic Life Insurance, Vice President, Communications-Marketing advances to Past Chair of the Board.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) announced that Barbara A. Cheaney, Vice President, Communications-Marketing, Catholic Life Insurance, has advanced to the position of Immediate Past Chair of the NFCA Board of Directors. Cheaney was installed in the NFCA post at the 123rd NFCA Annual Meeting, September 17-19, in San Antonio, Texas.

“The NFCA congratulates and thanks Ms. Cheaney for her dedication and commitment to the fraternal benefit system during her year as NFCA Chair of the Board,” said NFCA President and CEO Joseph J. Annotti.
 

As Immediate Past Chair, Cheaney, who was the 2008-2009 NFCA Chair of the Board, will continue as an officer of the NFCA and continue to represent the association’s 69 member-societies.

In her acceptance speech, 2009-2010 NFCA Chair of the Board Teresa J. Rasmussen praised Cheaney by saying, “We NFCA members owe Barbara a debt of gratitude for all the time, energy and effort she has put into leading us through this year’s many challenges. So Barbara, on behalf of the NFCA and its members, I hope you and your society will accept our sincere thanks for all the sacrifices you have made during your successful tenure as our leader.”

Cheaney joined Catholic Life as a marketing assistant in 1982. Today, she is the Vice President/Marketing-Communications and is part of the nine-member executive team.

Called “the voice of Catholic Life” by many because she serves as the official spokesperson, Cheaney oversees the fraternal and communications operations for the 107-year-old fraternal.

She was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) in September 2005 and as Vice Chair in September 2007. She has served the NFCA as Annual Meeting Program Chair, President of the Communications Section (twice), National Cause Committee member and President of the State Fraternal Congresses Section. Cheaney also is a Past President of the Texas Fraternal Congress.

A graduate of the University of Texas, Cheaney is a licensed General Lines Agent in the State of Texas. She has earned the Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) and the Certified Senior Advisor designation.

Cheaney is an active member of her community. She currently serves on the Board of the Mahncke Park Neighborhood Association, the Board of the San Antonio Professional Chapter the Association for Women in Communications, the Archbishop’s Brunch Committee for the Battered Women’s Shelter, and the San Antonio Conservation Society Neighborhood Liaison Committee. She has been named a “Headliner” by the San Antonio Professional Chapter for Women in Communications and was one of six individuals recognized nationwide in 2004 as a “Rising Star” by the national membership of the Association for Women in Communications. She is a past president and member of the San Antonio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and a past board member of the San Antonio Women’s Chamber.

About Catholic Life Insurance
Founded in 1901, Catholic Life Insurance is the nation’s ninth largest fraternal benefit society, helping individuals and families achieve financial security through life insurance, IRAs and retirement annuities.  Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Catholic Life Insurance also operates in Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Oklahoma.  They also offer volunteer opportunities that enhance their members’ lives and benefit their communities.  For more information, visit www.cliu.com.