weatherford90.gif

Cathy Weatherford

President & CEO

Catherine Weatherford assumed the duties as President and CEO of IRI, the Insured Retirement Institute, in September of 2008. IRI is the organization that supports the importance of retirement planning, including the growth, acceptance, and understanding of annuity and variable life products.Prior to joining IRI, Weatherford served 12 years (July 1996-July 2008) as the EVP and CEO for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The NAIC is the voluntary organization of the nation’s chief insurance regulatory officials of the states, DC and territories. During her twelve-year tenure as the longest serving chief executive of the NAIC, Weatherford oversaw the development of significant technology initiatives to support regulatory and industry efficiencies, including the National Producer Licensing Database (NPLD), the System for Electronic Form and Rate Filing (SERFF), and State Based Systems (SBS). Just prior to joining the NAIC, Weatherford spent a year working as a Regional Manager for Government Affairs for Liberty Mutual Insurance Group.Weatherford was the first woman to serve as Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner, a position she held from 1991-1995. She served as a senior policy advisor to Oklahoma Governor David Walters for a year prior to her appointment by the Governor to the Insurance Commissioner post. Weatherford began her career with the Oklahoma Insurance Department in 1976 and served in several capacities during her thirteen-year tenure, including Legislative Liaison and Assistant Commissioner.Weatherford was named “Outstanding Young Oklahoman” while Insurance Commissioner. She received several national awards and recognitions for providing extensive employee friendly programs and benefits while at the NAIC. She served on the National Insurance Producer Registry Board of Directors for nine years and the American Society of Association Executives Board of Directors for four years. Weatherford is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.A. in Political Science. She resides in Arlington, Virginia, is married to Steve Weatherford, and is the mother of three daughters.