Newsroom

(Washington, May 11, 2021) – Cynthia Tidwell, President and CEO of Royal Neighbors of America, is the 2021 recipient of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Forum 500 Distinguished Service Award.

The award is presented annually to a member of the ACLI Forum 500 whose work exemplifies life insurers’ commitment to helping all Americans – regardless of where or how they work, their life stage, or the economic status of their household – to protect their family’s financial future. The Forum 500 is composed of small- and medium-sized life insurance companies that serve consumers in communities across the United States.

“Whether it’s her policyholders or people in her community, Cynthia’s passion for helping others embodies life insurers’ mission,” said ACLI President and CEO Susan Neely. “Her strong leadership and commitment to the industry and her community are why her peers in the Forum 500 have chosen to honor her with this prestigious award.”

Before joining Royal Neighbors of America in 2005, Tidwell held executive leadership roles at Xerox Financial Services and Fireman’s Fund Insurance company, part of the Allianz Group. Her transformative initiatives reduced expenses and increased profits at both companies. Under her leadership, Royal Neighbors revenue and sales have reached record highs, increasing company assets to more than $1.2 billion. Also, in 2020 the organization increased its fraternal philanthropy, giving back over $19 million worth of volunteerism and support to local communities.

Tidwell is a past recipient of the American Business Award’s Stevie Award as Turnaround Executive of the Year and has been named Professional Woman of the Year in Insurance by the National Association of Professional Women. She has also been honored with the Athena Business Women’s Award for excellence in her profession and for the significant difference she makes in her community. In addition, she was named Business Leader of the Year by the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, and, in 2018, she was one of CEO Connection’s Most Influential Women.

Tidwell is a member and past chair of the ACLI Forum 500 Board of Governors, and a past member of the ACLI Board of Directors. She also is a member of the American Fraternal Alliance, the International Women’s Leadership Association, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Tidwell is a former member of the Quad City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where she served for seven years on the finance committee.

Tidwell is a graduate of Arizona State University and has achieved the Wharton AICPCU, LLIF, and FLMI designations.

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 280 member companies represent 95 percent of industry assets in the United States.



About Royal Neighbors of America
Royal Neighbors of America is a unique provider of life insurance and annuities whose mission is to protect women financially and empower them to improve their lives, families, and communities. In 1895, Royal Neighbors was founded as a membership organization by nine pioneering women who recognized the need to insure the lives of women and children and the importance of localized philanthropy. Headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois, with an operation in Mesa, Arizona, Royal Neighbors serves more than 220,000 members.