NAIFA appoints Michael Gerber to serve as acting CEO

Moving quickly to fill a vacancy in its leadership ranks, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors has tapped Michael Gerber, NAIFA’s general counsel and vice president of human resources, to serve as acting chief executive officer pending the appointment of a permanent CEO.

Gerber’s elevation follows the death of NAIFA CEO Susan Waters, 63, who passed away “unexpectedly” at her Washington, D.C. home earlier this week, NAIFA disclosed yesterday. The cause of death was not available at press time.

Waters was named CEO of NAIFA in March 2010 and had served as NAIFA’s acting CEO since December 2009 and deputy CEO since October 2007. She had more than 23 years of experience in professional association management, as well as experience in the insurance industry.

Gerber joined NAIFA in 1999 and became the association’s general counsel in 2003. As general counsel, Gerber is NAIFA’s chief legal officer.