Geof McKernan Named 2023 Distinguished Leader Award Recipient by ISOP
Each year, the Insurance Society of Philadelphia (ISOP) selects one local leader from the insurance community to be honored as their Distinguished Leader Award Recipient. We are thrilled to announce NSM Founder & CEO Geof McKernan received this prestigious award at ISOP’s 2023 Independence Gala on October 12, 2023. Geof was honored in the presence of more than 500 guests, including his family, close friends and industry colleagues. The event raised critical scholarship funds for the next generation of insurance professionals, a cause near and dear to Geof’s heart.
Geof is truly a shining example of a notable leader in the Philadelphia insurance market with an exceptional management style and passionate commitment to charitable and community engagement.
In 1990, Geof founded NSM as a commercial property and casualty insurance brokerage firm along with his partner Paul Norman. After uncovering strong client demand for specialized insurance solutions to meet the specific needs of their industries, he began building his own programs to provide just that.
Through his visionary leadership, NSM has grown to more than 1,300 employees and $1.6B+ in premium across 23 global locations. Today, the company is a premier provider of specialty insurance programs and has built and acquired 25+ standout programs and household brands.
Geof is extremely committed to charitable giving and philanthropic initiatives and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that provides necessary financial relief for families of fallen first responders.
Geof holds his B.S. in Environmental Studies from Rutgers University, where he was a proud member of the men’s rowing team and maintains a competitive spirit in all he does.
NSM Insurance Group President — and Geof’s brother — Bill McKernan introduced Geof at the gala and shared that NSM is a people-centric company, and that Geof has built a career based on mentorship and helping other people succeed.
In his acceptance speech, Geof noted that insurance is a tremendous career choice, and it is our responsibility to pay it forward and mentor the next generation of insurance leaders so they can thrive. Geof underscored that insurance is about building relationships and showing up. The key to a great career in the industry is connecting the dots and making long-lasting connections in everything you do.
To learn more about Geof and the incredible impact he’s made on the insurance and local community over the past three decades, watch the video below.
Special thanks to ISOP for recognizing Geof with this well-deserved honor. You can learn more about the award here.
