Bob Ewald Passes Away

Robert F. (Bob) Ewald, the first Executive Director of the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association and a “founding father” of the modern guaranty system, passed away on March 17, 2023. He was 98. His obituary can be found here.

As the initial Executive Director of the Illinois association, Bob worked throughout the 1980s on both local and multi-state insolvencies, such as the Baldwin-United companies. That insolvency, along with others, convinced him of the need for national coordination among the guaranty associations. He worked with other members of the guaranty community and the ACLI to establish a mechanism for national coordination, which led to the formation of NOLHGA in 1983.

Bob served on a number of NOLHGA Insolvency Task Forces and was the first Chair of the Members’ Participation Council (MPC). After his retirement from the Illinois association in 1995, he continued to serve as a consultant to association members and staff (even developing assessment software for associations) and was a trusted voice on guaranty system matters well into the 2000s. In addition to his work with the life and health insurance guaranty system, he served as the first Executive Director of the Illinois HMO Guaranty Association.

Prior to joining the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, Bob served in several positions with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. He also served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific campaign of World War II before finishing his degree at Rutgers University.

Bob was an avid reader, as well as an endless source of book recommendations. He was also an avid blackjack player—rumor has it that his skills led to him being escorted from several Las Vegas casinos. His friends will remember his intellectual curiosity, warm humor, wise counsel, and loving nature. Everyone here at NOLHGA wishes to express our condolences and best wishes to his family.

  Staff Contact - Sean McKenna Global Bankers Insurance Group (North Carolina)

Motion for Entry of Order of Liquidation Filed for SNIC

On March 10, 2023, the Receiver filed its Motion for Entry of Order of Liquidation and Order for Injunctive Relief against Southland National Insurance Corporation (SNIC). Among other things, the Motion asserts that the shareholder breached the escrow agreement and that SNIC is insolvent by $189,935,588.

If you have any questions, please contact Bill O’Sullivan or Michael McDonald.

Task Force Chair - John Colpean;   Staff Contact - Bill O'Sullivan