NIIC Past Honorees
The Spirit of Life® Award is City of Hope®’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to visionary leaders who are shaping the future through their contributions to society, medicine, and human welfare. This award celebrates individuals who not only embody the ideals of service, compassion, and dedication but also drive innovation and progress that pave the way for a healthier, more hopeful future free from cancer.
Honorees of the Spirit of Life Award are recognized for their transformative impact—whether through groundbreaking work in their industries, philanthropic leadership, or their commitment to advancing cancer research and care. These individuals inspire others to think beyond the present, envisioning a world where the biggest challenges in health and disease are met with ingenuity, collaboration, and resilience.
Our Past Honorees
2025
Dave Obenauer, CRC Group
2024
Phillip McCrorie, RSUI
2023
Bryan Sanders, Markel Specialty
2022
Joel Cavaness, Risk Placement Services
2021
Tim Turner, RT Specialty
2019
Alan Kaufman, Burns & Wilcox
2018
Mike Crowley, Markel Corp
2017
Mike McGavick, XL Group
2016
Chris Swift, The Hartford Insurance
2015
Mike Miller, Scottsdale Insurance
2014
Steve DeCarlo, AmWINS Group, Inc.
2013
Gregory Case, Aon, LLC.
2012
Tony Anderson, Ernst & Young
2011
Robert Woudstra, Farmers Insurance
2010
Kevin Kelley, Ironshore
2009
James Weidner, Cooperative of American Physicians
2008
Stephen W. Lilientha, CNA
2007
Thomas F. Motamed, The Chubb Corporation
2006
Anthony Markel, Markel Corporation
2005
Jack Miller, Zenith Insurance Company
2004
R. Max Williamson, Scottsdale Insurance
Thomas Tizzio, AIG
2003
Brian O’Hara, XL Capital
Martin D. Feinstein, Farmers Insurance Group, Inc.
2002
Bernard L. Hengesbauch, CNA Financial Corporation
Dave Mathis, Kemper
2001
Joe Stinnette, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
2000
Brian Dupperreault, ACE
Roxani Gillespie, Barger & Wolen
1999
Boh Dickey, SAFECO Corporation
Quill Healey, Marsh
1998
Heidi Hutter, Swiss Re
Tom McKernan, Automobile Club of Southern California
1997
Ed Noonan, American Re
Gerald J. Sullivan, The Sullivan Group
1996
Leo E. Denlea, Farmers Insurance Group
Kathryn McIntyre*, Business Insurance
1995
Michael O’Halleran*, AON Re Global
Dean R. O’Hare, The Chubb Corporation
1994
Philip Engel*, CNA
John C. Etling, General Re Corporation
1993
Arthur W. Weiss, Liberty Agencies Inc.
Bill Bolinder, Zurich
1992
Roger W. Gilbert, Great American Insurance
1991
Richards D. Barger, Barger & Wolen
1990
David R. Carpenter, Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company
1989
Fred G. DuPuis, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California
1988
William H. Van Leeuwen, National Automobile
1987
Stephen R. Dach, Jardine Emett & Chandler
1986
Walter B. Gerken, Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
Bruce Brunner, State of California
1985
Gleeson L. “Tige” Payne, Ingham, Coates & Payne
Meno T. Lake, Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company
1984
Harold J. Toso, Mission Insurance Group
Ron Stever, Stever, Klove & Company
1983
John M. “Jack” Hayes, Transport Indemnity Company
1982
Donald M. Johnson, Industrial Indemnity Company
1981
David I. McIntyre, Freemont Indemnity Company
George N. Gibbs, Jr., Stewart Smith West
1980
Earl Clark, Occidental Insurance
1979
Richard DeRosa, Mission Insurance Group