The City of Hope and the National Insurance Industry Council said M. Steven DeCarlo, CEO of Charlotte, North Carolina-based AmWINS Group Inc., will be honored at the NIIC’s 2014 Spirit of Life Award dinner for City of Hope on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 in Atlanta.

The annual Spirit of Life Award recognizes an insurance industry leader for outstanding professional and philanthropic contributions.

DeCarlo, a 32-year-veteran of the insurance industry, has led AmWINS since 2000. Under DeCarlo’s leadership, AmWINS has grown to become one of the largest property/casualty insurance wholesalers in the United States since its formation in 1998. The firm has over 100 locations across 18 countries, including 78 in the U.S.

He began his career in Crum & Forster’s corporate office before joining The London Agency in Atlanta as its chief financial officer. He was a founding member of Royal Specialty Underwriting, Inc. (RSUI) in 1988, serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He later assumed similar responsibilities as a senior vice president with Royal & SunAlliance USA in Charlotte.

Commenting on his philanthropic efforts, Paul Wagner, the newly appointed president of the NIIC for City of Hope, said, “Steve is an engaging, generous person and has always been one of the first people to step up and support an organization that needs help.”

“He is a true leader in our industry, and his innate ability to grab and hold peoples’ attention and get them to buy-in to a cause makes him a great choice to spearhead our 2014 fundraising efforts,” said Wagner, who is also vice president of GenRe.

Now in its 36th year, the NIIC is coming off the momentum of a banner year of fundraising from the previous Spirit of Life honoree, Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon PLC.

“We enjoyed a record year in 2013, raising nearly $2.1 million that will inject great energy and enthusiasm into our research initiatives and programs,” said Ken Birkett, director of development for City of Hope. “And we’re confident that, with the addition of Steve’s leadership, along with our regional committees and fundraising events around the country, 2014 can be even better.”

DeCarlo is helping introduce several new events for the annual industry fundraising campaign, including an honoree golf tournament at the Atlanta Athletic Club scheduled for April 21, 2014.

He also was behind the initiative to help establish a more formative presence on the East Coast by moving the gala to Atlanta from its traditional location in Los Angeles. The 2014 Spirit of Life gala is scheduled to start days before the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices annual conference.

“While there’s a great spirit of competition that exists within the E&S community, we’re united in our support of noble charitable causes, including City of Hope,” DeCarlo said. “By celebrating this event in Atlanta, we’re better able to align this great night with the schedules of so many generous people in our industry, creating even more opportunities to support this incredible organization.”

The 2014 campaign will kick off March 12, 2014 with the Annual Tour and Dinner, including a visit to City of Hope’s Duarte, Calif. campus that is followed by dinner and an introductory program at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena, Calif. that evening.

“This is a great opportunity for our industry leaders to learn more about the latest in cancer and diabetes research from one of the world’s leading authorities,” Birkett said.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is a research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope’s research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. Since its inception in 1913, City of Hope has pioneered medical breakthroughs in the treatment of tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes, HIV-AIDS and other life-threatening diseases that are now considered standard medical practice.

About NIIC

NIIC was founded in 1978 by a group of key insurance industry executives and is composed of property/casualty companies, law firms, brokers, accounting firms, reinsurers, executive placement firms and actuaries in the insurance industry. NIIC has raised $22 million over its 36-year-history, and NIIC volunteers are committed to saving the lives of cancer and diabetes patients while also bringing hope to loved ones and caregivers.

For additional information on the events, donations or dinner reservations contact Ken Birkett at (909) 528-4206, or email him at kenbirkett@coh.org.

More information on City of Hope and NIIC can be found, and donations can be made directly, by visiting http://www.cityofhope.org/national-insurance-industry-council.

Source: City of Hope, NIIC