Brenda Steinbach Presented with First-Ever Lifetime Achievement Award

Last week, the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (PIAW) Board of Directors awarded Brenda Steinbach the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual ENGAGE Convention in the Wisconsin Dells.

A Career Rooted in Commitment

Brenda’s journey with PIAW began in March 1984. Over the next 41 years, Brenda grew into the role of the Education & Convention Director, orchestrating seminars, conventions, and professional-development programs around the state.

From her early days working in her father’s Mayville insurance office to decades in the Madsion office, Brenda has been a constant presence with PIAW’s evolution in education offerings and association hosted events. (piaw.org)

Support for Education & Event Excellence

What makes Brenda’s contribution notable are the tangible ways she has shaped the industry’s development:

1. Education Leadership: Brenda helped manage the CIC, CISR, CPIA, and Ruble Graduate Seminar programs—premier designations for the insurance industry professional.
2. Classroom and Convention Excellence: Under her direction, PIAW in-person seminars drew large audiences while setting the standard for education and events for the insurance industry. (piaw.org)
3. Innovation During Crisis: When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person events, Brenda swiftly transitioned the programs online, enabling PIAW to continue—and even thrive—in the digital space.

What Brenda’s Legacy Means for the Future

Brenda’s retirement marks the end of an era – decades of wholehearted service and dedication and credit due for many of PIAW’s successes. Her story is one of countless meetings scheduled, seminars delivered, late nights fine-tuning details—often behind the scenes. The legacy she leaves behind offers key lessons for the next generation of professional association leaders.

A Cause for Celebration

Brenda Steinbach is the one and only recipient of the PIAW Lifetime Achievement Award. Through 41 years of dedicated service, she has shaped education, community, convention culture and unmatched support for insurance industry professionals. As she steps into a well-earned retirement, her influence remains and her legacy endures.

Congratulations, Brenda. Thank you for your unwavering service. Your work has truly made a difference to all the professionals you have helped empower, educate and inspire along the way.