There is no one in the industry like Nellie Massoni. NetVU’s Member Relations Director, Melissa Bond, describes Nellie saying, "Nellie is an amazing leader and person and most deserving of the Leadership Award! She puts others first and has the most contagious laugh. It has been a privilege to have worked alongside her for so many years."
After 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, Nellie—also called Nel—is full of advice, care, and friendship. It is no surprise that Nellie was this year’s Leadership Award winner.
Winning the Leadership Award means so much to Nellie. She says, “It was such a huge surprise [winning this award]! Suddenly, I am getting calls and texts from everyone there.”
She was saddened that she could not be at this year’s Accelerate in person to accept the award, but she says, “It means so much to me, it really does! It’s such an honor, so humbling, and I’ve loved everyone who I’ve run into and have worked with. I hope I have helped them as much as they have helped me.”
If you have not had the pleasure of meeting or talking with Nellie, you may be asking, who is she? Nellie started in the industry 35 years ago after applying to become an interpreter for the United Nations. While going through that process, she learned she had to have a ton of personal insurance coverage which piqued her interest about insurance. She quickly found another job at Vertafore (known then as Aetna), and she has been making an impact there ever since.
Nellie first got involved with NetVU in 1999 when she was volunteered by a supervisor at the time to lead an education session at Accelerate. Nellie says, “It was one of the best experiences. Every year it’s been a great experience. It truly reinvigorates me and reminds me of why I do what I do.”
Some of her greatest memories in the industry come from times at conferences and the relationships she has made with NetVU members and Vertafore employees and customers. “Anytime I get to work or lead an education session with Joyce Sigler is a great time. We really feed off each other,” Nellie says of her time volunteering with NetVU.
Nellie advises anyone who is new in the industry to get involved! “Start following some of the discussions in the NetVU Community. Even if you feel like you can’t contribute anything, you will learn so much and there will come a point where you can contribute. I know it’s intimidating, but it’s a safe place to ask dumb questions and no one will treat you poorly. They sincerely want to help you. The relationships you make through NetVU are the most valuable and will really help you in your career.”
Nellie, thank you for being a light to the NetVU and Vertafore communities. Congratulations again, Nellie, and to all our 2023 award winners!