The Dowd Agencies, a leading insurance provider serving New England for over 115 years, today announced Account Executive David Griffin, Jr., has received the Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation. This accomplishment is not mandated for the insurance industry, but provides an extensive knowledge-base to benefit consumers.

“Prestigious designations like CIC are essential if you want to be considered among the leaders in our industry. It shows a true commitment to professionalism and excellence in the business of insurance sales. David is a rising star here in the Pioneer Valley business community and we are proud of his accomplishments,” said John E. Dowd, Jr., president and CEO of The Dowd Agencies.

The CIC program includes 20 hours of rigorous coursework for each of the five industry categories: personal insurance lines; commercial casualty insurance; commercial property insurance; life and health insurance; and agency management. After completing the coursework, Griffin completed the exams for each course and the final essay exam to earn his designation – all while working full time and maintaining several community-based leadership positions.

Benefits of completing CIC coursework are many, including:
• Mastery of current, practical course content that is applicable to everyday work
• Higher professional level of experience and competence
• Regional-specific curriculum
• National recognition

The CIC program was developed by the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research in 1969. It continues to be the leading organization for creating, developing and delivering practical continuing education programs for insurance and risk management professionals.

David Griffin, Jr., a Longmeadow resident, works in the Holyoke office of The Dowd Agencies. Since joining the firm in 2009, Griffin has grown in his role and now assists the leadership team. He began his career in the insurance industry as a property and casualty underwriter for Liberty Mutual, where he supported the company in Schaumburg, Ill. and Charlotte, N.C., before coming back to the western Massachusetts area to join The Dowd Agencies. He is a 2007 graduate of Bentley University where he earned his degree in finance. Additionally, Griffin supports the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and volunteers on the board of directors for the Holyoke Rotary Club, Sisters of Providence Health System and the Wisteriahurst Museum.

Coverage on Masslive.com, BusinessWest.com and WGGB.com