Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/734304
National Catholic Forester 6 A few years ago, I read a book by Malcolm Gladwell titled the tipping Point. Gladwell suggests that when an idea, trend, behavior, or expectation crosses a threshold and spreads like wildfi re, it can change the fundamentals of business and can be sudden. History has seen many tipping points, which have offered opportunities to use technology, thereby creating leaps in innovation and transformation. I believe another "tipping point" is underway today for our Society. We are implementing a new policy administration system, transforming our staff, hiring new management, and recruiting agents whom share our mission and our vision. Our mission through Love, Benevolence, and Charity gives our members and independent agents the opportunity to help your communities and "Make a Difference" in other lives. You became a member when you or someone close to you purchased a life insurance policy or an annuity certifi cate to help secure your fi nancial future. Purchasing life insurance or annuities reduces your risk and protects you in case of premature death or outliving your retirement money. Did you know, those premiums paid each month are invested back into your communities? Here is how! Members help their communities by purchasing food for those less fortunate, providing new windows for a parish, or supporting a variety of local needs. The Society has diocesan communication grants to help others become closer to Christ. from your Chief Operations Officer continued on page 16 Did you know, those premiums paid each month are invested back into your communities? NCSF welcomes Kevin to his role as Director of Sales and Marketing. Kevin is a Chicagoan who grew up in the northwest side neighborhood of Edison Park. Kevin now resides in Niles with his wife Lisa, three kids (two in high school and one a freshman at the University of Iowa), and two dogs. A er attending St. Juliana grade school and St. Patrick high school, Kevin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing. He also received an MBA from Michigan State University. Kevin has spent the past 23 years in sales, marketing, and product management. Kevin's previous roles have been in a variety of industries but all focused on one thing, working closely with the various stakeholders both in and out of the organization and implementing stakeholder feedback to improve processes and results. Kevin is excited to bring his diverse experience to NCSF, where he looks forward to helping drive new levels of success for our agent partners and new levels of satisfaction and ful llment for our fraternal members. Kevin is a lifelong parishioner of St. Juliana in Chicago and, as a past member of the local Elementary Learning Foundation, has been active in school fundraising. Outside of NCSF, Kevin is a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks fan and an avid golfer. You can reach Kevin by email at: Kevin_Mergens@ncsf.com or phone: 800.344.6273 ext. 211 intRoDUCing oUR neW DiReCtoR oF SAleS AnD MARKeting Kevin Mergens