NAAIA Foundation Welcomes Ethan Zagore as Inaugural Director

Washington, DC – The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) and the NAAIA Foundation announce the appointment of Ethan Zagore as the inaugural Director of Social Impact Operations. Ethan brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration, diversity programs, and grant-making to this vital role.

Ethan’s impressive career includes his most recent position as the Senior Director of Academic and Career Pathways at the Gary Comer Center in Chicago, IL. He has also served as the Executive Director of Grants Development and Compliance at Malcolm X College, Vice Chancellor of Student Success at Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend, and Director of TRiO Programs at the University of Notre Dame. Ethan holds a BS in Business Administration from Howard University and an MA in Inner City Studies Education from Northeastern Illinois University. He has completed his doctoral coursework in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State University. Additionally, Ethan served on the board of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education from 2019 to 2021.

“Now is such a pivotal time for the Foundation, and Ethan’s addition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” said Ken Branch, NAAIA Foundation Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “His vision will help us drive forward our social impact initiatives and create meaningful change within the insurance industry. We are excited about the future of the NAAIA Foundation as we continue to grow and expand our efforts to support diversity and inclusion.”

“NAAIA’s importance to the insurance industry, the high quality of professionals associated with the organization, and the recent growth make this a truly opportunistic time to grow our NAAIA Foundation,” said George Woods, NAAIA National Board Chair and NAAIA Foundation Board Member.

In this newly created role, Ethan will be instrumental in developing and implementing a strategic vision to enhance the Foundation’s growth and impact within the insurance industry, including fundraising, program development, and representing the Foundation in public engagement and advocacy initiatives. Ethan will also co-lead NAAIA’s J.L. Tillman Endowed Scholarship Program and support the social impact portfolio of NAAIA’s Vision 2030 strategic plan. Ethan will report jointly to Omari Aarons-Martin, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, NAAIA and Ken Branch, Board Chair & CEO, NAAIA Foundation. 

“We are delighted to welcome Ethan to the NAAIA Foundation,” said Aarons-Martin. “His extensive background and commitment to diversity and education make him the perfect fit for this role. We look forward to the significant contributions he will make to our organization and the broader insurance industry.”

To inquire about supporting the NAAIA Foundation, contact Ethan Zagore at ezagore@naaiafoundation.org.