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(Rock Island, Ill., March 18, 2021) – Royal Neighbors of America named Amy Jones, Director of Philanthropy, their 2020 Employee of the Year for her unwavering “we can do this” attitude, creativity, and leadership during an especially challenging year.

Amy was nominated for this prestigious award because of her dedication to improving member experiences and finding new ways to incentivize and recognize Royal Neighbors chapter leaders and employees affected by the pandemic.

One of her most significant accomplishments in 2020 was developing and executing a comprehensive plan to leverage virtual platforms for many of the fraternal life insurer’s philanthropic activities. This included the award and grant presentations for Royal Neighbors’ signature women’s empowerment program, Nation of Neighbors℠.

Last year, the organization awarded $100,000 in financial support to recipients from around the country making a positive difference in women and girls’ lives in their communities. Presentations – typically held in person in each winner’s hometown – were transformed into virtual events, allowing recipients, friends, family, and community supporters to celebrate together even amidst social distancing.

Amy was also recognized for her ongoing empathy, ingenuity, and innovative ideas designed to inspire and extend the Royal Neighbors “neighbor-helping-neighbor” mission of grassroots volunteerism.

“Amy’s creativity and leadership played an integral role in overcoming challenges resulting from COVID-19,” President and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Tidwell said. “We remain committed to the mission set forth when we were founded 125 years ago – empowering women and serving communities. Amy was able to think outside the box and mobilize our chapters to continue doing good under very difficult circumstances. Amy’s innovative ideas helped our members identify new ways to stay connected, active, and involved.” Royal Neighbors’ members generated more than 280,000 hours of volunteer service last year.

The Employee of the Year program was established to annually recognize employees who demonstrate professionalism and integrity; embrace innovation; share knowledge and resources with others; support the organization’s mission; and go above and beyond to respond to external and internal stakeholders. Employees are nominated for this award by co-workers, then judges use an anonymous process to evaluate the nominees before selecting the winner.



About Royal Neighbors of America
Royal Neighbors of America is a unique provider of life insurance and annuities whose mission is to protect women financially and empower them to improve their lives, families, and communities. In 1895, Royal Neighbors was founded as a membership organization by nine pioneering women who recognized the need to insure the lives of women and children and the importance of localized philanthropy. Headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois, with an operation in Mesa, Arizona, Royal Neighbors serves more than 220,000 members.