The National Governors Association recently honored AMERICAN President and Chief Executive Officer Van Richey with one of the organization's Awards for Distinguished Service to State Government. Richey was one of three private citizens to receive the award.

The award was based on Richey's work on behalf of Alabama's children. Appointed by Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman in 2001 to serve as chairman of the Governor's Early Learning Commission, Richey brought together state government, children's advocates, and professionals to compile a comprehensive report with 45 recommendations for enhancing the lives of children from birth to age 5. He now serves as board chairman of the Alabama Partnership for Children, a nonprofit agency dedicated to implementing those recommendations as well as addressing other preschool issues.

"As a parent, the importance of getting children off to the best start has been made obvious to me," Richey said. "At AMERICAN, I have seen firsthand how important it is to have the highest-quality employees. And I know that the chances of someone becoming a great employee are better if that person gets off to a good start. Helping young children is good for them personally and for society in general."

Richey has been president and CEO of AMERICAN since 1989. His community activities have included serving as chairman of the Business Council of Alabama, as a member of the President's Cabinet at the University of Alabama, and as a board member for numerous other organizations.