Merchants Insurance Group is proud to announce that President and Chief Executive Officer Charles E. Makey III has received the 2026 Chair’s Distinguished Service Award from the New York Insurance Association (NYIA).

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Photo courtesy of New York Insurance Association

Presented during NYIA’s Annual Conference, held May 27-29 at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, New York, the Chair’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and contributions have made a lasting impact on both the association and New York’s property and casualty insurance industry.

Makey’s recognition reflects more than three decades of dedication to the insurance profession and a longstanding commitment to advancing the industry throughout New York State. Throughout his career, he has championed the value of the independent agency system, supported initiatives that strengthen the insurance marketplace, and helped foster the next generation of insurance professionals.

“To be recognized by an organization that has played such an important role in advocating for New York’s insurance industry is truly an honor,” said Makey. “The insurance business is ultimately about people – protecting businesses and livelihoods, supporting communities, and helping individuals recover from unexpected events. I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated colleagues, agents, industry leaders, and association partners throughout my career, and I share this recognition with all those who have contributed to the strength and success of our industry.”

Makey joined Merchants Insurance Group in 1996 and has served in a variety of leadership positions throughout his nearly 30-year career with the company. Before being named President in 2021 and promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in 2024, he held roles including Director of Sales, Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager of Merchants’ New England Regional Office, Vice President and Regional Manager of the company’s Central States Strategic Business Center, and Senior Vice President of Insurance Operations.

Under Makey’s direction, Merchants has continued to strengthen its position as a leading regional commercial lines insurer while remaining committed to the independent agents, policyholders, and communities it serves across the Northeast and Midwest.

In addition to his leadership at Merchants, Makey has contributed extensively to organizations that help strengthen New York’s insurance industry. He previously served on the NYIA Board of Directors, including as Chair of the association, and currently serves as the Chair of the New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees.

A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Makey earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration before obtaining a Master of Business Administration from Daniel Webster College. He also holds professional insurance designations including Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in Management (AIM), and Associate in General Insurance (AINS).

About Merchants Insurance Group

Founded in downtown Buffalo, New York in 1918, Merchants Insurance Group is a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier specializing in commercial lines. Merchants partners exclusively with independent insurance agents because they have the expertise to match the company’s portfolio of quality products, and to ensure customers’ assets are properly protected. The large network of Merchants’ independent agent partners spans across Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

About New York Insurance Association

The New York Insurance Association, Inc. (NYIA^®) is a state trade association that has represented the property and casualty insurance industry for more than 140 years.

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“To be recognized by an organization that has played such an important role in advocating for New York’s insurance industry is truly an honor,” said Charles Makey III.