IRI HONORS ANNIE WEBB WITH 2026 LEADERSHIP AWARD

Wayne Chopus, President & CEO, IRI, and Paul Richman, Chief Government and Political Affairs Officer, IRI, present the IRI Leadership Award to Annie Webb, AVP, Nationwide at the IRI 2026 Annual Conference.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) presented its Leadership Award to Annie Webb, Associate Vice President, Government Relations, Nationwide Financial, during the association’s 2026 Annual Conference.

The award recognizes industry leaders who have made exemplary contributions to advancing IRI’s strategic pillars, including advocacy, operations and technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and member engagement.

“Annie Webb exemplifies the leadership, collaboration, and strategic vision that are essential to advancing retirement security policy,” said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO of IRI. “Her ability to bring together diverse perspectives and drive consensus on complex issues has strengthened IRI’s voice and impact with policymakers.”

During her tenure as Chair of IRI’s Advocacy Steering Committee in 2025 and, previously, as Vice Chair in 2024, Webb played a central role in advancing several of IRI’s top legislative and regulatory priorities. She has been instrumental in shaping initiatives to address regulatory barriers and expand access to protected lifetime income solutions, including efforts related to the registered investment adviser distribution channel.

Webb also served as a trusted advisor to IRI’s Advocacy Team, helping to shape strategies to advance priorities before Congress, the Administration, and in state capitals. She consistently demonstrated a unique ability to facilitate productive dialogue among IRI members with differing perspectives, ensuring that all voices were heard and helping the association reach consensus on complex, often contentious issues. Her leadership has strengthened IRI’s ability to present a unified, effective voice to federal and state policymakers.

In addition, Webb played a key role in shaping IRI’s Federal Retirement Security Blueprint, contributing policy proposals and offering refinements that enhanced the clarity and effectiveness of the organization’s advocacy agenda. Her efforts have been instrumental in supporting IRI’s bipartisan outreach and strengthening relationships on Capitol Hill.

Beyond her policy leadership, Webb chaired multiple IRI committees, led key industry discussions, and organized member events. She also drove support for IRI’s Political Action Committee (IRIPAC), successfully increasing engagement to advance policy priorities.

“Annie’s leadership of IRI’s advocacy efforts reflects the values we seek to recognize with this award,” Chopus said. “We are proud to honor her contributions and look forward to her continued impact on the industry.”

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Contact: Dan Zielinski