Careers at New York Life for African Americans

At New York Life, we recognize that two of our greatest assets are our policyholders and the dedicated agents who serve them. Since our sales agents truly are the pulse of the company, we’re committed to helping them build long, satisfying careers. We invest significant resources into the success of our sales team. Our goal is to arm each agent with the tools needed to build a solid and profitable financial services business.

African Americans are increasing their wealth– and New York Life agents are serving their needs. Indeed, the industry has come a long way from “burial insurance,” small policies meant to barely cover the cost of a funeral.

Today, African Americans are utilizing life insurance, annuities and financial products offered by New York Life Insurance and its subsidiaries as sound and savvy financial tools to pay off debts and mortgages, fund college educations and weddings, provide cash for a business or down payment on a home, or allow a widowed spouse to live more comfortably. And for African American insurance agents, there isn’t a better company to work for than New York Life.

We are deeply committed to providing products and services to help African Americans build their financial foundations and achieve their financial goals. Please browse through our site and see how New York Life has been, and currently is, involved in your community. In addition to information about New York Life's products and services, we offer information on particular Life Events and Financial Goals that will help you prepare to speak with a professional New York Life agent.

Embracing Leadership - African American Managers on the Move

While most agents enjoy the independence of a sales career, others are compelled to pursue management. Ongoing support and empowerment are critical components of our management training curriculum at New York Life. Our Managing Partners work closely with each candidate to design a program that helps fuel his or her success.

During the summer of 2008, two members of New York Life’s African American Market Unit were promoted to Partner and a third became a Senior Partner. While their professional experience and motivation vary, the three managers profiled below share a passion for leadership and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve.

Van Ewing, MBA

Senior Partner, Illinois GO

Why Van Ewing chose New York Life…
“I came to New York Life because I was looking for a company that would embrace my entrepreneurial spirit and offer me an income stream for life.”

How Van Ewing reached Senior Partner within four years… To read more about Van Ewing, click here.

April D. Scott

Partner, Indiana GO

Why April D. Scott chose New York Life…
“I’d worked in the banking industry for eight years and was looking for more freedom and greater flexibility. Since I was a New York Life policyholder, I was familiar with the strength of the company and its superior products. I took a leap of faith.”

Why April D. Scott became a Partner… To read more about April D. Scott, click here.

Benny Burison

Partner, Charleston GO

Why Benny Burison chose New York Life…
“I saw the renewal streams and I realized I was leaving too much money on the table. I decided that if I was going to be in the insurance business for 13 more years I needed to be at New York Life.”

Why Benny Burison became a Partner… To read more about Benny Burison, click here.

Embracing Empowerment – African American Agents Creating a Legacy of Wealth

Meet nine agents who manage almost $1Billion of in force life insurance. Policies that will help create generational wealth for African American families, businesses and communities. We hope you are inspired by them, and the possibilities that come with being a New York Life agent. Click on their names to read their stories: