Homeland Security Department Co-Creator to Lead ACLI

From 1994 through 1996, she was senior vice president of public affairs at the Health Insurance Association of America, one of the two health insurer trade groups that later merged to form America's Health Insurance Plans.

From November 2001 through 2005, she joined the government's response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. She helped set up the Department of Homeland Security, then spent two years working for the newborn department as its assistant secretary for public affairs.

From 2005 through the present, Neely has been president of the American Beverage Association.

She serves on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She is a past chair of the American Society of Association Executives.

Mark Mullin, the president of Transamerica and the ACLI board chair, said in a statement that Neely is the right person to lead the ACLI effort to help American families obtain financial and retirement security.

"Susan is a recognized and proven strategic leader who understands the intersection of politics and business and the importance and impact of informed public policy advocacy," Mullin said.

Neely said the ACLI's successes in state, federal and international forums have placed the association and its members in a strong position to lead the public policy debate on efforts to help Americans obtain long-term financial peace of mind.

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