Terri Fiedler is President and CEO of AIG Financial Distributors, the sales and distribution organization for AIG Life & Retirement. In this role, Terri oversees sales for the entire spectrum of protection, retirement savings and lifetime income solutions across a broad range of distribution channels.
Terri's first job in the Financial Services industry was with AIM as a marketing specialist (internal wholesaler) in 1993 before she was promoted to Key Account Manager in 1995. “I’ll never forget Patti Hefley helping me with formatting my resume before I was to interview with B.J. Thompson,” recalls Terri.
The founders and senior leadership at AIM ensured employees could earn increased responsibility and new roles
Terri Fiedler
B.J. hired Terri, and she was ready to prove herself as a Marketing Specialist. For the next nearly 20 years, Terri primarily focused on National Accounts for AIM and then Invesco, building up an impressive roster of wins and adding increasing levels of management responsibility. Then, in 2012, Terri joined AIG Life & Retirement as Executive Vice President, Strategic Accounts and began her role as CEO of AIG Financial Distributors in May 2019.
2021 Outstanding Woman in Banking and Finance
The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston recognized Terri as an Outstanding Woman in Banking and Finance at its largest annual fundraising event in Houston last year. The organization's mission of helping women and girls make choices toward becoming independent, productive and financially stable is a cause that Terri is passionate about.
“The Women’s Resource has created so many fantastic programs and tools to help women gain the financial skills and knowledge they need to improve their lives,” Terri notes. “I was so thankful to receive this recognition from an incredible organization that does such important work across the Houston community.”
Supporting Women in Financial Services
Terri’s leadership style has always been an inclusive, culture-driven one. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to share her expertise with others, particularly with female professionals.
I frequently encourage women to identify career opportunities that look like a stretch, but are actually a challenge they are ready to take on
Terri Fiedler
“The founders and senior leadership at AIM ensured employees could earn increased responsibility and new roles, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to achieve so much with AIM,” reflects Terri. “Still, the story across financial services is one where more senior levels of management become increasingly male-dominated. Clients would benefit from more female leaders throughout our industry.”
Several years ago, Fiedler worked with her colleagues at AIG Life & Retirement to create the Women in Distribution networking group. The group has become a setting for female colleagues to build relationships and help one another enhance their careers.
Clients would benefit from more female leaders throughout our industry
Terri Fiedler
“One of the most significant moments in my career at AIM was when I became a Key Account Manager,” reflects Terri. “As I was considering this role, it felt far beyond what I was ready for at that time. Without the encouragement of my mentors and my husband, I might not have gone through with the application. Now, I frequently encourage women to identify career opportunities that look like a stretch, but are actually a challenge they are ready to take on.”
Today, the AIG networking group includes hundreds of colleagues across all levels in the organization. “It’s been such a pleasure to see so many women take advantage of our Women in Distribution Network to grow their professional careers,” says Terri. “Across our industry, we’ve seen many positive steps taken around diversity and I intend to do what I can to continue this progress in the years to come.”
The AIM Alumni Houston Happy Hour returned in April - hugs were abundant. Smiles were miles long. Everyone was thrilled to return to Kirby Ice House, whether they were able to attend the last one in 2019, or had missed a few. For many, this was their first time to the annual gathering. Pat Bray was the first to arrive, and enjoyed The Masters until Patti Heffley, Ginger Neal and a few others arrived and the volume turned up! With 85 RSVPs, it was such a large turnout that as one person said, "There were so many people I didn’t get a chance to catch up with everyone - I can't wait for next year." For those of you who could not attend, we will soon have the pictures on the Photo Gallery..with 100+ pictures, it will be worth the wait. It was Good Times, just like the sign says!
It was great to connect with new attendees including Stephanie Herrejon, Gina Parthum, Janice Griffin and Michelle Gibson. Then there were the regulars including Bob Graham, Gary Crum, Sydney Dilgren, Sharon Lester, Sylvia Elizondo, Pat Bray and Tien San Lucas and others including Ginger Neal and Patti Hefley who had missed a few events and were happy to be back.Linda Julian was thanked by many for managing the AIM Family Funds Facebook page.
Simon Hoyle posted about the event on the FB page, saying, "AIM get together tonight - 100% more proof people are the product. Thanks for the chance to catch up, tell stories, and reminiscence with you, a very dear familiy. Well deserved shout- out to Mama Linda Julian! and others who put us face to face again."
Pamela Stephens said, "What a blast. I was totally lit to see everyone. We truly were and are a family. Loved seeing everyone."
Stephanie Herrejon, Vice President, Human Resources for ZaZa Hospitality, LLC was enjoying seeing so many friends at once. Stephanie was at AIM from 1998-2002, where she was a meeting planner. "I have so many wonderful and heartfelt memories from my time at AIM," said Stephanie.
"As one of the meeting/event planners I was able to work with so many amazing people throughout the company from coordinating Le Peep lunches on the 25th floor (had to have tortilla soup on the menu) to the annual employee golf tournament to various fly-in’s and wholesaler meetings locally and nationally – my job was pretty great! Some of my fondest memories include working with Patricia and Anita from the AIM foundation team, they were always so kind and a highlight of my day. I also had the honor of working on Mr. Ted Bauer’s retirement party. It was a great experience working with so many people throughout AIM who had special touches to contribute to the event in honor of Mr. Bauer. The most unforgettable memory was being the onsite coordinator in Houston at the National Sales meeting on September 11, 2001. It was a team effort helping attendees get home safely. I will never forget. I am very grateful for my time at AIM."
I am still smiling after a wonderful "reunion"
Barrett Sides
AIM get together.. - 100% more proof people are the product
Simon Hoyle
I loved, loved, loved the reconnects
Brandi Jackson Scott
We truly were and are a family
Pamela Stephens
We had some real distance travelers this year
Barrett Sides
"I am still smiling after a wonderful "reunion" - what a lift to see so many happy alumni after a few years off." said Barrett Sides. "We had some real distance travelers this year! Another great comment on how special and inspiring those years were and how lucky we all were to be a part of it. And thank you Bob and Gary! And, of course, Ted. Until April, 2023!
Jeffrey Hemker passed away February 26, 2022. An amazing person to have as a friend or colleague, Jeff was always surrounded by many who wanted to enjoy his stories and wisdom at every event he attended. Jeff was also ready to help anyone he saw in need. His generosity, kindness, and intellect combined with his wit and dry sense of humor made up the beauty of his personality. Jeffrey L. Hemker was born on August 16, 1955, in West Salem, Wisconsin. He was a 1979 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse with a degree in Political Science. Shortly after his graduation and the creation of the 401(k) plan, Jeff found his calling in retirement plan sales. Always a top salesperson, Jeff eventually became a National Sales Leader and was happiest when he could share his experience and knowledge with those that sought his advice and guidance. Known for launching and advancing many careers in retirement plan sales and marketing, Jeff would often be stopped and presented with long declarations of gratitude for how his efforts changed the trajectory of a life for the better. The depth of Jeff’s sincere happiness for the successes and accomplishments of others was a wonderful facet of his nature. Jeff married Alisa, his wife of 21 years, in June of 2000, becoming stepfather to Christopher in the process. The three enjoyed life in Naperville, IL, before moving to Cypress, TX, in 2004. Jeff loved being a stepfather and always tried to instill a strong work ethic in Christopher. With Alisa, Jeff went above and beyond to make not just birthdays and holidays but every day special. It was important to him that Alisa and Christopher had everything they needed to feel safe and secure. This, he accomplished.
For all who knew Jeff, the world will never be the same. Read his obituary.
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, May 24 at 2:00pm CT
Forest Park Lawndale Funderal Home and Cemetery
In the Grand Chapel, 6900 Lawndale ST. Houston 77023: Reception to follow at at a local establishment. Details will be provided as plans are made.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory can be made to the ASPCA at aspca.org/donate.
Claude Cody passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 8, at the age of 70.
Claude Cody joined AIM in 1984, and departed in 2003. Following his time at AIM, Claude worked for Roger H. Jenswold & Co., where he served as one of its Vice Presidents and later purchased the firm with his cousin Melville L. Cody, Jr. The firm became
part of the Capstone Financial Group, where he worked as a Senior Vice President until his retirement in 2016, concluding his career with more than 40 years of experience.
"Claude and I worked with Gary Crum on the High Yield Bond Fund in the early days of AIM," said Polly Ahrendts. "We worked closely on the 19th floor of Greenway Plaza, attended many Junk Bond deal road shows at the old Remington Hotel,
and had a lot of laughs during those years. I enjoyed Claude’s slightly formal, yet quirky sense of humor, with his Cheshire cat smile. Claude was always willing to confer and contribute to solve the challenges at hand. I can still
see him walking around the 19th floor “Star Trek” trading desk. He will be missed", said Polly.
“Claude loved to talk to people – family, friends, coworkers, institutional salesmen, brokers, strangers," remembers Michaele Brown, who began her AIM career in April, 1994 as a research associate on Claude's team. "In
the entrepreneurial AIM days, Claude put this talent to good use as he both managed money and was always ready to help with marketing requests to meet with brokers both in person and over the phone. Claude’s many marketing trips and phone
calls helped multiple AIM funds gather and retain assets, and his efforts definitely contributed to AIM’s growth over the years," said Michaele.
"I always enjoyed my interactions with Claude and considering we were at AIM together in the early 1990s and nearly the entire company occupied a single floor of the building, we would cross paths often," said Barrett Sides. "I remember
he walked kind of slowly, always ready with a smile. And he was there at a pivotal moment in my career. In 1992, after a couple of years with the firm, I interviewed for a position as an equity analyst for our domestic equity portfolios and was passed
over for the role. Claude was the one who had to deliver the news. (I hope it was "had to" and not "got to"!) I told him that, considering the circumstance and anxious to jump start my career, I was likely to apply to business school and move on. He
encouraged me to stay and predicted that other opportunities would soon emerge within our fast-growing (indeed!) department. Sure enough, a similar position was created for our international team and I was fortunate to land the job. Honestly, but for
the sake of one, well-timed conversation... Thank you."
Meggan Walsh joined Claude’s team in 1998 and she remembers he was instrumental in helping her to make the transition to equity investing. "As the leader of the team he was approachable, a natural conversationalist and generous
with his time," said Meggan. "He served as a valued source of historic knowledge on mergers, acquisitions and corporate actions to younger investors and was always willing to share investing lessons that he had learned. I appreciated how down to
earth he was - he was not into fancy clothes or labels. I recall fondly his comment “Wranglers are good enough, thank you”. Words that were tested when a baby girl joined his family. Claude was very proud of his children. He reveled in their
milestones and was happiest when recalling his weekend family events," shared Meggan.
A memorial service was conducted on Saturday, the 19th of February, in the sanctuary of The Church Of St. John The Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston. The Rev. Dr. Doug Richnow, Priest Associate officiated.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Southwestern University, Attn: Kent Huntsman, PO Box 770, Georgetown, TX, 78627; or to the charity of one's choice.
Joel Brown started with AIM in February 1999 as the Assistant Manager of the Pricing & Corporate Actions team within the Fund Administration department headed up by Mary Benson and Dana Sutton. "Since Y2K was supposed to decimate the world's infrastructure
by the end of the year, I figured I would be with AIM for just a few months and then move on to something else," says Joel. "Obviously, that didn’t happen; here I am 20+ years later. While we made it past Y2K without a hitch, the 2001 tech bubble
market crash definitely put a damper on things. In 2008, I became the manager of the Pricing & Corporate Actions team, which was timed perfectly to take on all the headaches associated with the financial crisis. I have little doubt my managers had
a good laugh about the timing of this “promotion”. A few years later I became the Global Director of Pricing & Corporate Actions. In 2014, I moved into a manager role within the Global Performance Measurement and Risk (GPMR) team headed
up by James Jacoby and Blake Cmajdalka. And finally, in July 2019, moved into my current role as Head of Global Portfolio Analytics. These past decades have been an absolute whirlwind. I consider myself lucky to have worked with so many friendly
and talented people. I tell others that the people, and the AIM kinship, is why it is so common to see employees with 10+ year tenures. I could write a book about all of the opportunities and guidance provided to me throughout my time with the firm.
It is because of this, that I make a conscious effort to do what I can to help others with their career aspirations and the approach they take toward working with peers and management."
The people, and the AIM kinship, is why it is so common to see employees with 10+ year tenures.
Joel Brown
Prior to AIM, Joel worked at Morgan Keegan, Oppenheimer Funds, and SunAmerica. Joel met his wife, Nicole, at SunAmerica in Denver. "Back then, Nicole moonlighted as a singer in a band in Denver and is now the lead singer of Newspaper Taxis in Houston,"
said Joel. "I don’t know why, but people are way more interested in hearing about Nicole’s band than about my job – weird, I know. I am, and have always been, an adrenaline junkie. I do (kind of) feel sorry for all the abrasions, wounds,
and scares that she, and my mom, have had to endure throughout the years. But hey, we got some good stories. Nicole and I have one son, Cole, who is currently a junior at University of Houston – Go Coogs! I wish Cole, and others of his generation
at the beginning their careers, the good fortune to find opportunities to surround themselves with as many talented and sharing people as I experienced at AIM."
I like to tell people that I started at AIM on a 3-month project over the summer of ’93 and it’s been a long 3 months.
Robert Martin
Robert Martin will celebrate his 29th year with the Invesco in 2022 where he is managing the unclaimed property process. "I like to tell people that I started at AIM on a 3-month project over the summer of ’93 and it’s been a long 3 months," said Robert. "One of my fond memories was when Bob, Gary, and Mr. Bauer served barbeque to everyone.”
One of my fond memories was when Bob, Gary and Mr. Bauer served barbeque to everone.
Robert Martin
Brandon delaTorre has been with the firm for 23 years and is currently living in Acworth, Georgia, a Northwest suburb of Atlanta. Brandon started in AIM Client Services in January of 1999. "I became a Supervisor in Financial Services in January of 2001," said Brandon. "In June of 2006, I moved to Denver to manage the Client Services team. The Denver office was closed in 2009. At that time, I was offered a job within the Sales Operations team in Houston, where I worked on budgets and various reporting for the sales organization for about 3 years. In June of 2012, I began managing the internal sales desk. In July 2019, I moved to Atlanta when we consolidated our sales desks to the corporate headquarters , after the Oppenheimer acquisition. I've been married since 2001, and we have two boys. In my free time, I’ve enjoyed coaching my boys’ baseball teams. I played college golf at Stephen F. Austin University, and still enjoy chasing the little white ball around the course as often as I can get out there.”
I played college golf at Stephen F. Austin University, and still enjoy chasing the little white ball around the course as often as I can get out there.
