PETE GUNN SCHOLARSHIP

Pete Gunn Photo

Every year MCIEF will award Pete Gunn Scholarships to industry associates who are new to transportation insurance and have a desire to become educated in the field.

Pete Gunn cared about the transportation industry…..he cared about truckers and he cared about education. He brought value to all by becoming the best insurance advisor he could be. Pete started in the insurance business in 1964. He became an agency owner with Morgan,Trevathan & Gunn Insurance in Kentucky and never stopped learning. He obtained his CPCU designation in 1968, his CIC in 1984 and his TRS in 2013. He was a long time instructor for the National Alliance, educating hundreds of industry associates.

When MCIEF was founded, Pete was interested in putting the programs together as well as “teaching”. His professionalism and willingness to share his knowledge with others is missed.

Each year these scholarships will remind us of Pete, his dedication to the trucking and education industry and hopefully develop others to follow his footsteps and his motto: “You must do it right, be honest and take care of the insured”.

The Pete Gunn Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for MCIEF members to advance their professional growth in the motor carrier insurance industry. This scholarship covers the full tuition cost for either the TCS (Transportation Claims Specialist) or TRS (Transportation Risk Specialist) designation program. Upon completing the designation, recipients will also be awarded complimentary registration to the MCIEF Annual Conference, offering valuable networking and educational opportunities. This scholarship is designed to support career development while promoting excellence and leadership in the trucking insurance sector. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your expertise!

The scholarship is valued at over $2,000 and includes:

  • Full Tuition for One TCS or TRS Designation: Covering the complete cost of the Transportation Claims Specialist (TCS) or Transportation Risk Specialist (TRS) designation courses.
  • Annual Conference Registration: Upon completion of the TCS or TRS designation, recipients will receive complimentary registration to the Annual MCIEF Conference.

Applications are now closed and will reopen in February 2026.

Must be an active MCIEF member to apply for the scholarship.

AWARD WINNERS:

Prior Pete Gunn Scholarship Award Recipients

  • Tyler Hussey, RT Specialty /Interstate Insurance Management
  • Nicholas Slahta, Red Ox Truck Insurance

Prior Honorable Mentions

  • Crystal Kaylor, W.N. Tuscano Agency
  • Evan Russell, Hub International Transportation
  • Daniel Vega, Nationwide E & S
  • Caleb Linden, Timby Specialty

JIM HARRISON AWARD

Jim Harrison Photo

In 1981 Jim Harrison and Tommy Ruke developed an education program for insurance professionals that work with motor carriers. At the time, Jim was the Education Consultant for CIC in Florida and knew that Tommy’s father was a trucker. That call started Tommy’s educational career. Jim and Tommy went on to teach numerous seminars together. Jim was an original founding member of MCIEF.

Through the years Jim inspired others to be better at their insurance craft. Brenda Wiser earned her CIC in 1995. She recalls her first CIC class which featured Jim as a presenter. “His incomparable knowledge, ability to explain the subject in simple terms, and unwavering patience in responding to questions, guide her even today in her Transportation Leadership role.” She notes there are a handful of teachers you remember your whole life….Jim is one who is sorely missed but not forgotten.

The Board of MCIEF Directors, in honor of Jim, has established an award to recognize a member that has given their time and knowledge educating the insurance industry and supporting the MCIEF.

AWARD WINNERS:

2018: Pete Gunn
2019: Lou Welch
2023: Tommy Ruke