Alumna receives award for Distinguished Achievement from D.C. group

University of Illinois Springfield alumna Syma R. Mendelsohn is being honored by the Direct Marketing Association of Washington, D.C. with its Award for Distinguished Achievement. Mendelsohn graduated from SSU/UIS in 1975 with a master’s degree in History.

Mendelsohn is Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications for Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downes (RCM&D), a Maryland-based insurance consultant. She manages all marketing and communications activities for RCM&D, working closely with the firm’s executive leadership and sales team to facilitate the continued growth of the company.

The Award for Distinguished Achievement is the highest honor the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW) can present to a member and is granted based on lifetime achievements in direct marketing, involvement in the association and contributions to the knowledge and careers of other professionals. Mendelsohn is a longstanding member of the DMAW and has served as both a Member of the Board and President of the organization. She is currently President of the DMAW Educational Foundation.

Prior to joining RCM&D, Mendelsohn was an Executive Vice President with JZA, Inc., a broker/administrator focused on serving associations and nonprofits. Throughout her career, she has worked in senior leadership roles for a number of top national insurance firms, including Marsh Affinity and Geico.

Mendelsohn is a member of and has served in a variety of leadership capacities for several professional organizations and nonprofits including the Professional Insurance Marketing Association and Big Sisters of Washington, D.C.

In addition to her UIS degree, Mendelsohn earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Brooklyn College, CUNY. She resides in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband Martin.

The Award for Distinguished Achievement will be presented during DMAW’s annual “Best of Direct” event on December 2, 2010.