Daily Industry Report - May 31

Remembering Tye Michael Elliott: A Life Lived with Passion and Purpose
A Dedicated Edition of the HVBA’s Daily Industry Report

Tye Michael Elliott, age 59, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at his home in Peoria, IL. Born on August 17, 1964, in Peoria, Tye was the beloved son of Royce and Helen (Milford) Elliott and a cherished brother to Brian (Debbie) Elliott, Hedy (Zeb) Gardner, and Brett (Devon) Elliott.

On May 13, 1989, Tye married Elizabeth “Beth” Westart at Sacred Heart Church in Peoria. Together, they built a life filled with love and joy, blessed with two sons, Mitchell (Maria) Elliott of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Beau Elliott of West Peoria. Tye was a devoted husband, father, brother, friend, uncle, and mentor, roles in which he was often referred to as the "Best."

A Legacy of Lifting Others - Celebrating a Remarkable Career
Tye's 25+ Years in the Life and Health Insurance Industry 

With a quarter-century of dedication and expertise in the life and health insurance industry, Tye stands out as a beacon of leadership and innovation. From Tye’s industry leading success with Aflac to 8 plus years as Executive Vice President and Director of Growth with Acrisure. Tye was a cornerstone at Aflac & Acrisure, holding pivotal leadership roles that have significantly contributed to the company's growth and success in both field and corporate positions.

Tye's journey with the companies he represented was marked by impressive achievements and a steadfast commitment to excellence. His adept management of over $2 billion in Voluntary Benefits sales is a testament to his strategic acumen and deep understanding of the market. Tye's leadership has not only driven sales but also fostered the development of numerous leaders within the Voluntary Benefits Industry, ensuring a legacy of talent and expertise for years to come.

A key aspect of Tye's role involves close collaboration with his relationships and the broader leadership teams. His ability to synergize efforts and support growth initiatives has been instrumental in propelling the Voluntary Benefits industry forward. Tye's extensive knowledge and professional experience enable him to build upon the best practices established by his company’s, further enhancing their operational excellence and market presence.

Tye's career is characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to nurturing talent. His strategic vision and leadership have been crucial in navigating the complexities of the insurance industry, ensuring that the companies he represented remain at the forefront of Voluntary Benefits. By empowering his teams and fostering a collaborative environment, Tye has created a culture of success that continues to drive the company's achievements.

In summary, Tye's 25+ years in the life and health insurance industry, have been marked by significant contributions to sales growth, leadership development, and strategic collaboration. His professional journey is a shining example of dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership, making Tye an invaluable asset to the companies he represented and a respected leader in the Voluntary Benefits Industry.

Tye's life was characterized by his unyielding dedication to lifting others up and helping them achieve their dreams. He was an industry leader who profoundly impacted those around him, always giving selflessly. Tye's generosity extended beyond his immediate circle; he made it a mission to help his mother and mother-in-law see the world, creating cherished memories with family trips to places like Paris.

A Passion for Baseball

Tye was most at home with a baseball in his hand. An outstanding athlete from a young age, he led his team to a West Peoria Little League Championship and continued to excel in the sport through his years at Spalding Institute, Lincoln College, and Illinois Wesleyan. Tye's passion for baseball carried on into adulthood, where he played in the Peoria Sunday Morning League and earned recognition as an All-World Selection in Fast Pitch Softball. Tye even published a book about baseball and family entitled: Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend: A Baseball Family Journey.

An Indelible Impact

Tye's larger-than-life personality and genuine care for others left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His drive was fueled by a deep love for his family and a desire to see those around him succeed. His presence will be deeply missed, but his influence and the memories he created will live on.

Celebration of Life

The Elliott family will host a celebration of Tye’s life at the end of June, with details to be announced. This gathering will be an opportunity for friends and family to come together and honor the remarkable person Tye was.

 What People Think of When They Think of Tye

“Tye was not only a dedicated professional but also a kind-hearted person who always brought positivity and warmth to our workplace.  A dedicated friend to so many, Tye’s contributions to Acrisure and his unwavering commitment to our people and clients have left an indelible mark on us all.  Tye was the embodiment of Acrisure’s culture and spirit . . . we’ll miss him dearly”. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tye’s family and loved ones . . . may they find comfort in the fond memories and the lasting legacy Tye leaves behind”.

~ Greg Williams / Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO – Acrisure

“Anyone who had the privilege of working with Tye not only had an incredible co-worker but an even better friend. Someone who always had a smile on his face and would pull a smile out of others everywhere he went. Tye had the rare ability to always find opportunity when others couldn’t. He was the consummate positive, innovative thinker who brought so much to Acrisure and the industry as a whole. We’ll miss him dearly on so many levels.” 

~ Sozon Vatikiotis / Chief Operating Officer – Acrisure

“Every so often you meet an individual who is so effortlessly good at everything he or she does it inspires you to become a better person. That was Tye Elliot.  A skilled athlete turned consummate sales professional; Tye helped shape the voluntary benefits industry during his 30-year career. He was a talented author, having published numerous books, and a thoughtful, intelligent leader whose counsel was sought by sales and business leaders across industries. Yet for all his business accomplishments, Tye was an even better person. A loving father and devoted husband, he was incredibly generous with both his time and resources, always looking for an opportunity to pay it forward -- best illustrated through his membership in Aflac’s Circle of Care program, an honor reserved only for those who demonstrate a financial and emotional commitment to children facing daunting challenges at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta. In 2020, Tye was recognized as an Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility Hero for his commitment to community throughout his career. When I look back at my own life, I am grateful for is knowing someone like my friend Tye Elliott. To Beth, Mitch, and Beau, and all who knew and loved Tye, the Aflac family send our deepest condolences.      

~ Andy Glaub / Senior Vice President, Director of Sales - Aflac 

Final Thoughts 

“Tye had so many friends it would take an encyclopedia to publish their experiences and friendships with him. He was larger than life and lived a life defined by love, compassion, trust, and an unwavering commitment to all others. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched, the dreams he helped realize, and the family who loved him dearly. Rest in peace, Tye, you were truly the best.”

~ Robert Shestack / Chairman & CEO – Heath & Voluntary Benefits Association®