Iowa resident Jackie Cockrum, who serves as associate vice president for West Des Moines’ Sammons Financial Group (SFG), recently was recognized as a 2018 LIMRA Retirement Rising Star based on her inventive approach to daily operations.

SFG is the parent company of Midland National, which announced the honor, conferred annually on financial professionals under the age of 40. Cockrum has focused on streamlining SFG’s annuity sector during her five-year tenure with the firm.

“SFG … emphasizes career development for the younger generation of leaders in financial services, and we celebrate this recognition,” Midland National said in a statement.

As an accomplished leader with a strong background supporting performance in operations, business strategy and service delivery for annuity operations, Cockrum graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in education. Before joining SFG in 2013, she served as annuity operations director for MetLife, also in West Des Moines, for 11 years.

“Jackie is responsible for driving operational efficiencies with a keen eye on improving the agent experience,” her nomination stated in part. “She takes a customer-centric approach and constantly looks for ways to inspire and engage her entire team at Sammons Financial Group to do the same.”

LIMRA, which performs research for life and health insurance businesses, joins SFG in acknowledging young leaders. Its 2018 awards went to 10 individuals in the financial services field.

“The contest searched for talented and passionate young professionals who are successfully and creatively navigating all the changes in the retirement industry to keep workers financially optimistic and prepared for retirement,” a LIMRA spokesperson stated.