Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

C. B.’s death. Both served as company leaders
and personal mentors for C. B.’s children, Bill
and Lynda Cameron. The AFA family drew
even closer during this difficult time.
Not long after the plane crash, Bill headed
to Dartmouth for college. After graduation,
Bill returned to Oklahoma and began learning
more about the family business. C. W. passed
away in 1991, and Bill continued to work
at American Fidelity alongside William and
John to learn more about the company’s role
in the industry and to understand the
founding principles his grandfather and
father used to establish the family company.
Bill was named president, chairman of
the board and chief executive officer for
American Fidelity Assurance Company in
1998. Under Bill’s leadership, the company
has maintained its values and continued to
flourish. The company has grown to become
one of the largest private, family-owned life
insurance companies in the nation.
Bill’s leadership is extended into other ventures
as well. He is an active owner and leader of
INSURICA, First Fidelity Bank, First Financial
Group, Asset Services Company, The Alcott
Group, Cameron International and the Tulsa
Shock. American Fidelity Assurance Company
remains the flagship business of the group.
Based in Oklahoma City, AFA serves
more than 1 million customers in forty-nine
states. The company has been listed among
FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best companies
to Work For” in America nine times. Since
1982, AFA has consistently been rated “A+”
by A.M. Best Company, one of the leading
insurance rating services in America.
Throughout its history, the Cameron family
has demonstrated an understanding of the
need for strong corporate citizens. American
Fidelity Assurance Company and its founding
family have been staunch supporters of the
community. The Camerons, along with William
and John, have been instrumental in an array
of community initiatives designed to improve
the quality of life in the communities where
they do business.
Three generations of the Cameron family
are at the heart of this company’s achievements.
Their resilience and unwavering vision
enabled them to triumph over professional
setbacks and personal tragedy.
“This is a family business, and I like the
feeling that I am adding on to the foundation
that my grandfather and father built,” says
Bill. “I am proud of the products and services
we sell and the difference we make in people’s
lives. Reputation means everything.”
Above: Two thousand Classen Center.
O K L A H O M A P A R T N E R S
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