HOUSTON, TX, February 04, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Thelma Perryman May, FLMI, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mrs. May has distinguished herself through a remarkable 47-year career in the insurance industry, demonstrating expertise in health insurance and risk management. Her most recent and longest tenure was with American National Insurance Company, where she served as chief underwriter and director of risk management from 1990 to November 2023. In this capacity, Mrs. May oversaw the underwriting process, reviewed insurance applications, determined coverage eligibility, developed underwriting guidelines and ensured compliance with state and federal laws. Her leadership was instrumental in standardizing the company's business processes.

Among her most significant professional achievements was the compilation and creation of a comprehensive underwriting manual that documented all business rules. Recognizing inefficiencies in the previous system, in which rules were kept in separate memoranda and notebooks, Mrs. May consolidated documents into a single, accessible manual for underwriters. She further developed a streamlined version for agents. This initiative significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced policy issuance times and enabled the company to scale its operations and acquire more clients.

Before her tenure at American National Insurance Company, Mrs. May began her insurance career in 1977 at Prudential Insurance Company where she advanced to underwriting supervisor. In 1987, she joined Columbia Universal Life Insurance Company as manager of health insurance underwriting products. When the company relocated from Houston, she opted to remain in the city and successfully transitioned to her role at American National Insurance Company.

Mrs. May's professional development is underscored by active participation in several industry organizations. She became a fellow of the Life Management Institute in 1988, reflecting commitment to ongoing education and excellence in life insurance management. Additionally, affiliations include the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the American Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference and the Underwriter Study Group.

Her academic foundation was established at Purdue University Krannert School of Management, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in operations management in 1976. Mrs. May credits her success to both the comprehensive education received at Purdue University and the extensive training received from employers throughout her career.

Beyond professional accomplishments, Mrs. May has demonstrated an enduring commitment to her faith, civic engagement and community service. For three decades, she led the women's ministry at her church, organizing initiatives such as children's giveaways, back-to-school projects providing backpacks with school supplies and food items in addition to holiday programs supporting children of incarcerated individuals. Through a partnership with Project Angel Tree, collaboration efforts made a significant impact in the community through prayer offerings and delivery of gift items to approximately 100 individuals and their families annually.

At her current church, Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, TX, Mrs. May maintains her commitment to outreach by helping families obtain school supplies and clothing collaborating with other ministries sponsoring families in need. Mrs. May is also an active life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which aims to enhance the lives of others through initiatives that fortify families.

Mrs. May's philanthropic reach has extended internationally as well; she played a key role in supporting Haiti by adopting a school and clinic there, collaborating with other churches to send supplies after a devastating earthquake and raising $10,000 for recovery efforts.

Her contributions have been recognized through several honors: the Service Appreciation Award from Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in 2020, Living Legend Award from Blue Triangle-Multicultural Association in 2017, the Legacy and Leadership Award from Holman Street Baptist Church in 2015 and the Woman of Faith Award from Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in 2010.

Born in Tullahassee, Oklahoma, Mrs. May values time spent with family and enjoys traveling. She is also dedicated to supporting her family's endeavors. Looking ahead, Mrs. May plans to establish a consulting firm focused on assisting community members, particularly seniors, with navigating health insurance products such as Medicare plans. Drawing on her extensive experience in health insurance, she aims to provide advocacy services that address the complexities retirees face as they transition between different types of coverage.

Mrs. May's career reflects not only technical expertise but also an unwavering commitment to her faith and service, both within her profession and throughout her community, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership, compassion and innovation.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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