The Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals (AFIP) announced Brian Vance, the regional F&I manager in the Midwest office of Zurich North America, earned his master certification at an AFIP Certification Boot Camp in Overland Park, Kan., this summer.

Vance is the second Zurich executive to earn master certification, following Scott Gagne, the Wisconsin regional F&I Manager who achieved master status in early 2013.

Regarding his accomplishment, Vance said, “We’re very engaged with our clients in the area of compliance. More knowledge is always better.”

Vance had 13 years of experience on the retail side of the automotive business, moving from sales to dealership F&I director, before joining Zurich about 11 years ago. He served Zurich as an F&I executive, account executive and national F&I executive before being named to his current position in 2010.

The Zurich direct markets unit, based in Overland Park, Kan., markets a full range of F&I products and services, as well as garage liability insurance. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012.

Vance earned his basic AFIP certification in 1994.

Vance serves as a member of the Zurich F&I Steering Committee and F&I Thought Leadership Editorial Board. A certified insurance counselor, Vance is also working to earn the certified risk manager designation and is attending the University of Phoenix.