A native of Hudson Falls, New York, Mr. Poulos was born on February 13, 1931. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Colgate University in 1953 – establishing a scholarship fund at that school which still lives on. He received his MBA from New York University in 1963.
Michael James Poulos began his life insurance career in 1958 with the United State Life Insurance Company in New York City. In 1970, Mr. Poulos signed on as a senior officer of a subsidiary, California-Western State Life Insurance Co. in Sacramento, California. He also served as President and CEO from 1970 –
1975.
During this time, he served as a Director of American General from 1980-2001. He also served as President of American General Corporation in Houston from 1981 to 1999 and as Vice Chairman until 1993 when he joined Western National. Mr. Poulos joined Western National Corporation in 1993 as Chairman and CEO, taking the company public in 1994. He served as Vice Chairman until 1998 when American General acquired Western National.
Mr. Poulos was one of four original investors in Forethought Financial Group, Inc., serving as Chairman (2004 to 2009) and Lead Director for a number of years thereafter.
Mr. Poulos has served as a Director/trustee of several non-profit organizations: Colgate University, Houston Symphony and Grand Opera, the Texas Heart Institute Foundation Board, and the Boy Scouts of America. He also served on many Insurance related boards.
Industry and professional memberships include American Society of CLU, National Association of Life Underwriters, Beta Gamma Sigma, and he is a Life Member of Delta Sigma Pi. Mr. Poulos is married to the former Mary Kay Leslie. They have four adult children, his son died at age 41, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He was a member of the
River Oaks Country Club in Houston and the University Club in New York City.
May his memory be eternal.