Bill Chen of Houston, is the founder of New Era Life Insurance Co. and has worked as an actuary and in executive positions in the insurance industry for 35 years. New Era has been in the "Houston 100" list of the city's fastest-growing companies for four consecutive years. Chen was recognized in Who's Who in America in 1996, Who's Who in Finance and Industry in 1992 and in 1994 was awarded regional entrepreneur of the year, sponsored by Ernst and Young, Merrill Lynch and Inc. Magazine. Chen earned his master's degree and doctorate in statistics from Purdue in 1967 and 1970, respectively.