Speakers
John Barbour, Chief Executive Officer for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG)
John Barbour is the Chief Executive Officer for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG). He is a graduate of Georgia State University and prior to joining IIAG he served as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Georgia Association of REALTORS® and worked in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
John’s duties include legislative affairs at the State Capitol, regulatory affairs at the Department of Insurance, and managing all aspects of the association. John serves as a committee liaison to the following committees for IIAG: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, Governmental Affairs, and Executive Committee
In addition to his work with the Big “I”, John also has a full time job as a father of 13 year old twins, Caleb and Eliza.
Matt Banasyski, Chief Executive Officer at the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (IIAW)
Matt is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of successfully working in the insurance industry. Skilled in both Not-for-profit and For-profit organizations, governmental affairs, grassroots organizing, technology, communications and most importantly insurance. Matt has strong business development skills with a passion for positioning the Independent Agency Channel for prosperity!
Steve Cocke, Chief Operating & Financial Officer, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. (IIABA).
Steve Cocke joined IIABA in 2003 as the Chief Financial Officer and is currently the Chief Operating and Financial Officer. As a member of the IIABA leadership team, he is responsible for all accounting and financial operations which include two for-profit, several non-profit subsidiaries and a re-insurance company. He also has responsibilities for Facilities and Building Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Meetings & Special Events, as well as a consumer facing not-for-profit, Trusted Choice.
From 1997 until he joined IIABA, Steve was an Executive Director of Finance for America Online, Inc. (AOL) with core responsibilities of financial planning as well as the integration of operations, accounting and financial planning of acquired companies. Prior to working at AOL, he owned and managed a medical x-ray service company; controller of a medical supply and service company; MCI Telecommunications; and Electronic Data Systems (EDS).
Steve currently resides in Richmond, VA with his wife Marci. Steve and his wife have three boys. When not working, Steve enjoys his family, his golden retriever, and spending time outdoors playing golf or shooting.
Brendan Corr
Cofounder, Project 55
Fauna
With over 18 years of experience in sales and marketing, Brenden is currently driving growth and partnerships at Faura – a company transforming property risk mitigation.
Prior to Faura, Brenden served as Senior Director of Business Development at Loss Run Pro (LRP), a subscription-based software platform that simplifies and streamlines the loss run request process. During his time at LRP, he helped scale the business to over 6,000 active subscriptions, working closely with brokers, agencies, and Insurtech partners to bring efficiency, accuracy, and transparency to the insurance ecosystem.
With a strong foundation in marketing, go-to-market strategies, social media, and relationship building – Brenden specialize in creating momentum, developing long-term strategic partnerships and pushing the boundaries of traditional sales and marketing.
Clark Duncan
Economic Development Coalition Asheville
Clark currently serves as Senior Vice President for Economic Development and Executive Director of the Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The EDC is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. He also serves as Board Chairman for CarolinaWest, the 7-County Regional Economic Development Organization. Clark leads a department of seven including functional areas of industry retention and expansion, workforce development, new employer recruitment, Riverbird Research, and entrepreneurial programs of Venture Asheville. Since joining the Chamber in 2008, he has led significant corporate recruitment projects including New Belgium Brewing, Linamar, Reich Automotive, and White Labs as well as strategic expansions such as GE Aviation, Avadim Technologies, Kearfott Navigation and Guidance Systems, Nypro, and Moog Music.
Clark has a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University as well as a Diploma in French Civilization from Sorbonne University. He has earned the Master Practitioner Certificate in Advanced Economic Development Leadership from Clemson University.
Jill Epstein, CEO, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California
Jill has over 20 years of C-level experience guiding diverse membership organizations as they grow, innovate, and face complex challenges. Inspiring and educating organizations – from the Board to the members/stakeholders to staff – is crucial to successfully orchestrating initiatives.
She is proud to have applied her vision and relationship-building skills to the medical, finance, senior citizen, legal, and healing arts communities.
Jason Ernest
President & CEO at Insurance Agents & Brokers (IA&B)
Jason is based in Mechanicsburg, PA, and is currently the President and CEO at Insurance Agents & Brokers. He brings experience from previous roles at Insurance Agents & Brokers, The Cincinnati Insurance Company and Skadden Arps. Jason holds a 2002 – 2005 Juris Doctorate @ Widener University School of Law. 
April Goodin, Executive VP & CEO of Big I Minnesota
April’s journey with Big I Minnesota spans over three decades, showcasing her deep-rooted dedication and passion for the independent agent community. Having held nearly every position within the association, she stepped into the role of Executive Vice President & CEO in January 2023. April’s extensive background in membership, education, and operations has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and experience. In her current role, she channels her expertise into program development and management, strategic planning, financial management, community relations, and fostering strong membership and board relationships. Her enduring commitment reflects the joy she finds in continuously enhancing the industry, making a lasting impact on the community she serves. April’s story is one of relentless dedication and a true testament to the positive influence of her leadership within Big I Minnesota
Justin Goodman
CEO & Founder, Total CSR
Justin Goodman is a third-generation insurance professional with more than 20 years of industry experience, recognized for his commitment to professional excellence and educational leadership. As co-founder and CEO of Total CSR, he has played a significant role in developing training programs that have positively impacted over 70,000 customer service representatives, account managers, and producers nationwide. Additionally, Justin serves as Managing Director and co-founder of Project 55, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming mental health outcomes in the workplace.
Justin began his career building upon the legacy of his family’s involvement in insurance, subsequently establishing and operating his own successful agency. At just 29, he was acknowledged by Risk & Insurance Magazine as one of the nation’s top five construction insurance specialists. His contributions have earned him inclusion in Insurance Business Magazine’s prestigious Hot 100 list and recognition as one of the 2024 Insurance Journal Agents of the Year.
Meaghan Hanson
Chief Counsel, Legal Policy at Koch Industries
Meaghan is Chief Counsel, Legal Policy at Koch Industries. She is an attorney and former Georgia State Representative from Brookhaven, Georgia. She attended the University of Alabama (BS, JD).
Vic Isley, President & CEO, Explore Asheville & Buncombe County Tourism Authority
Since December of 2020, Vic Isley has been the President & CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. She believes in the power of travel — the emotional reward people get through exploring new places, people and cultures — and the economic vitality that communities gain through the process.
Isley has been recognized as one of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Top 25 Minds in Hospitality & Travel Sales Marketing for being an innovative marketing executive and has been named one of North Carolina’s most influential leaders by Business NC magazine for multiple years.
Over her 30-year career, she has represented destinations including the island of Bermuda; Washington, DC; Tampa Bay, Florida and Durham, and now Asheville, North Carolina. Isley’s destination marketing leadership experience ranges from 9/11 recovery efforts for the nation’s capital and Asheville’s recovery following Hurricane Helene, promoting Obama’s first presidential inauguration and the dedication of the National World War II Memorial to showcasing major sports events including Super Bowl XXXV, Men’s Basketball NCAA Final Four, NHL All-Star Game and America’s Cup and negotiating multi-year sponsorship partnerships with SailGP, the PGA Tour and United States Tennis Association.
She served as Chief Operating Officer for what is now Destinations International, the world’s largest destination marketing trade association, representing 600 organizations worldwide. She also operated as the Executive Director of its Foundation. Isley currently serves as a board member of the United States Travel Association, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and the Asheville Buncombe Hotel Association.
Growing up on a tobacco farm in rural North Carolina, she knows first-hand the value of hard work. Her first job in hospitality was as a restaurant server, putting herself through college and falling in love with food culture.
Vic is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, proud Carolina girl, passionate traveler, foodie, music lover, farmer’s daughter and more
Aubie Knight, CIC, CRM
CEO, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina
Aubie Knight, CIC, CRM is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina.
Aubie works with the IIANC Board of Directors to help set the strategic direction and vision of the association. He is then responsible for leading the staff in the implementation of the tactics needed to move the organization towards those goals.
Aubie is known throughout both the association world and the insurance industry for his bold visions, creative approaches to problem solving and a constant desire for growth and evolution. He takes great pride in the fact that IIANC has been listed as a top employer in North Carolina for three consecutive years and that the IIANC team has an office culture and engagement score ranked in the top 1% of US employers.
As a result of his vision and leadership skills, Aubie has served on numerous Boards in both the association and insurance industries. He is constantly challenging himself and any organization that he is affiliated with to “get better”!
During his free time, Aubie loves spending time with his family, smoking meats, listening to live music and visiting craft beer breweries. Aubie is a graduate of the University of Georgia and a huge Bulldog fan (and season ticket holder). Go Dawgs!
Michael Mellars, AAI
CEO, Legacy Risk Solutions
Michael Mellars is responsible for day-to-day operations of the agency and ensuring all systems, procedures, and people are aligned to meet agency goals. Michael has a B.S. in Business from Kennesaw State University. After 10 years with Pritchard & Jerden (now Sterling Seacrest Pritchard) as Commercial Lines Manager, Vice President of Operations, shareholder, and member of the board of directors, Michael is joining the Legacy Risk Solutions team as the Chief Operations Officer. Previously, Michael was also the Branch Manager for Southern States Insurance for over 10 years. Michael acquired his AAI designation in 2011. Michael sits on the executive committee for the IIAG as Past-President and is also the Past President of the Metro Alliance of Independent Insurance Agents. Michael is married with three daughters.
Nancy Palmer, Vice President of Government Affairs,
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Currently serving as Vice President of Government Affairs at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce with a focus on judiciary policy, employment law, and technology policy. Experience in alcohol regulation, 501c6 management, state and federal regulatory compliance, agency rulemaking, and policy development.
Avril Pender, Buncombe County, County Manager
Avril Pender, Buncombe County, County Manager
Avril Pinder was unanimously appointed County Manager by the Board of Commissioners on February 5, 2019, and sworn in on March 5, 2019.
Prior to Buncombe County, Pinder served New Hanover County, NC, for 13 years as Finance Director, Assistant Manager, and most recently, Deputy County Manager. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in service to the City of Jacksonville, NC, as Community Development Director and Assistant Finance Director.
Pinder is a Certified Public Accountant. She holds an MBA from Delaware State University and is an International City/County Management Association credentialed manager.
Marit Peters, President & Executive Director of IIAT
Marit is a passionate, innovative, success-oriented leader whose specialty lies in using strong relationship and business skills complimented with organizational design and strategic planning to create and sustain organizational growth and productivity. Marit believes people are the true heartbeat of every company – it’s a leader’s responsibility to understand employees’ strengths and give them the opportunity to engage and be part of the solution.
Angela Ripley, CIC, CRM, AIS, LUTCF
Big “I” Chair-Elect
Angela Ripley is president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland. She began serving as Big “I” chair-elect in the fall of 2024 and will be installed as chair at the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference in 2025.
Bringing more than 25 years of experience as an independent insurance agent, Ripley has held numerous positions at the national level for the Big “I,” including Big “I” Government Affairs Committee chair and Board of Directors member. She has also served as Maryland state InsurPac chair from 2011-2020 and was chair of Big I Maryland in 2014.
She has served on several agency advisory boards and was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Association of Registered Agents & Brokers (NARAB) Board. Additionally, she served a three-year term on the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC), the 21-member committee to provide information, advice and recommendations to the Federal Reserve Board on domestic and international insurance issues. Ripley is also vice chair of the Insurance Roundtable of Baltimore.
Ripley joined VW Brown in 2000 after working with Erie Insurance Group. She received her Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in marketing and advertising from Frostburg State University. She resides in Maryland with her husband Graydon and their two daughters.
Rebecca A. Shigley, CIC, TRA, FLMI, AIE, AIRC, ACS, CICSR
Chief Operating Officer, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC)
Rebecca Shigley brings over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, spanning company leadership, agency ownership, regulation, and association management. As COO of IIANC, she leads operations across key departments and directs InsurAcademy, an online training platform for future insurance professionals. Previously, she served as Deputy Commissioner at the North Carolina Department of Insurance and played a national role with the NAIC, contributing to licensing and education standards. A recognized industry leader, Rebecca received the Walter Spruill Regulator Recognition Award in 2015 for her contributions to insurance regulation and professional development.
Kristi Shrum, CIC, CRM
CEO, Insurance Service of Asheville
Kristi Shrum, CIC, CRM, is the CEO of Insurance Service of Asheville and proud member of Legacy Risk Solutions. Kristi grew up in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia and moved to Asheville, NC in 2012. She has been licensed in the insurance industry for over a decade. She has furthered her insurance knowledge by receiving her accreditation as a Certified Insurance Counselor and a Certified Risk Manager Designation. She is passionate about her community having served on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels and the North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum. She loves volunteering for United Way, Meals on Wheels, and Brother Wolf. She led the efforts of Legacy Risk Solution’s Hurricane Helene relief throughout Western North Carolina where they raised and contributed over $25,000 in supplies and aid.
She is the proud mother of her son, David, and her two rescue pups, Cash and Riley. She enjoys hiking all over Western North Carolina with her dogs and traveling. She also enjoys attending sporting events with her son regardless of their divided house as he cheers for Duke, and she is a diehard Tarheel fan.
Dale Steinke
Director, Agency for the Future Advisors
As an Agent for the Future Advisor at Liberty Mutual Insurance, Safeco Insurance, and State Auto Insurance, Dale is dedicated to transforming the insurance landscape through technology-first solutions. His focus is on empowering independent insurance agencies to navigate the fast-paced digital evolution to enhance employees and meet changing customer expectations head-on.
With a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, he provides actionable insights that help agents integrate AI into their sales, marketing, and operational strategies. From generative tools like ChatGPT to cutting-edge AI-driven solutions tailored for agencies, Dale helps agents harness these technologies to improve employee efficiency and create a customer experience that converts more prospects into lifelong customers.
Outside of work, you can find Dale enjoying long-distance cycling to reflect on new ideas or indulging in cooking for family and friends.
Ben Swann
Senior Vice President, MarshBerry
Ben Swann is responsible for MarshBerry’s Client Development Strategy.
Ben created and now manages MarshBerry’s sales processes, tracking mechanisms, and sales training/development programs. He acts as a partner with MarshBerry’s strategic planning group and business unit leaders in executing the Client Development Strategy to help them achieve their organic growth goals.
Ben also manages MarshBerry’s Dallas office and lead’s the Initiation Team. The Initiation Team works with potential insurance agency and brokerage clients to uncover who they are, what their goals are, current obstacles, and what strategies they have in place to achieve their goals. The team then identifies the best way MarshBerry can help future clients create value in their firms.
Ben joined MarshBerry in 2010 focusing primarily on MarshBerry’s Acquisition Search Practice. This involved conducting initial conversations with prospective acquisitions, screening potential acquisition candidates, and gathering and presenting candidate data to our acquisition search clients. In 2012, Ben agreed to lead MarshBerry’s Dallas office and was promoted to Vice President. In 2014 Ben was chosen to be MarshBerry’s Director of Sales.
He currently maintains the Series 62 and 63 FINRA Registration through the MarshBerry Capital, LLC, the affiliated FINRA registered Broker/ Dealer of Marsh, Berry & Co., LLC.
Prior to joining MarshBerry, Ben was an M&A practice leader at Kaye/ Bassman International Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business studies from Portsmouth University in England.
Jeffrey S. Smith, JD, CIC, CAE
CEO, Ohio Insurance Agents Association
Jeffrey S. Smith, JD, CIC, CAE serves as Chief Executive Officer for Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) and IA Valuations. He is responsible for leading the organizations’ strategic initiatives and day to day operations.
Since his appointment as CEO, OIA has continued its proud tradition of being a fierce advocate for independent agents in the legislative, legal, regulatory and political arenas. In addition, OIA has transformed into a trusted advisor, strategic business partner and data analytics expert by offering business solutions for independent insurance agents to grow their businesses and improve their performance.
As CEO of IA Valuations, Smith has consulted and reviewed over 350 agency valuations for independent agents across the US. IA Valuations serves independent agencies as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner as they implement strategies to increase their agency value, grow their businesses and transition their agencies. In addition, Smith provides insights into the agency’s operations, risk factors and legal guidance on how to perpetuate and maximize value in a sale. IA Valuations has advised more than 40 agencies on the ownership transition of their insurance agency.
Smith graduated with honors from Kent State University and Capital University Law School with a concentration in government relations. He is a licensed P&C insurance agent, Certified Insurance Counselor Designee, Attorney and Certified Association Executive. Smith is an active member of the Ohio State Bar Association Insurance Committee, Ohio Society of Association Executives and Ohio Lobbying Association. He also served on the Village of Marble Cliff Council and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sequent Midwest Business Health Fund.
On a personal note, Smith is an avid runner and endurance athlete. He has completed a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and an Ironman triathlon. He lives in Powell with his wife and two children. He enjoys coaching youth sports and outdoor adventures.
Charles Symington
President & CEO, IIABA
Joining the Big “I” nearly 20 years ago, Symington previously served as senior vice president for external, industry and government affairs. Last September, he was promoted to executive vice president and selected to succeed the retiring Bob Rusbuldt as president & CEO.
Symington joined the Big “I” in 2004 on the government affairs staff. He has been regularly recognized by The Hill newspaper as a top lobbyist in Washington, D.C., and has been a key leader in many industry coalitions on Capitol Hill, advocating on issues important to Big “I” members. Under Symington’s leadership, the Big “I” has had numerous legislative wins, including securing substantial small business tax relief, defending a modernized state regulatory system for insurance, preserving the Federal Crop Insurance Program and National Flood Insurance Program, and extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA).
Prior to joining the Big “I,” Symington served as a senior counsel with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services from 2000-2003 where he focused on insurance issues. During that time, he was actively involved in drafting TRIA in 2002 and other significant legislation. He also worked as a majority counsel for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, concentrating on health care policy and oversight.
Symington worked in the private sector before his time on Capitol Hill, first as an associate attorney with Drew, Eckl & Farnham in Atlanta, specializing in insurance defense litigation, and then as an attorney with the firm Matricardi & Moylan in Springfield, Virginia.
Symington graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in history and graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Emory University, School of Law in Atlanta. Symington is a past chairman and vice chair of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and served on the NDSS board from 2014-2022.</P
John Wepler
CEO & Chairman, MarshBerry
As a vital resource in mergers & acquisitions (M&A), John has personally advised on over 300 M&A and capital markets transactions since joining MarshBerry in 1991. He is an in-demand industry speaker because of his extensive knowledge in organic growth management, valuation enhancement strategies, business planning, perpetuation, financial management and M&A. John has been a featured speaker in 21 countries, sharing his extensive knowledge on global M&A activity and capital markets within the insurance distribution space.
John’s stewardship in the insurance industry has positioned him over the years as a sought-after adviser and chairperson for a range of organizations. He currently serves as an adviser to the board for the Worldwide Broker Network. Previous board positions include the Chairman of the Board of the Midwest Division of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), the IICF’s national Board of Governors, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, the American Bankers Insurance Association and adviser to the Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers (DVIC) Board.
John brings his deep advising experience to the ground level at industry seminars and events, as a keynote speaker and leader of executive forums. He strongly believes in advancing the industry and growing businesses through peer engagement and benchmarking. He is often a keynote speaker at insurance carrier elite meetings, national conferences and leadership forums, including Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers conferences, Chubb Wharton Executive Leadership Training, Selective Executive Symposiums and S&P Global Market Intelligence investment workshops.
With extensive experience in all facets of insurance business planning— from organic growth to perpetuation—John’s skill set allows for designing innovative, progressive strategies that help owners as they work to realize their business goals and life’s dreams. Professionally, he currently maintains the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE®) Exam, in addition to the Series 62, 79, 99, 24 and 63 FINRA Registrations through MarshBerry Capital, LLC, the affiliated FINRA[1]registered broker-dealer of Marsh, Berry & Co., LLC.
John earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Ohio University, and has a master’s degree in business administration from Kent State University.
Elizabeth Whitney
SwissRe
Beth Whitney heads up the US Professional Liability Underwriting team at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. She has been with the firm for more than twenty years and has held multiple roles of increasing responsibility within the Professional Liability space. Based in Chicago, she also serves as location head and Swiss Re Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chapter Champion.
Beth is a frequent speaker on Professional Liability topics and participated in events for the IIABA (The Big I), the American Bar Association, Hinshaw LMRM and others. She holds a Juris Doctor from DePaul University. Earlier in her career, she practiced insurance defense law in Chicago. Beth also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech.
