Insurance Association Will Reshuffle Executive Leadership
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America will appoint new C-suite leaders this November.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, an association representing more than 25,000 agency locations, will undergo a significant leadership transition beginning November 1, 2026. Two long-serving executives are scheduled to depart the organization by the end of the year.
Why it matters
Changes in association leadership can impact the advocacy priorities, vendor relationships, and operational support services available to member agencies. Operators rely on these organizations to navigate industry standards and regulatory shifts, making stability within the executive suite a key performance indicator.
The organization supports over 25,000 agency locations and has operated since 1896. Incoming leaders are replacing executives with tenures ranging from 20 to 23 years at the association.
The players
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
A national trade association representing more than 25,000 independent insurance agency locations.
Kevin Brandt
An IT and data management executive who will serve as the new chief operating officer.
Janine Silvola
The current director of finance who will transition into the chief financial officer role.
Steve Cocke
A long-term executive departing his dual COO and CFO roles after 23 years of service.
Aimee Branham
An executive with 24 years of tenure who will lead the Big I Advantage division.
The details
Kevin Brandt will move into the chief operating officer role from his current position in IT and data management, while Janine Silvola will be promoted from director of finance to chief financial officer. These changes follow the planned departure of current COO and CFO Steve Cocke. Aimee Branham will also step into the presidency of the Big I Advantage division at the end of the year, concurrent with the retirement of Mark Wolf after his 20-year career with the group.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Steve Cocke will step down from his dual roles as COO and CFO.
November 1, 2026: Kevin Brandt and Janine Silvola will assume their new C-suite responsibilities.
End of 2026: Aimee Branham will become president of Big I Advantage and Mark Wolf will retire.
Market Landscape
This leadership reshuffle follows a pattern of generational turnover seen in major national trade associations as long-tenured executives move toward retirement. The transition mirrors the 2023 American Institute of CPAs leadership transition, where institutional continuity remains a priority.
Agency operators should monitor whether these leadership changes signal shifts in the association’s digital services or preferred vendor programs. Review your firm’s current engagement with association-led resources to ensure alignment with incoming executive priorities.
The takeaway
Large trade associations are entering a cycle of significant executive turnover that could alter the support landscape for independent agencies. Monitor upcoming communications from the association to identify shifts in policy advocacy or operational resources for your agency.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and organizational changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Business.
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