Big I Illinois Installs New President for 2027
The trade association's new leadership marks a transition in representation for Illinois independent insurance agencies.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
Big I Illinois has installed Chris Leming as its new president for a one-year term. Leming, who currently serves as senior vice president at TROXELL, will oversee the association's strategic direction.
Why it matters
Leadership shifts within industry trade groups often signal changes in lobbying priorities or professional standards for members. For independent insurance agencies in Illinois, Leming's tenure will determine how the association engages with state and national regulatory bodies over the next year.
Chris Leming assumes the presidency for a one-year term, drawing on experience from his long-standing role at TROXELL, where he has been employed since 1999. The association now shifts its leadership focus to his oversight as an official state and national delegate.
The players
Chris Leming
The senior vice president of TROXELL who now serves as the president of Big I Illinois.
Big I Illinois
A professional trade association representing independent insurance agencies across the state.
TROXELL
A Springfield-based insurance firm where Leming has held various roles since 1999.
The details
Installed at the Peoria Civic Center during the CONVO annual convention, Leming will guide the direction of Big I Illinois while continuing his operational responsibilities at the Springfield-based insurance firm. He brings prior association experience, having served as a regional director, government relations committee member, and president-elect before ascending to the top post.
Timeline
Chris Leming began his career at TROXELL in 1999.
The formal installation occurred on October 15, 2026, at the Peoria Civic Center.
Leming will serve his term as president through October 2027.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows established governance patterns for industry trade associations that lobby on regulations like the Illinois Insurance Code. Leming will function as the primary delegate for the organization, directly shaping its advocacy efforts.
Agency operators should track the association's upcoming legislative priorities for the 2027 calendar year as Leming sets the group's agenda. Members should note that the president serves as a key liaison at both state and national functions, representing the interests of Illinois-based firms.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at trade associations are key indicators of which regulatory issues will gain prominence in the coming year. Operators should review the association's latest mission statement or public board minutes to align their own agency goals with the new leadership priorities.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and professional appointments, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Journal.
