From Your CEO - Ron Travis

From Your CEO

Ron Travis presented by

Change, Resilience and a Commitment to Service

Founded in 1894, today the Insurors of Tennessee has grown to over 500 agency and associate members representing more than 5000 individuals who work in insurance agencies or affiliated organizations. Our primary mission is to create the conditions to ensure that we have a strong and vibrant insurance industry in Tennessee where independent agencies can thrive in service to their clients.

We serve our members in several important ways including professional education and development, governmental and legislative affairs, the development of young insurance professionals and by providing members access to specific insurance products to support growth and development. Products we offer include Errors & Omissions, Personal Umbrella, Home Business and Cyber Insurance.

As is the case with any organization that has successfully grown, developed, and navigated the past 128 years, the Insurors of Tennessee story is one of change and adaptation to meet the challenges of the day. Today is no different. Like many other professional associations, we have seen challenging times related to operating in a pandemic, maintaining staff and a myriad of other issues. Nevertheless, we have met the moment and are on our way to becoming a stronger, better, and more agile organization able to adapt to an everchanging insurance and business landscape.

Part of the strength and agility of this organization resides in the Insurors of Tennessee staff. We are proud to have a talented and dedicated team to serve your needs now and into the future. While some of the names may be new to you, rest assured this group of people bring a wealth of talent and experience to the

The Tennessee Insuror

association. When you have the opportunity, please take the time to get to know our staff and how they can assist you and your organization.

Trey Moore is our governmental affairs specialist or more commonly referred to as our lobbyist. He brings twelve years of experience and deep knowledge about the Tennessee General Assembly. He is a strong advocate for the association and works to make sure the insurance industry maintains a fair and favorable legislative and regulatory environment in Tennessee. tmoore@insurors.org

Jake Smith is our Director of Operations. Jake brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Insurors. In his first six months, he has gone above and beyond to develop innovative solutions and introduce new ideas to the association. Most importantly, he truly cares about our association, and it shows through his dedication and commitment. Jake’s work ethic is impressive, and his ideas are spot on most every time. jsmith@insurors.org

Colleen Vance has been with our association for many years as accountant and has taken on many responsibilities as our longest serving employee. In addition to being the organization’s institutional memory going back years, she plays a major roll keeping our association strong and resilient. cvance@insurors.org

Stephen Holmes is known throughout our industry as one of the foremost E&O underwriters in the industry. His commitment to our members is steadfast and his passion shows through his work. Stephen also underwrites our RLI book which is seeing record growth. He is a key person to have on your team for

E&O, Cyber, RLI and other Big I products. sholmes@insurors.org

Teresa Durham brings over thirty years of insurance knowledge to the association. Her passion for insurance education is readily apparent once you see her at work in a classroom or via a webbased presentation. It is truly a blessing to have Teresa as part of our team. Currently, Teresa is exploring options to build and strengthen our education program through high school and college curriculum. These education pathways will greatly assist with the development of candidates for insurance positions as member agencies search for qualified agency employees. In addition, Teresa heads up our Women in Insurance program. tdurham@insurors.org

Be sure to learn more about our newest employees Kyra Garrison, Marketing Assistant and Aliyah Turner, Policy Services Assistant, in the Association News section of this magazine. In addition, Kimberly Clune was recently named as Administrative Assistant. We are excited to welcome them to the Insurors of Tennessee and look forward to the contributions they will make in our effort to deliver extraordinary service to members.

Our first commitment is and always will be to serve the needs of our members and partners with integrity and purpose. We seek to make a real difference in the success of your organization with our knowledge, experience, services, and products. Conversely, we need your commitment as members and associate members to be engaged in the association and support our initiatives.

Together, we can make 2022 a great success!

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