Q&A WITH DIANA "MICKI" HORNUNG HANBY, ACSR

Micki is a Senior Account Executive at Insurance Office of America in Wilmington, DE. She also serves as the Delaware Association of IA&B’s National Director for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”).

Q. First and foremost, where did the nickname Micki come from?

A. My full name is Diana Michele (Hornung). My mother’s name is Marilyn, and she always longed for a cute nickname growing up, so she decided from the very beginning that I would be called “Micki” – short for my middle name.

Q. You followed your father, Thomas Hornung, into the industry and worked at his agency for many years. Was that always the plan?

A. No, that was not the plan. I originally was an education major in college and then was taking some time off from my studies when he approached me about working for him in the new agency he was opening in 1997. I still get to use my love of teaching when explaining coverages to my clients.

Q. How about your kids, Seth and Sydney? Do either of them have interest in the family business?

A. Unfortunately, no. Both of them share my initial love of teaching and are currently majoring in elementary education.

Q. In 2016, Insurance Office of America acquired your father’s agency, Thomas J. Hornung and Associates. What was the most challenging part of that transition?

A. I can’t think of any one challenge, but transitioning from a small business to a national agency was a bit of a learning curve with regards to learning all of the teams and new processes. In addition, we migrated our data from our TAM software to the Epic software IOA uses. That kind of change always takes time to get used to.

Q. Thank you for your dedication to IA&B – serving on the IA&B Board for many years, including a year as chairwoman of the IA&B Service Group, and now representing our Delaware members on the Big “I” Board of Directors. What drives your commitment? And what would you say to others who are considering a leadership position with IA&B?

A. I’m a volunteer at heart. Back when we were the Independent Insurance Agents of Delaware, I really enjoyed our monthly dinners and all of the education offerings available through the association. When I was approached to be part of the board, it was easy to say yes, and I have enjoyed working with so many of my fellow Delaware agents over the years. When we became part of IA&B, I was excited to continue to participate! IA&B continues to be a valued resource for Delaware agents, and I am happy to play a small part.

Q. You’re well on your way to earning the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. What sparked your interest in the CIC program?

A. I have always encouraged continuing education for my staff and had a desire to pursue the degree for myself. I was able to begin that process and have one more class to finish before I am done!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Without question, it is the customers. The relationships I have built over my 24 years in the business are what make what I do enjoyable. I have met more interesting people and learned about more different types of industries by having this career.

Q. Let’s play ‘Five Favorites’! What’s your favorite …

Vacation spot? Rangeley, Maine – hands down!

Hobby? Volunteering with youth at my church and crocheting during downtime.

Author? Do I have to pick just one? Hmmm, Kristen Hannah, Liane Moriarty, Ann Patchett, Fredrik Bachman. I love any good story with deep character development.

Sports team? Eagles, of course! (And the Phillies.) But I will also root for Chicago Bears and Cubs because I lived there for several years.

Benefit of IA&B membership (shameless plug!)? The education offerings and the lobbying efforts on behalf of agents are fantastic!

Diana and her father, Tom Hornung, at a Phillies game.

Diana (center) on a mission trip with her church, where she volunteers as a youth leader.