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Ben Albright, President & CEO
Karen Kuylen, Director of Accounting & Finance
Jamie Newchurch, Director of Insurance Programs
IIABL Officers & Board of Directors
Speakers
Schedule of Events
Program - Sunday, June 15
General Information
Exhibitors
Welcome
Program - Monday, June 16
Program - Tuesday, June 17
Big I LA Officers & Board of Directors
Speakers
Program - Wednesday, June 18
Program - Sunday, June 14
Lou Daniel & Jeff Albright Award
Exhibitors
IIABL Past Presidents
Program - Monday, June 15
Program - Tuesday, June 16
Program - Wednesday, June 17
Lou Daniel, Jeff Albright, & Distinguished Service Award Recipients
Big I LA Past Presidents
Big I LA Convention Sponsors
IIABL Registration Center
BIG I REGISTRATION
The Big I LA staff is ready, willing and able to assist you Convention registration and program information is available at the Big I Registration Center. If you have questions, need information or assistance, contact the Big I staff at the registration center.
The IIABL staff is ready, willing and able to assist you. Convention registration and program information is available at the IIABL Registration Center. If you have questions, need information or assistance, contact the IIABL staff at the registration center.
Convention Registration, Badges, Tickets & Wristbands
Each and every person attending the Convention must be registered. Convention attendees are issued badges which are to be worn in order to be admitted to all convention activities. Lost or damaged badges can be replaced at the IIABL Registration Center. The green wristbands can be worn for outdoor activities in lieu of the convention badge.
Individual registrations for separate convention functions are not available.
Each and every person attending the Convention must be registered. Convention attendees are issued badges which are to be worn in order to be admitted to all convention activities Lost or damaged badges can be replaced at the Big I LA Registration Center. The navy wristbands can be worn for outdoor activities in lieu of the convention badge
Individual registrations for separate convention functions are not available.
Some convention functions require tickets for drinks or door prizes. Tickets are included in your registration packet Please make sure to bring your tickets to each function. Lost or damaged tickets can be replaced at the IIABL Registration Center.
Some convention functions require tickets for drinks or door prizes Tickets are included in your registration packet. Please make sure to bring your tickets to each function. Lost or damaged tickets can be replaced at the Big I LA Registration Center
*Kathleen O'Regan, Director of Communications & Events
Karson Roberts, Communications & Events Administrator
Lyra Roberts, E&O Administrator
Ben Albright, President & CEO
Jamie Carmouche, Director of Insurance Programs
Karen Kuylen, Director of Accounting & Finance
Karson Kyle, Communications & Events Administrator
*If you need immediate assistance, please call (225) 733-8317*
*Kathleen O'Regan, Director of Communications & Events
Lyra Rutledge, E&O Administrator
*If you need immediate assistance, please call (225) 733-8317*
Continuing Education Convention business sessions and CE seminars are approved for Continuing Education credit. Attendance is required for the complete program to qualify for CE credit. Please be sure to scan the QR code at the end of each session you attend and complete the electronic form to qualify for CE credit Convention CE certificates will be posted to your IIABL Community Hub account within 2-4 weeks after the conclusion of the conference and you will be notified by email when this occurs. CE credit will not be provided to attendees who do not attend the entire seminar and/or fail to complete the electronic CE form at the end of each individual CE session
Convention Attire
Convention business sessions and CE seminars are approved for Continuing Education credit Attendance is required for the complete program to qualify for CE credit. Please be sure to scan the QR code at the end of each session you attend and complete the electronic form to qualify for CE credit Convention CE certificates will be posted to your Big I LA Community Hub account within 2-4 weeks after the conclusion of the conference and you will be notified by email when this occurs. CE credit will not be provided to attendees who do not attend the entire seminar and/or fail to complete the electronic CE form at the end of each individual CE session.
Casual attire is appropriate for all Convention activities Exhibitors are encouraged to dress on theme and decorate their booths for Sunday’s exhibit hall kickoff to help set the tone for a fun and engaging start. For Casino Night, attendees are invited to embrace the Country Club theme think golf polos, tennis skirts, or your best clubhouse-inspired look
Attendance Prizes
Casual attire is appropriate for all Convention activities Everyone is encouraged to dress on theme and exhibitors are encouraged to decorate their booths for Sunday’s exhibit hall kickoff to help set the tone for a fun and engaging start! For Casino Night, attendees are invited to embrace the coastal captain theme, think breezy linen, nautical stripes, or your best yacht-ready look.
Door prize drawings will be held at all business sessions and seminars using the electronic CE form. You must be present to win!
Door prize drawings will be held at all business sessions and seminars using the electronic CE form. You must be present to win!

Thank you for attending the 2026 Annual convention of the Big I LA. It is an honor to greet you as your Chairman this year, and I couldn't be more proud to gather with you once again at the stunning Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa for an event that promises to be memorable, meaningful, and energizing.
Whether it’s your first convention or your fifteenth, you know that feeling when you walk in and see familiar faces from across the state. This convention has always been more than just an event it is a reminder of why we do what we do. We're not just colleagues. We're a community.
And right now, that community needs to be louder than ever. Our industry is at an inflection point, as we face an evolving landscape from legislative pressures and market challenges to rapid technological change- none of that gets easier if we face it alone. But together, with a unified voice and a clear purpose, we can shape what the future of our industry looks like in Louisiana..
The independent agency system is built on trust, relationships, and a commitment to the clients and communities we serve. The work we do together through Big I LA has never mattered more. This is our moment to align, recharge, and chart a course for the future of our industry in Louisiana and beyond.
My sincere thanks go to our sponsors, exhibitors, and the incredible Big I LA staff. This week simply doesn’t happen without you. To the attendees, I look forward to seeing each of you this week let's make 2026 the year we leave with a clearer vision, stronger bonds, and a renewed commitment to the future of the independent agency system in Louisiana. Looking forward to charting the course with you!
Sincerely,
Ross Henry Chairman, Big I Louisiana
CHAIRMAN
Ross Henry Henry Insurance Service
CHAIRMAN-ELECT
Joe King Montgomery Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Chris Haik Higginbotham Insurance Agency
NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Joey O’Connor AssuredPartners
PAST PRESIDENT
Bret Hughes Hughes Insurance Services
YOUNG AGENTS CHAIR
Michael Mobley Moore & Jenkins Insurance Agency
IASC REPRESENTATIVE
David Dethloff Dethloff & Associates, Inc
Ann Bodkin-Smith Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance
Dominique DiCarlo Crouch Riverlands Insurance Agency
Matthew deBlanc Continental Insurance Services
Christy Desoto 1st Insurance Marksville
Rob W. Eppers Risk Services of Louisiana
Kara Garzotto DJW Insurance Agency
Matt Graham Lincoln Agency, Inc.
Beau Hearod Jeff Davis Insurance
Charles "Chuck" Leblanc Bourg Insurance Agency, Inc.
Craig Martel Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC
Lydia McMorris Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Eugene Montgomery Community Financial Insurance Center
Hartwig "Robby" Moss Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency
Seth Ostendorff Dethloff & Associates
Robert Palmer, Jr. Insurance Underwriters, Ltd.
Randy Perise Blumberg & Associates, Inc.
Robert Stone Stone Insurance, Inc.
Jeff Zeagler McClure, Bomar & Harris

Loyal to Louisiana businesses. Loyal to Louisiana workers.
From taking on the risks of Louisiana businesses with stable, reliable workers' comp coverage to offering expert guidance on accident prevention for safer Louisiana workplaces, at LWCC loyalty to Louisiana drives everything we do.

is loyal to the future of our home state, because it’s more than just our job to make sure Louisiana thrives It’s our purpose.


Eric M Bailey is the bestselling author of The Cure for Stupidity and President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing communication consulting firms in the country. He is the creator of the Principles of Human Understanding™, a brain science-based approach to leadership and communication Known for making complex ideas simple and practical, Eric blends science and storytelling to connect with audiences of all kinds. He has been featured on CNN, Forbes, and Huffington Post, and has worked with organizations like Google, the U S Air Force, and major city agencies across the country. Eric holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Saint Louis University and is passionate about helping people think differently, communicate better, and lead more effectively.

Melanie Forbes is the General Counsel and Sr. Vice President of Claims at Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company, a regional monoline workers compensation carrier that began in Louisiana as a self-insured workers’ compensation fund in 1993 and is now rated A (Excellent) by AM Best and operating in fourteen (14) states. She has been with Stonetrust since 2005 and oversees all legal matters for the company, as well as all Claims operations, and she also serves as the Secretary to the Board of Directors. Melanie is a native of New Orleans and received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Louisiana State University She is a member in good standing of the Louisiana Bar Association and is licensed to practice in all Louisiana state courts.


Jason McKinley is a former independent insurance agency owner with 20 years of hands-on experience serving commercial and personal lines clients, as well as employee benefits He sold his agency to NFP and later co-founded an MGA and captive insurance company in 2019, domiciled in Montana and currently operating across six states. He is also the Co-Founder and CEO of SanctifAI Insure, where he focuses on helping the insurance industry address the real-world implications of artificial intelligence. Today, Jason works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, agency operations, and professional liability risk, helping independent agents understand how AI is influencing underwriting, claims, contracts, and insured decision-making and where E&O, GL, and cyber coverage assumptions can quietly break down
Gregory A Sandrock serves as Chairman-Elect of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). He has served as National Director for the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois since 2015 and has been a member of the Illinois Executive Committee since 2010 Throughout his leadership within the independent agency system, Greg has held numerous national roles, including Chairman of the IIABA Crop Task Force, member of the InsurPac Board of Trustees, the IIABA Steering Committee, and the IIABA Government Affairs Committee His extensive industry leadership and advocacy experience continue to support and strengthen independent agents nationwide


Tim Temple was elected Commissioner of Insurance in 2023 Tim worked in the insurance sector for over two decades and is dedicated to leveraging his extensive industry experience to shape a regulatory and statutory environment that not only ensures competitiveness, but also enhances the attractiveness of Louisiana’s insurance market As the state’s top insurance official, Tim is committed to protecting the interests of policyholders while promoting a flourishing insurance market that benefits all residents and businesses in the great state of Louisiana
Terry L. Tadlock, CIC, CPCU, CRIS, serves as Executive Vice President of Risk Management at Correll Insurance Group and brings decades of industry leadership and agency management experience to the stage. Known for his engaging presentation style and practical approach to agency operations, Terry specializes in organizational culture, ethics, leadership, and risk management. His sessions challenge attendees to think differently while providing real-world strategies agencies can implement to strengthen culture, improve productivity, and promote ethical business practices.


12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom - Pre-Function Area
Welcome aboard the 2026 Big I Louisiana Annual Convention! Stop by the registration desk to pick up your Convention materials, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for an exciting week at the beach!
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom
Bring Your Drink Tickets! Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests ONLY! Kick off the 2026 Big I Louisiana Annual Convention by joining us in the Emerald Ballroom for the Exhibit Exposition & Welcome Reception. Connect with exhibitors from across the industry while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, networking, and coastal Convention fun as we officially begin an unforgettable week at the Hilton Sandestin. Explore creative nautical-themed booths, reconnect with industry friends and partners, and chart your course for the days ahead.
*CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANED BY AN ADULT AT ALL TIMES IN THE EXHIBIT HALL*
ALL SOUTH PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
ALLIED TRUST INSURANCE CO.
AMTRUST NORTH AMERICA
AMWINS ACCESS INSURANCE SERVICES
APPLIED SYSTEMS, INC.
BASS UNDERWRITERS
BBSI
BIG I LA INSURANCE SERVICES
BIG I LA YOUNG AGENTS COMMITTEE
BURNS & WILCOX, LTD.
COMMERCIAL SECTOR INSURANCE BROKERS
CRC GROUP
EPAYPOLICY
FIRST INSURANCE FUNDING CORP
GOTO PREMIUM FINANCE
HAWKSOFT, INC.
HOMEBUILDER SIF
HONOR CAPITAL
INSURATE
IPFS CORP
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
LANE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
LCI WORKERS' COMP
LHBA GL TRUST
LOUISIANA RESTAURANT
ASSOCIATION (WC)
LUBA WORKERS' COMP
LWCC
MOORE & JENKINS INSURANCE AGENCY
NATIONAL GENERAL, AN ALLSTATE COMPANY
NOVATAE RISK GROUP
PENNSYLVANIA LUMBERMENS
MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
PROGRESSIVE
PROPERTY INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF LA QUOTEWELL
RISCOM
RISK PLACEMENT SERVICES - RPS LA
SAFEWAY INSURANCE COMPANY
SAGESURE
SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP
STONETRUST COMMERCIAL INSURANCE CO.
SWYFFT
TAPCO UNDERWRITERS, INC.
WRIGHT FLOOD
XCEEDANCE
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Emerald Ballroom - Pre-Function Area
8:00 am - 10:00 am Emerald Ballroom
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Emerald Ballroom Foyer Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior
International keynote speaker Eric M. Bailey delivers an engaging and entertaining session exploring why people think, communicate, and behave the way they do. Using principles rooted in brain science and psychology, Eric breaks down irrational behavior in a practical and easy-to-understand way while providing insight into leadership, communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Attendees will leave with valuable strategies they can immediately apply in both their professional and personal lives
IIABA Update
Join Gregory A. Sandrock, IIABA Chairman-Elect, for an important update from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. This session will provide attendees with insight into current national initiatives, industry trends, advocacy efforts, and key developments impacting independent agents across the country. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the latest updates from the national association and what they mean for the future of the independent agency system
Louisiana Insurance Market Update
Join Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple for an important update on the current state of Louisiana’s insurance market and the issues impacting agents, consumers, and the industry across the state. Commissioner Temple will share insight into ongoing challenges, legislative developments, market conditions, and regulatory priorities while discussing the future of insurance in Louisiana and the role independent agents continue to play in serving policyholders statewide
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Coral Ballroom A
AI is Not an Employee: Risk, Coverage, and E&O
Implications for Independent Agents
Join Jason Namath McKinley, Co-Founder/CEO, SanctifAI Insure,for a 60-minute session exploring how high-performing agencies can adapt, grow, and thrive in today’s evolving landscape. Through real-world insights, case studies, and practical strategies, Tommy will cover key areas including organic growth, strategic planning, and talent development. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools to fuel growth, drive innovation, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Coral Ballroom A
So COMP-licated: Current Issues and Reform Efforts in the WC System
Join Melanie Forbes, General Counsel and Vice President of Claims at Stonetrust Workers’ Compensation, for an informative discussion on current workers’ compensation trends impacting Louisiana employers, carriers, and agents This session will examine how Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system compares to surrounding states while also exploring recent reform efforts and their potential impact on injury management, claim handling, and overall claim costs.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Veranda
Wear your navy wristbands!
Convention Registrants, Spouses/Guests & Children! Enjoy these frozen concoctions poolside with adult & kid-friendly varieties.
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunset Deck
Bring your Drink Tickets!
Convention Registrants, Spouses & Guests!
Join us on the Sunset Deck as we install the 2026–2027 Big I Louisiana Officers and Directors. Set against the beautiful Gulf Coast backdrop, this special evening will celebrate incoming leadership and conclude with a toast from the incoming President as we look ahead to another successful year together.
TUESDAY,
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Coral Ballroom A
Organizational Culture – The Solution for Creating an Ethical and Productive Agency
In this engaging and thought-provoking ethics session, Terry L. Tadlock, CIC, CPCU, CRIS, Executive Vice President of Risk Management at Correll Insurance Group, takes a proactive approach to the ethics conversation by exploring how organizational culture, leadership, hiring practices, and teamwork can significantly reduce the likelihood of ethical issues occurring within an agency. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for creating a stronger, more ethical, and more productive workplace culture
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Center Beach
Wear your navy wristbands!
Convention Registrants, Spouses/Guests & Children! Enjoy a day at the beach with Big I which includes: Beach set-ups
Spike Ball
Corn Hole Giant Jenga Music Beverages

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunrise Deck
Wear your navy wristbands!
Convention Registrants, Spouses/Guests & Children! Ice Cream and Beer will be served poolside to enhance your pool activities. In case of rain, relocate to lounge
7:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Sandpiper AB
Separate registration required, $80 per child. While the grown-ups enjoy Casino Night, young pirates are invited to join us for an evening full of swashbuckling fun at our Pirate Pandemonium Kids Night Out. This safe and supervised event is designed especially for children ages 5–12 and includes piratethemed games, crafts, dinner, a movie, and plenty of fun throughout the evening Kids will enjoy a night of adventure while parents relax and enjoy Casino Night knowing their little crew members are having an unforgettable time of their own.
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom
Bring your Drink Tickets!
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
Big I is rolling out the red carpet again for our fan favorite “Casino Night”! Attendees will receive "funny money" that you can use to play casino games that will be set up in the ballroom We will have evening snacks, a DJ to play all of your favorite music and a 360 Platform Photobooth Machine sponsored by RISCOM to capture your favorite party pics throughout the night As Casino night comes to a close, winnings will be turned in for raffle tickets to win exciting prizes!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Emerald Ballroom - Pre-Function Area
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
BREAKFAST & DOOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Emerald Ballroom
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
Big I LA Awards Presentation
Outgoing Board Member
Door Prizes
Outgoing President's Address
Ross Henry, Henry Insurance Agency
Harold Boling
Lou W Daniel Herman Katten
Charles E. McKenzie, Jr.
H. Leslie McKenzie
Philip H. Jacobs
Richard L. Katten
Dick Dethloff
Gus Englehardt
William M. Marks, Jr.
John Guice
Lou W. Daniel
Thomas D. Oglesby
J. David Daniel
Henry C. Mullin
William M. Marks, Jr.
Ronald S. Paulin
Joseph A. O'Connor, Jr.
Donald E. Beery
Steve Cavanaugh
Lee Schilling
Jeff Albright
Randy Lanoix
Marc Eagan
Barry O. Blumberg
Jeff Mohr
Parke Ellis
Mike Edwards
Rep. Mike Huval
Armond Schwing
Johnny Beckmann
2024 David Tatman
J W Alexander*
W. J. O'Pry*
M. J. Hartson*
J H Percy*
George A Petrie*
Frank G. McElroy*
Matt G Smith*
William D H Rodriguez*
Capt. Emmett L. Kidd*
James E. Hassinger*
Alphonse Davis*
Terrell Woosley*
Thomas G. Grace*
Albert M Dreyfuss*
O. Wharton Brown*
Charles P. Gould*
Alvin S Hahn
Leonard M. Wise*
Edward J. Seymour*
Lancaster W Collens*
W Eugene Bingham*
A. Heath Petrie*
Harold A. Boling*
Cecil R Middleton*
B. Horace Talbot, Jr.*
Emmett A. Herring*
Roscoe A Bolton*
Gibson Stevenson*
E. A. Veillon*
Harold A Mouk, Sr *
I. T. Hart*
A. L. Schlesinger, Jr.*
Philip A Jacobs*
1960-1961
1961-1962
1962-1963
1963-1964
1964-1965
1965-1966
1966-1967
1967-1968
1968-1969
1969-1970 1970-1971 1971-1972
1972-1973 1973-1974 1974-1975
1975-1976
1976-1977
1977-1978
1978-1979
1979-1980
1980-1981
1981-1982
1982-1983
1983-1984
1984-1985
1985-1986 1986-1987
1987-1988 1988-1989
1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993
Felix L Aucoin, Jr *
Thomas Q. Winkler*
H. Leslie McKenzie*
Hartwell A Lewis*
Jules H Dreyfuss*
Lou W. Daniel*
Charles E McKenzie, Jr *
Herman Katten*
David D. Dupuy*
Robert A. Bogan, Jr.
Warren Graham*
William A. Baker, Jr.*
A. G. Howard*
H A Mouk Jr *
William T. Lowry*
Arthur G. Randol, Jr.*
Richard M Wise*
Jack E. Duke*
David J. Dessauer, Jr.*
Arthur M Beveridge*
C R Dethloff*
L. Brian Duke*
John McCants
John B Tyner*
Gus Englehardt*
Gerald M. LeBlanc*
Charles Shaver
M. J. Hartson, III*
M. B. Kornegay, Jr.*
Philip H Jacobs*
Ben Talbot*
Henry Mullin*
Brian Couvillion
1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
Ronald S Paulin
Richard L. Katten*
John Guice
William M Marks, Jr *
J David Daniel
L. Brian Duke, Jr.
Donald E Beery
Randy Lanoix
Jeffrey Fields
Joseph A. O'Connor, Jr.
Wayne Cunningham
Craig Thomas
H. Lee Schilling
John Smestad*
Jeff Mohr
Clay Mullin
Cindy Alexander
Bernard McKenzie*
Brad Bourg
Marc Eagan
Barry Blumberg
Parke Ellis
Mickey Bennett
David Dethloff
Richard Jenkins
Neil Record
Johnny Beckman, III
Joseph A. O'Connor, III
Brenda Case
Donelson Stiel
Mike Scriber
Armond Schwing
Bret Hughes





















