ROSS HENRY
Newly Elected IIABL Chairman
IIABL STAFF
Benjamin Albright
Chief Executive Officer, President balbright@iiabl.com (225) 236-1357
Karen Kuylen
Director of Accounting & Finance kkuylen@iiabl.com (225) 236-1353
Jamie Newchurch
Director of Insurance Programs jnewchurch@iiabl.com (225) 236-1350
Kathleen O'Regan
Director of Communications & Events koregan@iiabl com (225) 236-1360
Karson Kyle
Communications & Events Administrator kroberts@iiabl com (225) 236-1351
Lyra Roberts
E&O Administrator lyra.roberts@iiaba.net (225) 236-1352
Hello and welcome to summer 2025!
leading leading THECHARGE THECHARGE
If you made it to the annual convention, I hope you had a wonderful experience. My name is Ross Henry with Henry Insurance Service in Baton Rouge. As the incoming Chairman of IIABL, I look forward to the year ahead. We have many challenges in front of us—but also many opportunities to thrive.
As I write this, we are just wrapping up the annual convention. Having seen firsthand what it takes to make this event a success, I want to express my gratitude to our CEO and staff. They continually do yeoman’s work to keep the office running smoothly and ensure our association remains on firm footing in Louisiana.
By the way—just so you know, because I didn’t until I had the opportunity to observe other associations—not all states have our culture of commitment to the common good. Not all states value relationships the way we do. Not all state associations work together as well as ours. Time and time again, I’ve seen board members make decisions that benefit the membership as a whole, even when those choices may not serve their personal interests. Selfless service and cooperative teamwork stand in stark contrast to much of what we see in the world today. So, be encouraged—your association is led by people who are both capable and willing to serve.
Without a doubt, this is a time of transition in our industry and in the life of our association. This marks the first full year with our new CEO. After nearly three decades of leadership under Jeff Albright, Ben has done a wonderful job stepping into the role, and we should be grateful to have him.
Also, in our continued effort to remain a dynamic and growing organization, IIABL has launched a new subsidiary: Association Management Partners. In just our first year, we’ve reached our revenue goals and built a vibrant, fully staffed team that promises to be a critical part of our growth moving forward.
Another transition I hope we’re finally seeing is the end of the hardest market anyone alive today has ever experienced. But the truth is—our external circumstances are only part of the story. Our perspective matters most. Sometimes I have to remind myself that how I see a situation—how I frame it in my mind—is often more powerful than the facts alone. Nothing changes without a shift in perspective.
CHAIRMANMESSAGE
So, we have a choice in how we see the world. We can focus on:
The hard market and the increased workload from constant remarketing Legislative and regulatory challenges Climate change and its impact on reinsurance and the coastal property market
All of that may be true—and it certainly gets a lot of attention right now. But we can also choose to focus on a different narrative, one that is just as true:
We are part of an industry that is stable and growing. There are more independent agencies today than there were five or ten years ago. Our channel dominates the commercial space, and in the personal lines market, our share has remained steady. Most independent agencies saw revenue gains from 2020 to 2024—some of the most challenging years in recent history.
And let’s not forget this: people need us. Most don’t know how to protect what matters most to them. We have an incredible opportunity to serve and to stand in the gap between individuals and the loss of their life’s work.
Our channel is strong and resilient—and that’s because of you. Thank you for not throwing in the towel when it’s been the hardest.
CHAIRMANMESSAGE
When I think of you, I’m reminded of the famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt:
Continued from page 7
“It is not the critic who counts; the credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena… who strives valiantly… who at the best knows the triumph of high achievement and who, at the worst, if they fail, at least fails while daring greatly.”
Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for staying in the arena.
I look forward to working with you and seeing each of you at events throughout the coming year!
ROSS HENRY CHAIRMAN, IIABL
ROSS HENRY ELECTED TO LEAD IIABL
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) installed the new 2025–2026 officers and board of directors during the IIABL Annual Convention held June 17, 2025, at the Hilton Sandestin in Miramar Beach, FL.
The newly installed officers are:
Chairman: Ross Henry, Henry Insurance Agency (Baton Rouge)
Chair-Elect: Joe Montgomery, Community Financial Insurance (Monroe)
Secretary-Treasurer: Chris Haik, Higginbotham Insurance (Lafayette)
State National Director: Joey O’Connor, Assured Partners (New Orleans)
Immediate Past Chairman: Bret Hughes, Hughes Insurance (Gonzales)
“These are exciting times for IIABL,” said IIABL President & CEO Ben Albright. “We thank Bret Hughes for his steady and committed leadership over the past year and look forward to Ross Henry continuing that momentum. Ross brings vision, integrity, and a deep understanding of our industry that will benefit our members across Louisiana.”
Ross Henry is President and CEO of Henry Insurance Agency in Baton Rouge. With over 25 years of experience, Ross has led the agency since 2006, growing it into one of the premier firms in the region. Henry Insurance has also been honored on LSU’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies list for multiple years. Ross and his wife, Stacy, live in Baton Rouge.
Joe Montgomery, Chair-Elect, currently serves as an Insurance Producer at Community Financial Insurance in Monroe. Secretary-Treasurer Chris Haik is a leader at Higginbotham Insurance in Lafayette. National Director Joey O’Connor is with Assured Partners in New Orleans and brings a wealth of experience from the national level.
Immediate Past Chairman Bret Hughes, of Hughes Insurance in Gonzales, completed a year of distinguished service. Under his leadership, IIABL advanced several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the independent agency system in Louisiana.
New Board Members Elected for 2025–2027
In addition to the officers, nine new members were elected to the IIABL Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025:
1.Lydia McMorris – Alliant Insurance Services (Baton Rouge)
2.Robby Moss – Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency (New Orleans)
3.Matt Graham – Forth Insurance (Ruston)
4.Chuck LeBlanc – Bourg Insurance Agency (Donaldsonville)
5.Bobby Palmer – Insurance Underwriters (Metairie)
6.Dominique DiCarlo Crouch – Riverlands Insurance (LaPlace)
7.Beau Hearod – Jeff Davis Insurance Agency (Jennings)
8.Jeff Zeagler – McClure, Bomar & Harris (Shreveport)
9.Kara Garzotto – DJW Insurance Agency (New Iberia)
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BOARDDIRECTORS
Members of the IIABL Board of Directors that continue to serve the second year of their two-year term include: Ann Bodkin-Smith, TSL Insurance (Lafayette); Matthew deBlanc, Continental Insurance Services (Marrero); Christy DeSoto, 1st Insurance Marksville (Marksville); Rob Eppers, Risk Services of Louisiana (Alexandria); Beau Hearod, Jeff Davis Insurance (Jennings); Craig Martel, Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC (Lake Charles); Eugene Montgomery, Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC (Monroe); Randy Perise, Blumberg & Associates, Inc. (Ponchatoula); Hartwig “Robby” Moss, Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency (New Orleans); Seth Ostendorff, Dethloff & Associates, Inc. (Shreveport); Robert Stone, Stone Insurance, Inc. (Metairie)
Ashley Brown, Record Agency (Clinton) was appointed by IIABL Chairman Hughes to serve as the Chair of the Young Agents Committee.
The IIABL Board of Directors is composed of 18 elected board members, plus the officers and the immediate past chairman. Each year, nine board members are elected to serve staggered two-year terms to ensure continuity and representation across the state.
Introducing
JOHNNYBECKMANN&ARMONDSCHWING WITH THE 2025 LOU DANIEL AWARD IIABL HONORS
At its Annual Convention held at the Hilton Sandestin, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) presented its highest honor—the Lou Daniel Award—to two distinguished leaders: Johnny Beckmann of AssuredPartners and Armond Schwing of Schwing Insurance.
Named after the late Lou Daniel, a long-time National Director who epitomized service and leadership in the independent agency system, the Lou Daniel Award is not given annually. It is reserved for those rare individuals whose contributions rise far above the call of duty and reflect a lifetime of dedication to IIABL and the Louisiana insurance industry.
Johnny Beckmann: A Lifetime of Advocacy and Mentorship
Over a career defined by leadership, service, and integrity, Johnny Beckmann has exemplified what it means to serve. From early involvement in the Young Agents Committee and the New Orleans local board to his role as Louisiana’s State National Director, Johnny has consistently represented the IIABL membership with strength and clarity.
Even as he and his brother Paul led their agency through sustained growth, Johnny remained committed to the causes closest to his heart—advocacy and mentorship. He has long been a passionate voice in Baton Rouge and on Capitol Hill, even paying his own way to attend national legislative conferences before holding state office. Perhaps Johnny’s most enduring legacy lies in the mentorship of young agents, especially in the New Orleans area. His generous guidance of newcomers—often outside his own agency—has touched countless lives and helped shape the next generation of insurance professionals. For these contributions and more, IIABL was proud to honor Johnny with the 2025 Lou Daniel Award.
LOUDANIEL
Armond Schwing: Courage, Leadership, and a Voice for What’s Right
Armond Schwing, Immediate Past Chairman of the IIABL Board and CEO of Schwing Insurance in New Iberia, was also honored with the Lou Daniel Award for his extraordinary service and steadfast advocacy. Armond has spent over a decade on the IIABL board, where he became known for his humility, wisdom, and principled leadership. Whether leading during challenging times or mentoring fellow board members, Armond consistently displayed compassion, insight, and resolve.
What set Armond apart this year, however, was his courageous advocacy in the face of political pressure. A vocal and visible critic of trial-bar narratives that mischaracterize the insurance industry, Armond used his voice—particularly on social media—to speak truth to power, even when it meant challenging state leadership in his own backyard. Despite political and personal ties to key figures, Armond stood firmly in defense of Louisiana’s independent agents and the integrity of the industry.
Respected across Louisiana as a pillar of his community, Armond is known not only for his bold public stance but for his kindness, approachability, and welcoming spirit. His mentorship of new leaders and his unwavering commitment to fairness made him a clear choice for this prestigious award.
An Unforgettable Moment of Recognition
“These two men represent the very best of our association,” said IIABL Chairman Ross Henry. “Johnny and Armond have shaped our organization and our industry—not just through formal leadership, but through character, consistency, and care for others. Their legacies are lasting, and it was a privilege to honor them together on this special occasion.”
THE IIABL
BIRDIES &ACES A LOOK INTO
CONVENTION
crcgroup.com
THEY ALL ASKED FOR YOU THE 2025 IIABL YOUNG AGENTS CONFERENCE IS THE CAN'T-MISS EVENT OF THE YEAR
KATHLEEN O’REGAN IIABL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS
In this article, IIABL spotlights the 2025 Young Agents Conference in New Orleans, a high-energy event empowering the next generation of insurance leaders through connection, learning, and toptier speakers.
In the world of independent insurance, tomorrow’s success depends on what you invest in your people today. That’s why the 2025 IIABL & IIAM Young Agents Conference, themed “They All Asked For You: Young Agents Leading The Pack,” is more than just another industry event—it’s a launchpad for leadership, connection, and growth.
Held in the vibrant heart of New Orleans at the Royal Sonesta on world-famous Bourbon Street, this high-energy conference brings together the brightest up-and-coming agents from across Louisiana and Mississippi. Whether you’re looking to empower a rising star in your agency or reignite a young producer’s purpose, this is the place to be. Young Agents Leading the Pack
This year’s theme draws inspiration from the iconic New Orleans song “They All Asked For You”—but the message couldn’t be more timely: the industry is calling, and your young agents are the future leaders everyone’s watching. With a carefully curated agenda full of hands-on learning, mentorship, peer engagement, and a few unforgettable surprises, this is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst.
Speaker Lineup: The Best in the Business
This year’s speakers? Unmatched.
We’re talking about two of the most dynamic minds in the industry:
Robert “Cujo” Teschner – Former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and award-winning author, Cujo will deliver a masterclass on flawless execution, team alignment, and building trust in high-performance environments. He’s not just inspirational—he’s transformational.
Angus Reid – A former CFL football star turned motivational speaker and author, Angus speaks with heart, humor, and authenticity about resilience, grit, and the power of consistency. His talk will leave agents inspired and deeply reflective.
YOUNGAGENTS
Bradley Flowers – Insurance entrepreneur and marketing innovator, Bradley brings tactical fire with “Building the Ultimate Referral Machine,” a game plan for agents looking to increase influence, visibility, and results. Whether your agent is new to the industry or already making moves, they’ll walk away with tools to produce more, lead better, and drive agency success.
Bowl, Bond, and Build Connections
We’re rolling into the weekend with the 3rd Annual Agent’s Alley Bowling Tournament at Mid City Lanes Rock N’ Bowl. Think cocktails, camaraderie, and competitive fun this is networking NOLA-style. It's the perfect icebreaker for newcomers and veterans alike.
New for 2025: Networking Scavenger Hunt
Because relationships build careers, we’ve added a Networking Scavenger Hunt that turns introductions into an interactive game. Agents will compete in fun challenges while meeting new colleagues, vendors, and mentors. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward way to break the ice and build your network and yes, there are prizes.
A French Quarter Favorite
The host venue—Royal Sonesta New Orleans—blends Southern charm with upscale comfort. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it offers a setting that’s both inspirational and iconic. Attendees will enjoy top-notch accommodations, exclusive room rates, and the magic of New Orleans just steps from their door.
YOUNGAGENTS
Exhibitors & Sponsors Who Power the Industry
Ben Albright
December 2023
A dynamic exhibit hall will feature some of the most forward-thinking carriers, technology providers, and service partners in the industry This isn’t a brochureswap it’s a chance to make meaningful business connections with vendors who understand what young agents need to succeed today and tomorrow
Registration Snapshot
Dates: August 21–23, 2025
Location: Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon Street
Conference Rate: $199 for agents/company reps
Guest Rate: $125
Bowling Tournament: $65 per person
Hotel Rate: $189/night, available before/after event
Late Fee: Add $25 after August 8
REGISTER HERE
Agency Owners: Here’s Why This Matters
If you’re an agency principal or manager, this is your opportunity to invest in retention, production, and culture. Sending a young agent to this event is a powerful way to:
Help them grow their leadership and communication skills
Expand their network of industry contacts
Spark loyalty to your agency and our industry
Expose them to mentorship and new ideas they can bring home
We’ve built this event to change the trajectory of the agents who attend. Because they’re not just your employees they’re your future.
They All Asked For You…
Don’t make them ask twice.
Send your young agent to the 2025 Young Agents Conference and watch them rise to lead the pack.
UPCOMINGEVENTS
IIABL 2024-2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN, BRET HUGHES
CHAIRMAN-ELECT, ROSS HENRY
SECRETARY-TREASURER, JOE KING MONTGOMERY
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, JOHNNY BECKMANN, III
PAST CHAIRMAN, ARMOND K. SCHWING
YOUNG AGENT REP, MAGGIE LANDRY
Hughes Insurance Services, Inc - Gonzales
Henry Insurance Service, Inc. - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
Assured Partners - Metairie
Schwing Insurance Agency, Inc. - New Iberia
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency - Baton Rouge
ANN BODKIN-SMITH
MATTHEW DEBLANC
CHRISTY DESOTO
DOMINIQUE DICARLO CROUCH
ROB W. EPPERS
MATT GRAHAM
CHRISTOPHER S. HAIK
STUART HARRIS
BEAU HEAROD
CHARLES H. LEBLANC
CRAIG MARTEL
LYDIA MCMORRIS
A. EUGENE MONTGOMERY, III
HARTWIG "ROBBY" MOSS, IV
SETH OSTENDORFF
ROBERT LOUIS PALMER, JR.
RANDY PERISE
ROBERT STONE
Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance Group - Lafayette
Continental Insurance Services - Marrero
1st Insurance of Marksville - Marksville
Riverlands Insurance Agency - LaPlace
Risk Services of Louisiana - Alexandria
Lincoln Agency - Ruston
Higginbotham Insurance - Lafayette
McClure, Bomar & Harris, LLC - Shreveport
Jeff Davis Insurance - Jennings
Bourg Insurance Agency, Inc. - Donaldsonville
Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC - Lake Charles
Alliant Insurance Services - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
Hartwig Moss Insurance - New Orleans
Dethloff & Associates - Shreveport
Insurance Underwriters, Ltd. - Metairie
Blumberg and Associates - Ponchatoula
Stone Insurance, Inc. - Metairie