Big I Illinois announced the appointment of Tom Ross (pictured) as its new president during the association's annual convention held in Peoria earlier this month. 

Ross brings decades of experience in agency management and association leadership. He was also honored with the Charles M. Cartwright Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service and commitment to the independent agency systems. 

In his new role, Ross will lead the association in advancing its mission to promote the independent agency model, enhance market access, and support agents navigating the industry’s ongoing evolution. He will also work closely with the board and CEO Phil Lackman to build on existing initiatives that address critical challenges such as technology integration, workforce development, and the shifting expectations of insured clients.

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Ross has been actively involved in mentoring agents and fostering collaboration within the insurance community. His leadership style is rooted in relationship-building and service, the association stated.

According to Lackman, Ross’s understanding of both business operations and the human side of agency management will be vital in guiding Big I Illinois’s next phase of growth. 

Ross assumes the presidency at a time of rapid transformation for the insurance industry, with agents facing heightened competition, regulatory shifts, and evolving customer expectations.

Under his leadership, Big I Illinois aims to reinforce its advocacy efforts, expand access to innovative tools and resources, and ensure that independent agents continue to play a central role in delivering trusted, personalised advice to clients across Illinois.

Alongside the leadership announcement, Big I Illinois recognized several agencies and individuals for their contributions to the industry. The Plexus Groupe of Deer Park received the Large Agency of the Year Award, while Bluestone Advisors of Lisle was named Small Agency of the Year. Patrick McBride of The McBride Agency in Dixon earned the Agent of the Year Award, and Mike Bulow of The Bulow Group in Tinley Park was named Young Agent of the Year.