President
RISK PLACEMENT SERVICES
As president of
Risk Placement Services, Joel Cavaness heads up one of the nation’s largest managing general agencies and fastest-growing P&C wholesalers. As president, Cavaness leads more than 1,300 RPS employees in over 30 states. Under his guidance, the company’s innovative program design, commitment to long-term relationships and high professional standards have ensured that it keeps growing. In 2014 and 2015, RPS acquired nine companies, including Monument, Excel Insurance Services and American Wholesalers Underwriting.
After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in business administration, Cavaness spent three years working as a casualty underwriter for standard and excess & surplus carriers. In 1986, he joined Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in St. Louis as a marketing representative, working his way up to area VP by 1990. In 1996, he moved to Itasca as president of International Special Risk Services. In 1997, he was named president of RPS.
Cavaness is very active in NAPSLO, having served on the board of directors since 2010. He also holds both CPCU and ARM designations.
