Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced the Department of Insurance recovered more than $ 11.8 million for Kansans in 2024 . The Department ’ s Consumer Assistance Division has recovered over $ 47.7 million for Kansans since Commissioner Schmidt first took office in 2019 . •
INDUSTRY NEWS
KANSAS MARKETPLACE HEADLINES
COMMISSIONER MIDWEST CHAIR
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt will be serving as the Midwest Zone Chair for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ( NAIC ) in 2025 . Committee assignments will be announced in January of 2025 . " I look forward to leading the discussion on how we can best serve the unique insurance markets in the Midwest ," said Schmidt . NAIC Members are organized intofour geographical zones . The Midwest Zone is made up of 13 states .
SUTTON PROMOTED TO CMO AT CAA
Combined Agents of America ( CAA ) has announced that Joan Sutton has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer ( CMO ) for the organization , effective immediately .
" Joan has been an integral part of our organization , demonstrating exceptional leadership , innovative thinking , and an unwavering commitment to our mission and goals . With over 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic development , Joan has played a pivotal role in strengthening our brand presence , fostering key partnerships , and driving impactful marketing initiatives that have contributed to our growth and success ," A . J . Lovitt , CAA CEO .
In her new role as CMO , Joan will oversee all marketing efforts , including strategic brand management , communications , and digital innovation . CAA added that Joan ' s vision and expertise will put them in a position to expand influence and create even greater value for members and partners .
IROQUOIS REBRANDS AS IRONPEAK
The Iroquois Group , a Property & Casualty agency network with a 50 + year history and over 2,800 members in 48 states , has announced a corporate rebranding to the new name Ironpeak .
The strategic move reflects the organization ' s substantial national expansion and positions the company for continued growth across its network of agency members .
“ As we ’ ve grown and expanded , we wanted a new name and a brand to support our ambitions — and better reflect the unique spirit of our fiercely independent network . Our name might have changed , but nothing else has ; our commitment to our members and carrier partners remains steadfast as we build success together ," said Laurie Branch Ironpeak president and CEO .
AM BEST AFFIRMS RLI " A +" RATING
AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating ( FSR ) of A + ( Superior ) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings ( Long-Term ICR ) of “ aa ” ( Superior ) of the members of RLI Group ( RLI ).
In addition , AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “ a ” ( Excellent ) of RLI ’ s publicly traded parent holding company , RLI Corp . [ NYSE : RLI ]. Big I and KAIA are longtime partners with RLI for standalone umbrella program access for members .
DEPARTMENT RECOVERS $ 11.8MM
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced the Department of Insurance recovered more than $ 11.8 million for Kansans in 2024 . The Department ’ s Consumer Assistance Division has recovered over $ 47.7 million for Kansans since Commissioner Schmidt first took office in 2019 . •
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025
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