PUBLISHER’ S NOTE
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
KAIA leaders. written by Dave Hulcher
With the completion of a successful 2026 Annual Convention, and the welcoming of our new KAIA President, Dave Vogel, now is a good opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to have an amazing group of
It’ s been almost 10 years since I’ ve had the honor of joining KAIA and our team has been blessed with the support of incredible individuals that are passionate about advancing the independent agency channel. Each new president brings new perspectives to help our board and organization evolve to meet the changing needs of members. While so much is given to KAIA, my hope is that much is received and that association leadership opportunities have brought professional growth, new skills, expanded relationships, and fulfillment of the purpose to those that have served.
I want to thank outgoing President, Bryan Schmitz, for being a thoughtful, engaging, consistent, and dependable leader for many years. He is someone that we could count on to provide valuable input, creative ideas, and was steady in uncertainty. His pink mohawk to support the Young Agents at convention is certainly clear evidence of his commitment! We will continue to build on strategic initiatives focused on increased member engagement, implementation of staff training resources, and expanded advocacy capabilities utilizing the Voter- Voice platform.
In this edition of the KIA & B we welcome new KAIA Boad members, introduce the InsurAcademy Agent Development Program, and recap February’ s Annual Convention. We also take stock of KAIA’ s successful legislative day and outline some of the bills impacting agents. Lastly, HR Partners takes on employee engagement and the topic of avoiding E & O claims during the M & A process as shared in the new Big“ I” M & A guide.
Enjoy Spring and thank you for your continued support. Stay humble, kind, and thankful,
KIA & B
MARCH / APRIL 2026 • VOLUME 31 No. 2
OFFICERS OF KAIA President: David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins. com President-Elect: Brock Elliott | brock @ elliottinsurancegroup. com VP / Treasurer: Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance. com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer: Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu. com National Director: Jo Erin Stuteville | joerin @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Immediate Past President: Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins. com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director: Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel. net Zone II Director: Chris Bohrer | cbohrer @ wic. insurance Director-at-Large: Rob Fisher | rfisher @ fumainsurance. com Director-at-Large: William Rowlen | bill @ fhins. com Director-at-Large: Natalie Magill | natalie @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Director-at-Large: Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance. com Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins. com Young Agents Chair: Jordan Crow | jordan. crow @ ipfs. com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer: Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel: Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance: Shannon Bower E & O Program Administrator: Barb Wise AVP of Prof. Dev. & Marketing: Karlyn Raleigh Director of Marketing: Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development: Patrick McCoy Office Coordinator: Barb Cobuluis Acct. Managers: Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist: Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER