Angela Ripley Named Chair of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America

Angela Ripley, owner and president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland, has been appointed chair of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) for 2025-2026. With over 25 years of experience in the independent insurance agency sector, Ripley has held multiple key roles at both the national and state levels within the Big “I,” including leadership positions on the Government Affairs Committee and as Maryland's InsurPac chair. Her extensive service package includes participation on advisory boards such as the National Association of Registered Agents & Brokers and the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee.

As chair, Ripley aims to focus on sustaining the independent agency system through enhanced education and strategic growth initiatives. She prioritizes programs that help independent agencies become more agile and technology-driven while maintaining strong personalized customer service and relationship-building. Promoting inclusion and collaboration within the channel, she is also spearheading a national initiative to support women in insurance.

Ripley’s appointment marks the second time a woman has held the Big “I” chair position, highlighting incremental progress in leadership diversity within industry associations. She takes over from Todd Jackson, who will continue contributing as immediate past chair for an additional year. Greg Sandrock and Bryan Clinkscales were also sworn in as chairman-elect and vice chair, respectively.

This leadership transition reflects ongoing efforts by the Big “I” to adapt to industry changes by leveraging leadership experienced in advocacy, government affairs, and agency advisory roles. Ripley’s emphasis on innovation, inclusion, and advocacy aligns with key trends among independent agencies seeking to navigate evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes in the U.S. insurance sector.