Brinson to Serve as TSLA President

As we close our second month of the year, we have to consider, what does 2017 hold? Not only a new President of the United States, but also a new President in Texas. At the helm of the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA) is Teri Brinson, who brings more than 35 years of experience and leadership in the insurance industry to her position.

The first TSLA board meeting of the year was February 22-23, and Brinson gave an overview of what is in store for 2017, along with Vice President Garrett Sprowls and Secretary/Treasurer Matt Leicht. This year also brings the 85th Texas legislative session, which is sure to be eventful. So far, hail litigation reform and the addition of an exemption for “industrial insureds” in the surplus lines market have been introduced, but TSLA also ensures that other bills do not have a negative effect on the industry.

Brinson, who has contributed to the organization for many years, will now lead these efforts as President. Prior to her appointment, she served on multiple TSLA committees, including as Chair of the Stamping Office Committee. She joined the board of directors in 2011 and became an officer in 2014. Most recently, she held the position of TSLA Vice President.

“In my tenure on the board and as an officer, I have participated in and seen first-hand the hard work and dedication of our volunteers that keeps our industry healthy,” Brinson said.

Brinson’s introduction to the insurance industry was as a high school student, where she participated in a half-day vocational program. At that point, she planned to go into law enforcement, but when the time came to enter the police academy, she said it was too difficult to walk away from the career she had already established in insurance.

She worked as a retail agent for 18 years before joining M.D. Jensvold & Co. in 1992, where she took over as Vice President. Now, Brinson serves as Executive Vice President of the company and has been in that position since 2014.

She was first introduced to TSLA through Marc Jensvold, with M.D. Jensvold & Co., who was elected TSLA President in 1990-1991. Brinson said Jensvold always encouraged her to participate, and that she received the TSLA Executive Committee Award in 1995, shortly after becoming a member.

In addition to TSLA, Brinson gives back to her community in other ways as well. She has been a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for almost 25 years, and is a life member and former officer of High Bidders, which is a charity that supports youth education in Texas through the rodeo. She also serves on the board for Friends for Wishes, which raises funds to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and she is a charter and life member of Diamonds and Dollars, an organization that raises money to support single parents and children’s issues.

Brinson’s experience both in the insurance arena and as a civic leader will allow her an opportunity to oversee TSLA with integrity, and it will enhance her contribution to the surplus lines industry. Although 2017 has barely begun, it is clear that Brinson’s influence will make this year a positive one.