Texan Awarded Agency CEO of the Year

Dec 13, 2017 | Archive News

Fort Worth-based Rusty Reid, CIC, was honored with the Burns & Wilcox Award for Agency CEO of the Year at the Insurance Business America Awards, held November 29, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois.

The Award for Agency CEO of the Year is given to an individual who has demonstrated vision and leadership over the years, which has led to his or her organization’s growth and achievement. In addition, corporate performance, social responsibility, business achievements, and use of technology are considered.

Reid is Chairman, President, and CEO of Higginbotham, an insurance and financial services broker with offices across Texas. He has been with the company for more than 30 years, in both his current position and as Vice President. Higginbotham writes surplus lines coverage in Texas, and has filed more than $9 million in premium so far in 2017, up from $6 million in 2016.

“As CEO, my job is to motivate others,” Reid said. “That’s what led to the decision to become an employee-owned company when I first took the reins back in 1989. Our greatest asset is our people, and rewarding their hard work beyond their paycheck has been a significant driver of our firm’s growth. We’re in this together, and when Higginbotham wins, we all win. So, I share this honor with our entire team.”

SLTX CEO Norma Essary served as a judge at the awards ceremony, and presented the award for Network/Alliance of the Year – Membership of More Than 100 Agencies, which was given to Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance. Actor and TV personality Alfonso Ribeiro hosted the event.

Rusty Reid, Chairman, President, and CEO of Higginbotham, accepts the Burns & Wilcox Award for Agency CEO of the Year. (Photos by Insurance Business America.)

SLTX CEO Norma Essary and Alfonso Ribeiro, host of the Insurance Business America Awards.

Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Reid and host Alfonso Ribeiro.

Norma Essary presents the award for Network/Alliance of the Year – Membership of More Than 100 Agencies.

Norma Essary presented the award for Network/Alliance of the Year – Membership of More Than 100 Agencies to Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance.

David L. Ocasek, CEO of the Surplus Line Association of Illinois, speaks at the Insurance Business America Awards.

Norma Essary and Richard J. Dunlap, Director of Finance & Administration for the Surplus Line Association of Illinois, and Don Mauger.

Norma Essary with Richard J. Dunlap and Gina Dunlap.

Norma Essary takes a photo with the crowd at the Insurance Business America Awards.