Big I Illinois names Brett Gerger CEO

Big I Illinois has appointed Brett Gerger as chief executive officer, effective July 1, as longtime leader Phil Lackman retires after 31 years. The leadership change also includes two internal promotions as the association looks to strengthen services for Illinois independent insurance agents.

Why it matters: - Big I Illinois is changing top leadership at a statewide association that represents 800 insurance agencies and 10,000 licensed independent agents. - The transition comes as the organization says it is focused on member services, advocacy and support for the independent agency system. - Gerger's background in regulation, education and insurance operations gives Big I Illinois a leader with both industry and association experience.

What happened: - The Board of Directors of Big I Illinois named Brett Gerger chief executive officer, effective July 1. - Gerger succeeds Phil Lackman, who is retiring after 31 years with the association. - Gerger has served as Director of Education and Agency Resources with Big I Illinois since 2019. - Big I Illinois also promoted Kristi Osmond to Education Director and Jennifer Jacobs to Chief Operating Officer.

The details: - As CEO, Gerger will oversee organizational management, strategic planning, business development, fundraising, budget and finance oversight, public relations, and coordination between the board and staff. - Gerger spent 24 years at the Illinois Department of Insurance before joining Big I Illinois. - At the Illinois Department of Insurance, Gerger worked in the Producer Regulatory Division and later served as Chief Deputy Director of Product Lines and Licensing. - In that role, Gerger managed the Property & Casualty, Life & Annuity, Health, Producer Regulatory, and Licensing units. - Gerger also served as State of Illinois Group Insurance Division Manager at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. - In that job, Gerger oversaw planning and implementation of policy and operations for the state's insurance programs, including property, liability, and benefits. - Gerger earned a Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield and graduated magna cum laude. - Gerger serves as a village trustee in Chatham, Illinois, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Between the lines: - The selection committee framed Gerger's appointment as a continuity move because he already knows the association and the independent agency market. - The internal promotions suggest Big I Illinois is trying to reinforce leadership depth while it hands off the CEO role. - Lackman's retirement ends a long tenure, so the association is pairing a familiar replacement with broader organizational changes.

What's next: - Gerger will begin leading Big I Illinois immediately under the July 1 effective date. - The association will likely lean on the new leadership team to maintain member services and advocacy work during the transition. - Big I Illinois directs members and the public to more information.