ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 3, 2013 — Thomas J. Minkler, CIC, was installed as chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) at the association’s recent Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. 

 

Minkler is president of the Clark-Mortenson Agency in Keene, N.H.

 

“Tom continues to be a national advocate for independent agents and brokers and small business people in the United States,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “His commitment to his clients, fellow agents and small business people is second to none. In his numerous association leadership roles, he has testified before Congressional committees and has met with countless national decision-makers regarding critical issues that directly impact small businesses and the industry. Tom also continues to play a key role in the development and implementation of the Consumer Agent Portal (CAP), formed by the Big ‘I’ and six leading insurance companies to develop the digital marketing platforms, programs, systems and services to build their brands and advance their presence to better serve today’s online consumer. We are proud to a have him at the helm as the new Big ‘I’ chairman.” 

 

As president of the Clark-Mortenson Agency, Inc., Minkler is responsible for the overall operation of three divisions (personal lines, commercial lines and financial services) in eight office locations with 53 employees in New Hampshire and Vermont.

 

Additionally, Minkler oversees all activity associated with mergers and acquisitions, carrier relations and sales. He has more than 36 years of experience in the insurance industry and holds the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor.

 

Minkler is a past chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New Hampshire, past New Hampshire director on the Big “I” Board of Directors and past president of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. 

 

At the national association level, Minkler has championed the Consumer Agent Portal (CAP) project since 2009 and is past chairman of the Big “I” Government Affairs Committee. He has also served on various other Big “I” committees including the Professional Liability Committee, the Agents Advocacy Fund, the IIAA Agency Administrative Services board of directors, and the Captive Study Committee. He is a frequent speaker for the insurance industry and has provided testimony before the U.S Congress on behalf of the Big “I” on a variety of topics. In 2007, Minkler received the highest IIABA Government Affairs award, the Sydney O. Smith National Legislative Award, and in 2006, 2010 and 2012, he was recognized for his outstanding service to the insurance industry with an IIABA Chairman’s Citation.

 

Minkler is active in his community and has served on numerous boards for charitable organizations and civic groups. He and his wife Heather reside in Keene, N.H. and have four grown children.