The Big “I" installed New York's John Costello, vice president and construction practice member at USI Insurance Services in Rochester, as 2022-23 Big “I" chairman at the recent Big “I" Fall Leadership Conference in Niagara Falls, New York.
Costello has held numerous positions at both the state and national level for the Big “I." He is former chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County and was the 1995 Monroe County Insurance Professional of the Year. He formerly served on the Big “I" Board of Directors and chaired the Big “I" Finance Committee. He was elected to the Big “I" Executive Committee in 2016.
“With his nearly 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, John's experience and commitment to the independent agency channel and the association will help guide Big 'I' members through the opportunities and challenges ahead," says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I" president and CEO. “We're grateful to have his leadership as the association continues to go above and beyond to serve independent agents."
Costello says a focus of his chairmanship will be equipping agents to overcome the difficulties presented by the talent gap and the darkening economic forecast. “Making sure agents have the tools they need to succeed will be crucial, and I'm excited to lead at the national level as we help members to navigate the current environment," he says. “Insurance is all about helping other people, and that mission will continue to guide us."
Michael McBride, Mason-McBride Inc., Troy, Michigan, was installed as Big “I" chairman-elect and Todd Jackson, McGowan Insurance Group, Indianapolis, Indiana, became vice chair. Costello succeeds chair Bob Fee of Fee Insurance Group in Hutchinson, Kansas, who will remain on the Big “I" Executive Committee for an additional year as immediate past chair.