Big ‘I’ Announces Leadership Promotions

Kevin Brandt, Aimee Branham and Janine Silvola take on new executive leadership roles. 

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) announced three executive promotions that will position longtime staff leaders to take on expanded roles across the association and Big I Advantage®, the association’s for-profit subsidiary.

Kevin Brandt will be promoted to chief operating officer (COO) and Janine Silvola will be promoted to chief financial officer (CFO), effective Nov. 1. Aimee Branham will become president of Big I Advantage® at the end of the year.

“These promotions reflect the depth of experience and leadership we have built within the Big ‘I,’” says Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO. “Kevin, Aimee and Janine have each made significant contributions to the association and have a deep understanding of our members, operations and strategic priorities. I’m confident they will bring continuity, fresh perspective and strong leadership to these roles as we position the association for continued success.”

Brandt brings 23 years of Big “I” experience to the COO position and will continue in his leadership role with Trusted Choice®, the association’s digital marketing resources program. During his tenure, Brandt has held roles across several areas of the organization, including IT and data management. Most recently, he helped direct a Big “I” technology modernization project, streamlining the digital experience for Big “I” members and partners.

Branham, currently senior vice president of Big I Advantage®, will bring 24 years of experience with the organization to her new role as president of Big I Advantage®. Throughout her time at the association, she has played a key role in its for-profit arm and its relationships with members, carriers and vendors. Branham will lead the Big I Advantage® team, including the association’s errors & omissions, retirement and Big “I” Alliance market access programs.

Silvola, currently Big “I” director of finance, has been with the association for more than five years and has worked extensively across both its nonprofit and for-profit accounting operations. She played a vital role in transitioning Big “I” accounting processes to a new technology platform and has helped lead budget preparation, year-end audits, tax filings, monthly accounting and other financial system transitions.

The promotions come as two longtime Big “I” executives prepare to depart the association.

Steve Cocke, COO and CFO, has accepted another position within the industry and will leave the Big “I” Oct. 30 after nearly 23 years of service. During his tenure, Cocke provided leadership and oversight of the association’s finances and staff operations and served as a trusted advisor to Symington, the Big “I” Executive Committee and Finance Committee.

Mark Wolf, president of Big I Advantage®, announced his retirement for the end of 2026 after 20 years with the association. Wolf has led the Big “I” for-profit operations, including helping launch Big “I” Alliance and expanding market access opportunities for members across the nation. He has also overseen the association’s errors & omissions and retirement programs and played a critical leadership role with Big “I” Reinsurance Company.

“Steve and Mark have each made an extraordinary impact on the Big ‘I’ over the past two decades,” says Symington. “Steve’s leadership and financial stewardship have helped position the association for the future, while Mark has played an instrumental role in growing and strengthening many of the programs and benefits we provide to independent agents. We are grateful for their leadership and dedication to the Big ‘I’ and the independent agency channel, and we wish them both the very best in their next chapters.”

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations. Big “I” members are trusted insurance advisors who offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a choice of insurance companies.