Our Speakers

Nicole Broch

Nicole Broch spent over a decade as an Independent Insurance Agent and Manager of a successful partnership between a community financial institution and a local independent agency in Springfield, Illinois.

Stephen Carlson

Senior Offensive Security Consultant at Echelon

Stephen is a Senior Offensive Security Consultant at Echelon. He has worked in a diverse range of industries through his years of experience in offensive cybersecurity consulting services. Stephen has worked as a penetration tester for firms that target small-medium sized businesses which provided a solid foundation of both technical skillsets and empathy for the hidden challenges businesses face today.

Brett Gerger

Brett Gerger is the Director of Education and Agency Resources for Big I Illinois. Previously and previously served as the Chief Deputy Director of Product Lines and Licensing at the Illinois DOI.

Jennifer Jacobs

Director of Human Resources, Big I Illinois

Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP, is the Director of Human Resources for Big I Illinois. As Director of HR, Jacobs serves as the leader of talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations and performance management for the association. She also provides guidance and resources for agencies seeking assistance with human resources and management issues.

Phil Lackman

Chief Executive Officer

Phillip Lackman is the Chief Executive Officer of Big I Illinois and previously served as lobbyist for Big I Illinois, the Illinois Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA IL), Illinois State Association of Health Underwriters (ISAHU) and the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (IAMIC).

Brian Lawrence

Sr. Director of HR Solutions

Brian Lawrence is the Director of HR Solutions for Ohio Insurance Agents (OIA). He is responsible for providing HR support and resources for the membership which includes approx. 1000 independent insurance agencies across Ohio. His HR career spans 25 years across Insurance, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Association Management.

Lori Mahorney

Director of Membership, Big I Illinois

Lori Mahorney is the Director of Membership Services for Big I Illinois. She leads the strategy and execution for recruiting and retaining both agency and associate members.

Evan Manning

As Big I Illinois Government Relations Director, Evan Manning is responsible for all aspects of the association’s government relations program.

Casey Nelson

Director of Consulting Services, Catalyit, LLC

Casey Nelson is a dynamic professional with a unique background. In 2021, he founded StakWise, where he brings his passion for teaching, technology, and sports together to help independent agents optimize their operations through data automation.

Luke Praxmarer

Luke Praxmarer has been in the insurance business nearly 43 years, all in an Independent Agency. He has always been a huge advocate of agent education.

Ryan Smith

Ryan’s experience across cybersecurity, sales, insurance, technology, education and mathematics have helped him become a business-oriented problem solver that can simplify complex topics.

David Thompson

Speaker

David A. Thompson, CPCU, AAI, API, CRIS is a nationally recognized insurance educator known for his dynamic seminars on personal lines, flood, and E&O issues. A former U.S. Army and Coast Guard officer, David began his career in a family-run agency before joining FAIA as a sought-after trainer. Now semi-retired, he continues to teach and consult nationwide.