The Insurance Brokers Association of British Columbia (IBABC) has announced the appointment of Julie Skelton CAIB CPRIA (pictured above) as successor to the retiring executive director and chief operating officer, Chuck Byrne.
Skelton, a veteran of the insurance industry with over 35 years of experience, is set to take the reins in line with Byrne’s retirement at the end of the year.
Her career trajectory began at a small brokerage, where she spent her initial 15 years, followed by a stint at a regional brokerage. In 2006, she joined HUB International as a branch manager, eventually rising to the position of vice president of personal insurance operations.
Skelton is set to join IBABC on August 1, with a transition plan in place over the subsequent months. She will fully assume the role from Byrne upon his retirement on December 31.
“I am excited for the opportunity to focus my passion, experience and pride in this industry to represent all BC brokers with a strong and dedicated voice for the broker channel and the clients and communities we serve,” Skelton said.
A well-regarded figure in the BC insurance industry and national insurance markets, IBABC praised Skelton as a key figure in fostering insurer relationships over the past 25 years. She was a speaker at the 2022 IBABC Leaders’ Conference during the “Climate Change” session, discussing the role of brokers in the aftermath of the atmospheric river that flooded the Fraser Valley in autumn 2021.
Skelton’s experience in assisting clients with Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) paperwork with the government was also described as invaluable. She has contributed expert insight to the government’s review of the DFA program and provided feedback to the province’s emergency preparedness review and updates on behalf of IBABC.
Andrew Janzen, chair of the IBABC board and selection committee, praised Skelton’s appointment.
“The selection committee was very impressed with Julie. Her experience and passion for the industry are a great guiding compass for leading the association,” Janzen said.
Michele Carver, IBABC president, echoed those sentiments, highlighting Skelton’s understanding of the issues facing brokers and the industry.
“She played a huge role in advocating for brokers and the people in her community after the 2021 floods and now also with wildfire. What she thinks of as ‘just doing her job’ is truly an example of the leadership and advocacy we want for our members,” Carver said.
Speaking on behalf of the IBABC board and Chuck Byrne, Rosy Puri-Manhas, IBABC vice-president, expressed their fortune in finding a candidate with such a strong background as a broker and a leader.
“IBABC has provided strong advocacy for brokers and for consumers during its 106-year history. We believe that Julie will continue that legacy and be the guiding hand needed for the association to continue to thrive,” Puri-Manhas said.
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