Joel Wood (pictured), whose appointment as president / chief executive of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB or The Council) was announced in May, has now assumed his dual role. As planned, ex-CEO Ken A. Crerar now serves as executive chair, while Catherine Richardson continues as chief operating officer. Prior to the July effectivity, Wood served as CIAB president.
Wood, who became president in 2022 after decades of leading the government affairs team, is set to enhance networking, advocacy, talent development, and market intelligence for member firms, which handle the majority of the US property and casualty insurance premiums and employee benefits business.
With a tenure beginning in 1993, Wood has been pivotal in navigating legislative landscapes affecting insurance brokerage. His efforts have spanned health insurance changes, terrorism reinsurance, and regulatory reforms. Wood’s longstanding advisory role to Crerar and the CIAB board has been crucial in the association’s growth.
“Joel is a consummate relationship-builder and an absolute expert in our industry and our members,” remarked Crerar. “He knows our business and our issues inside and out. We have worked together over 30 years as both colleagues and friends, and I have all the confidence in Joel as he now takes the helm of The Council.”
Wood expressed his commitment to CIAB’s mission, stating: “No association globally represents more policyholders and premiums placed than The Council. Our member firms are first in class, size, service, and community engagement. They deserve an association that continues to uphold all those standards, and I look forward to building on that foundation.”
Wood has been a prominent figure in DC, recognized for his work on tax and regulatory issues affecting commercial insurance brokerages. He has also led the growth of CouncilPAC, The Council’s influential political action committee.
Keith Schuler, CEO of InterWest Insurance Services and Council board chair, highlighted Wood’s suitability for the role by adding: “Joel brings a unique perspective to the role of president/CEO. The Council is so fortunate to have someone as qualified as Joel who worked closely with Ken over the past 30 years.
“Promoting from within speaks to the commitment to talent development, which is something The Council places in high value. This makes for a seamless transition while creating even more opportunity for membership and staff. We could not be more excited for Joel as he assumes his new role.”
Meanwhile, as part of the transition, Elizabeth McDaid, the longtime senior vice president of leadership & management resources, will now serve as executive vice president of The Council Foundation. Her focus will be on attracting young, diverse professionals to the commercial insurance brokerage industry while continuing to oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Julia Ruiz, who has been with The Council since 2009, will succeed McDaid as SVP of leadership & management resources. Ruiz will drive The Council’s talent development programs and resources for its member firms. These newly announced changes are effective immediately.
What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
