WASHINGTON, D.C. April 8, 2010 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) announced that Ryan Young has joined the team as senior director of federal government affairs. 

“Ryan brings a wealth of experience from multiple positions and offices on Capitol Hill to the Big ‘I’,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “The Big ‘I’ is pleased to welcome him to our federal government affairs team.”

Young previously served as legislative director to Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Texas) where his numerous legislative responsibilities included Financial Services Committee issues. He also comes to the Big “I” with congressional committee experience having served in various positions on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines during the chairmanship of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska).

“With so many issues before Congress that are so critical to our members and insurance consumers, we are glad to complete our team with a professional with such pertinent and extensive legislative experience,” continues Symington. 

Young, a native of Denver, N.C., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He joins a bipartisan lobbying team primarily as a liaison to Republican congressional offices. The position was previously held by Joe Wall who recently departed the Big “I” to join the Goldman Sachs Capitol Hill team.

Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.

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