ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 15, 2016 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) installed John Costello of Rochester, New York, as the newest member of the association’s executive committee at the recent Big “I” Leadership Conference in Chicago. 

Costello is first vice president and construction practice leader at First Niagara Risk Management in Rochester, New York.

“For almost 40 years, John Costello has tirelessly served his clients in Rochester and the independent agent community at the local, state and national levels,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “His experience and expertise, both as an expert practitioner in commercial lines and in leading independent agents and brokers, will prove valuable during his future service in IIABA’s leadership.”

 

Costello has held numerous leadership roles at the national, state and local levels. He served as Independent Insurance Agents Association of Monroe County president from 1992 to 1993 and was honored as its 1995 Insurance Professional of the Year. Costello served as Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York (IIABNY) chair of the board from 2001 to 2002 and on the IIABNY Trusted Choice committee. He is currently a member of the IIABNY executive committee and board.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing John for almost 20 years,” said Dick Poppa, IIABNY president and CEO. “I can say from those many years of friendship and interaction with John, IIABA could not have a more dedicated, qualified and forward-thinking leader than John Costello.”

At the national level, Costello served on the IIABA Trusted Choice board of directors and Professional Liability Committee. He currently serves as the New York national director and is a former IIABA Finance Committee chair.

Costello is active in his community with numerous charitable and civic organizations. He is a member of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and is past president of the board of directors of Sunset House, a home for the terminally ill. Costello is also a past president of Brook-Lea Country Club and former director and alumni member of the National Ski Patrol at Bristol Mountain. He formerly served as vice president and treasurer of OASIS Adaptive Sports, a not for profit charity providing financial and emotional support to military veterans. Costello earned a Bachelor’s degree in finance at Villanova University.

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