WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2017—The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has bestowed the Sidney O. Smith Award to Lee Schilling, president of Schilling & Reid Insurance in Amite, Louisiana.

“The Big ‘I’ is proud to present the Sidney O. Smith Award to Lee Schilling for his tireless service as chairman of the Big ‘I’ government affairs committee and in numerous leadership roles at the state and national level,” said Spencer Houldin, Big “I” chairman. “During his tenure as chairman, Lee has overseen efforts on key issues such as flood insurance, NARAB II, terrorism insurance and health care, just to name a few. He has advocated on behalf of the Big ‘I’ and participated in the Legislative Conference for nearly two decades. Lee’s work ethic and dedication are a huge asset to the Big ‘I’ and to independent agents in Louisiana and across the country.”

The Sidney O. Smith Award is bestowed annually by the Big “I” and the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia upon an individual agent or broker for outstanding service to his or her peers and the national association in the field of government affairs. It is named in honor of an IIABA past president and Georgia agent who was instrumental in focusing the association and its members on legislative advocacy.

 

Schilling’s numerous state and national association roles include having previously served as Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) president and IIABA state government affairs chairman.

"Lee Schilling has been active in protecting consumer and Independent Agents in the Louisiana legislature and Congress for many years,” said Richard Jenkins, IIABL president. “It is certainly appropriate that he received this well-deserved award."

 

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