ALEXANDRIA, VA, March 24, 2022— The Big “I" announces that Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I" vice president of agent development, education and research, will retire March 31. Flannagan has dedicated her 26-year career to providing crucial data insights to the insurance industry and independent agents, leading education and advocacy programs, and offering outstanding service and commitment to the independent agency channel in general.
During her tenure, Flannagan has led the association's advocacy programs for education, Best Practices, technology, diversity & inclusion, talent recruitment, development and young agents, as well as the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund and the Trusted Choice COVID-19 Relief Fund. Her research of ongoing industry trends included the biennial Agency Universe Study, considered the most definitive picture of the independent agency system, as well as the annual Market Share Report and other notable studies with various carrier partners. Flannagan was an independent insurance agent for 15 years before joining the Big “I" in 1995.
“Madelyn's unparalleled leadership and expertise have equipped the independent agency channel with key resources and insights to strengthen agencies across the country," says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I" president & CEO. “We are grateful for her long-standing and extensive service to independent agencies as she's shared her innovative creativity and dedication to excellence with us for more than two decades. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
Flannagan has been a sought-after speaker in the insurance education and research arena and has been quoted frequently in the media. She was also recently named one of the Elite Women in Insurance by Insurance Business America.
Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations united under the Trusted Choice® brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies.