The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) has installed Greg Sandrock, a partner at The Cornerstone Agency in Tampico, Illinois, as its chair for the 2026–2027 term.
Sandrock officially assumed the position during the association’s recent Fall Leadership Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. He succeeds Angela Ripley, owner and president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland.
Sandrock has held several leadership positions within the Big “I” at both the state and national levels. He previously served as president of Big I Illinois and as the state’s national director before joining the national association’s Executive Committee in 2022.
He has also served as chairman and member of the Big “I” Crop Insurance Task Force and held positions on the InsurPac Board of Trustees, Steering Committee and Government Affairs Committee. Sandrock has been an advocate for crop insurance and issues affecting independent insurance agents.
Charles Symington, president and CEO of the Big “I,” said Sandrock’s industry experience, association leadership and advocacy efforts will help support independent agencies as they navigate changing market conditions.
As chair, Sandrock plans to focus on increasing young agent participation and helping state associations develop the next generation of independent agency leaders.
He also intends to support the adoption of technology that improves agency efficiency while maintaining the personalized service and client relationships that distinguish independent insurance agencies.
Sandrock said developing future leaders and helping agencies adapt to technological changes will be important priorities during his term. He also emphasized continued collaboration with state associations to strengthen the independent agency system.
The association also installed Bryan Clinkscales, owner of Boone Ritter Insurance in Springdale, Arkansas, as chairman-elect.
George “Chip” Atkins III, CEO of RH Clarkson Insurance Group in Louisville, Kentucky, was named vice chair.
Ripley will remain on the Big “I” Executive Committee for another year as immediate past chair.
Information for this article was provided by the Big “I”. Views and claims expressed in this article are those of the source company and do not necessarily reflect the views of AgencyEquity.com. This article may have been edited with the help of AI.
