Symington Officially Takes Over as New CEO of Big I

Charles Symington is the new president and chief executive of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big I), effective Sept. 1.

Last September, Symington was promoted to executive vice president and selected to succeed Bob Rusbuldt, who has retired as president and CEO. Symington joined the organization nearly 20 years and was previously senior vice president for external, industry and government affairs.

He has been regularly recognized by The Hill newspaper as a top lobbyist in Washington, D.C., and has been a key leader in many industry coalitions on Capitol Hill, advocating on issues important to Big I members. Big I said it has had numerous legislative wins under Symington’s leadership, including securing substantial small business tax relief, defending a modernized state regulatory system for insurance, preserving the Federal Crop Insurance Program and National Flood Insurance Program, and extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA).

“Independent insurance agents are a critical piece of our nation’s economy with their tireless work serving their communities and protecting the livelihoods and property of their neighbors,” Symington says. “It is an honor to continue my work at the Big ‘I’ on behalf of our members in my new role. As we provide resources, support and advocacy for independent agents through the challenges and opportunities ahead, I look forward to working together with the many dedicated leaders in our industry to improve and protect the independent agency channel and the many customers it serves.”

Before joining the Big I, Symington served as a senior counsel with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services from 2000 to 2003, where he focused on insurance issues. He also worked as a majority counsel for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, concentrating on healthcare policy and oversight.

Symington worked in the private sector before his time on Capitol Hill, first as an associate attorney with Drew, Eckl & Farnham in Atlanta, Ga., specializing in insurance defense litigation, and then as an attorney with the firm Matricardi & Moylan in Springfield, Va.

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