NABIP looks to reset after CEO’s departure

The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals Board of Trustees announced that, effective immediately, Jessica Brooks-Woods is no longer serving as the association’s CEO.

Brooks-Woods was appointed to NABIP’s top administrative role in 2023, assuming her duties on Sept. 1 of that year. As CEO, she oversaw a 30-member staff in Washington, as well as the representation of over 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants, and benefits professionals through 200 state and local chapters.

Prior to leading NABIP, Brooks-Woods founded the Executive Action and Response Network (EARN) and EARN Staffing Solutions, a full-service DEI-centered consulting and talent-placement firm that played a crucial role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business community.

She also served as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health from 2013 to 2022.

In a statement issued today, NABIP said its board appointed an interim executive leadership team. Senior vice president of strategy and innovation Brooke Willson will oversee organizational operations, and controller Trace Hall will oversee financial leadership and stewardship. Working in close partnership with the board of trustees, they will lead day-to-day operations and continue advancing NABIP’s strategic priorities during this transition.

“The Board’s priority is ensuring stable leadership and uninterrupted service to our members,” said Susan Rider, president of the NABIP Board of Trustees. “We are confident in our interim leadership team and in the resilience of our organization. NABIP is financially sound, operationally steady, and fully engaged in advancing our advocacy, member services, and Vision 2030 priorities.”

In a memo sent to NABIP chapter leaders, Rider said the final quarter of 2025 “presented real challenges for NABIP,” including several board resignations.

“Today’s leadership change reflects the board’s decision to reset and strengthen governance moving forward,” the memo continued. “Even during that disruption, our advocacy, education and member services continued. The focus now is on stability, transparency, and ensuring NABIP is clearly and consistently member-first.”

Rider denied that the association is in trouble. In her memo, she states, ”NABIP has experienced a period of change, and it’s understandable that leadership transitions can raise questions. The association remains fully operational and focused. Our advocacy, education, and member programs have continued without interruption, and the board is taking clear steps to strengthen governance and reinforce long-term stability.

“Our goal is that one year from now, we can say with confidence that NABIP’s finances are stable and transparent, our mission is clearly member-first, and the board is governing with accountability and responsible oversight.”

NABIP members will gather in Washington beginning Sunday for the association’s annual Capitol Conference.

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Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected].