Gagnon Joins The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers as Director of Strategic Technology

WASHINGTON, March 16 -- The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers issued the following news release:

The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers announced today that Christopher Gagnon is joining the organization as Director of Strategic Technology. Gagnon will be responsible for consulting Council member firms on the strategic application of technology to promote business growth. He is working closely with Frank Sentner, The Council's longtime technology director, who is transitioning from The Council through May to pursue a position with WAHVE (Work at Home Vintage Employees).

"We want our member firms to view technology as an opportunity to stand out and differentiate themselves," said Ken A. Crerar, president/CEO of The Council. "Technology's place in insurance has tremendous potential and we're asking Chris to assist our member firms in embracing it and thinking differently about it."

Gagnon has more than 15 years of experience developing and directing technology strategy for large insurance brokers. He first entered the industry with Hobbs Group and spent five years directing all aspects of the company's information technology, ultimately serving as CIO. Gagnon contributed to Hobbs' growth from $25 million to $100 million in annual revenue through the creation of proprietary customer-focused solutions.

In 2004, Gagnon joined with other investors in the formation of Beecher Carlson and served as CIO, focusing his energy on customer-based technology solutions. He served on the executive committee, participating in private equity dealings, M&A activities, and operational oversight for the retail and wholesale operations. He also played a role in the development of OnPoint Underwriting, a wholesale MGA subsidiary to include program design, carrier relations and technology implementation including the development of a proprietary paperless underwriting system.

Gagnon left Beecher Carlson in 2008 and founded Tiebeam Partners, a company focused on providing independent technology consulting for some of the fastest growing agencies in the United States. A graduate of Jacksonville State University, Gagnon will head up The Council's new CIO (Chief Information Officer) Working Group.

TNS 61NF 120317-JF78-3810072 StaffFurigay