PIA NATIONAL ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARD WINNERS

The following information was released by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA):

Written by Mike Skiados

Association Honors Individuals and Organizations Advancing the Independent Agency System

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has announced the winners of its 2026 PIA National Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and innovation are strengthening the independent insurance agency system.

This year's honorees demonstrate a commitment to serving clients, supporting independent agents, advancing the industry and helping the agency channel evolve for the future:

Professional Agent of the Year: Meg McArdle Kowar, McArdle and Associates

Meg McArdle Kowar has spent more than 15 years with McArdle and Associates, which was founded by her father in 1992, and now serves as president of the Ashland, Virginia agency. She fosters a strong culture of professional development and industry involvement. She encourages employees to pursue industry designations and participate in PIA programs, supporting their education with both funding and time away from the office.McArdle Kowar has also served on Erie Insurance and Northern Neck advisory councils, advocating for the independent agent perspective, and helped establish informal "coffee house chats" with other Richmond-based Erie agents, creating a practical forum for agents and agency owners to share ideas, discuss challenges and strengthen industry relationships.

Company of the Year: Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance has distinguished itself through its longstanding commitment to the independent agency system, combining relationship-driven service with investments in modern technology and agent resources. The company markets both through and alongside its agents, partnering with them on advertising and investing significantly in cooperative marketing. Erie also provides agents with continuing education, product training and sales courses at no cost. Its commitment to developing new independent agencies and building lasting partnerships has earned a high degree of trust among its agency force, with many agencies placing a significant share of their business with Erie.

Managing General Agency of the Year: Roush Insurance Services

Roush Insurance Services is committed to helping independent agencies of all sizes access excess and specialty markets. By appointing agents without volume commitments and offering both binding authority and brokerage options, Roush helps agencies place risks ranging from small start-up businesses to multimillion-dollar operations. The company combines industry expertise and responsive service with technology that allows agents to manage submissions, renewal quotes, policy documents, invoices and claims information around the clock. Roush also actively supports insurance associations and industry education, sharing specialty market knowledge and helping agents identify solutions for their clients.

Customer Service Representative of the Year: Ruth Martin, Fulcro Insurance

Ruth Martin of Fulcro Insurance has earned the trust of clients through her attention to detail, responsiveness and ability to identify insurance needs that might otherwise go overlooked. Based in the agency's Atlanta, Georgia location, she has helped Fulcro improve efficiency by streamlining submission processes, reducing processing times for bonds and supporting the implementation of new technology. Martin also plays an important role in training new staff and consistently looks beyond individual transactions to identify potential coverage gaps and evolving exposures for clients. A Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) who is pursuing her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, Martin demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional growth and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.

Young Insurance Professional of the Year: Alyssa Hobgood, BWO Insurance

Alyssa Hobgood, a third-generation independent insurance agent with BWO Insurance in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, has emerged as an active advocate for both the industry and the next generation of insurance professionals. Licensed in 10 states, Hobgood serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin and has been recognized for three consecutive years as a Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professional. She regularly speaks with high school and community college students about insurance careers, participates in job fairs throughout the Milwaukee area and promotes PIA education programs and the Young Professionals Insurance Network. Her industry involvement is complemented by leadership in her local chamber of commerce and community.

Excellence in Innovative Communications: Copeland Insurance Agency

Copeland Insurance Agency in Manhattan, Kansas has taken an innovative approach to helping consumers find and understand insurance information as search behavior evolves with artificial intelligence. Recognizing that AI-powered search tools increasingly look for specific, transparent information, the agency developed an online resource providing consumers with insurance price estimatesinformation agencies have traditionally been hesitant to share before speaking directly with a prospective client. The initiative demonstrates how independent agencies can rethink traditional communications practices and adapt their digital strategies for an AI-driven search environment.

"These award recipients demonstrate the many different ways individuals and organizations are helping move the independent agency system forward," said Mike Skiados, PIA CEO. "Whether it's investing in agents and employees, delivering exceptional service, embracing new technology or developing the next generation of insurance professionals, each of our honorees has shown a commitment to making our industry stronger. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the example they set for the PIA community."