Eric O. Leavitt Elected Chair of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers Board

Eric O. Leavitt, executive chairman and CEO of Leavitt Group, has been elected chair of the board of directors of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB) for the 2026-2027 term. Leavitt was elected during The Council's 113th annual Insurance Leadership Forum in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the association addresses insurance and employee benefits issues that affect businesses and employers.

"Eric's thoughtful approach to leadership and his perspective on The Council's role within our industry have been invaluable to our board and our association," said Joel Wood, president/CEO of The Council.

Leavitt succeeds John Howard, vice chairman of CRC Group. As chair, Leavitt will work with The Council's board on industry issues and public policy priorities affecting commercial insurance and employee benefits brokerages.

Those priorities include protecting the tax treatment of employer-sponsored health insurance, improving healthcare and pharmacy benefit manager transparency, preserving the private employer-sponsored health insurance market, and protecting competition in the insurance marketplace. For employers and business owners, these issues can directly affect benefit costs, healthcare transparency, and the availability and competitiveness of insurance options.

"These aren't abstract Washington issues. They can have very real consequences for our clients, our employees, and the businesses and communities we serve," said Leavitt. "Being involved in The Council gives us an opportunity to better understand the issues facing our industry and contribute to discussions about policies that affect our business."

Leavitt has also served as a director and officer of The Council, working with brokerage leaders on the association's long-term strategy. His term as chair expands that involvement as changing market conditions, healthcare costs, and federal policy continue to shape outcomes for insurance brokerages and their clients.

"As a board director and officer, I've had the opportunity to learn from leaders across the brokerage industry and bring those perspectives back to our own organization," said Leavitt. "Serving as chair gives me another opportunity to listen, contribute, and stay closely connected to the issues affecting our industry."

Leavitt joined Leavitt Group in 1992 and has served as executive chairman and CEO since 2017.

Leavitt Group is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerages in the nation with a mission to build, serve, and perpetuate independent insurance agencies as partners with local co-owners. With an extensive network of 80+ agencies and 290+ locations across 31 states, Leavitt Group offers a distinctive advantage with local ownership, delivering a personalized and collaborative approach to commercial insurance, employee benefits, and personal insurance. With over 70 years in the insurance industry, Leavitt Group brings national strength and local trust to the communities and clients they serve. For more information about Leavitt Group, visit www.leavitt.com.