WASHINGTON- Gerald F. Hemphill, CIC, LUTCF, of Richmond, Va., was named president of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents at the organization’s board meeting on September 22, 2022 in San Diego, Calif. .
Hemphill was sworn in along with his four fellow national officers: Richard A. Savino, CIC, CPIA, of Warwick, New York, president-elect; Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Vice President/Treasurer; Mark A. Suhr of Seward, Nebraska, CIC, CPIA, assistant secretary/treasurer; and Anthony “Tony” Curti, CIC, LIC, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Past President. All officers will serve a one-year term beginning October 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2023.
“PIA is constantly expanding its ability to be the preferred resource for independent agents,” Hemphill said. “During my settling-in remarks in San Diego, I mentioned a quote that had a significant impact on me and that I keep on my desk, ‘Change is inevitable, growth is optional.'”
Hemphill pointed out that PIA is currently thriving, the result of significant progress in key areas in recent years. He said PIA had quickly adapted to changes in the business environment brought on by the coronavirus crisis, having already invested in technology upgrades. He praised PIA’s aggressive advocacy on behalf of independent agents that produced legislative and regulatory victories that added to the agencies’ bottom line.
“Our association approaches 2023 from a position of strength, purpose and vision,” he said. With many initiatives, programs, products and services, there are many exciting things happening within our association, and I look forward to serving alongside our Board of Directors, members, staff, affiliates and our carrier partners. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity.
An independent insurance agent in the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area since 1993, Gerald represents all lines of insurance, specializing in commercial and life insurance risks. He was an agent for a major domestic carrier for five years and has since been a director of his own agency.
In 1996 Gerald was awarded the LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) designation and in 2002 he was awarded the CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation. He is a graduate of Campbell University and the Fork Union Military Academy. In addition to his designations, he holds P&C insurance, life insurance, health insurance and annuity licenses.
Hemphill served as President of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Virginia/DC in 2010 and has served on the PIA National Board of Directors since 2013. He was named PIA of Virginia/DC Agent of the Year in 2012.
Gerald and his wife have two daughters, Ashley and Taylor, and three grandchildren.
Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association representing member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in auto, home and business coverage. PIA’s web address is http://www.pianational.org.
