If you’ve ever been to an industry event like an annual meeting, you know the feeling. There's a certain buzz in the air—the handshakes, the shared stories, the feeling of being part of something bigger. It’s a time to reconnect, learn, and, most importantly, look to the future.
And that's exactly what happened at the Texas Surplus Lines Association, Inc. (TSLA) 70th Annual Meeting. Held at the beautiful Four Seasons in Austin on November 10th, this was a big one. It’s where the torch is officially passed, and we get a first look at the leaders who will be guiding our corner of the insurance world for the next year.
So, let's pull back the curtain and meet the folks who are stepping up to the plate.
So, Who's Taking the Helm?
Every great team needs a captain, and this year, the honor of President goes to a well-known name in the industry.
I'm thrilled to share that Terence Babler is the new President of TSLA.
If you've been around the property insurance space, you probably know Terry. As Vice President and Property Broker at Brown & Riding, he brings a ton of experience and a steady hand to the role. It’s a big job, but one he’s more than ready for. Leading TSLA means being the voice for surplus lines in one of the biggest and most dynamic markets in the country. It's about advocacy, education, and making sure we all have the support we need to thrive.
Of course, a president can't do it all alone. They need a solid team right alongside them.
Meet the Rest of the Officer Team
Supporting Terence is a fantastic group of officers who are just as dedicated to the industry. Here’s who will be working closely with him:
- Vice President: Meagan Mims, who is the AVP, Underwriter at Amwins Brokerage of Texas, Inc. in Dallas.
- Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer Mier, the Vice President of Amwins Access in Dallas.
It's great to see such a strong and experienced group ready to lead the charge. This team represents a deep understanding of the Texas market, from underwriting to brokerage, which is exactly what you want to see in an organization like TSLA.
The Foundation: Our New and Returning Directors
Beyond the officers, the Board of Directors is the backbone of the association. They're the ones in the trenches, shaping policy and making sure the organization stays on track. Think of them as the strategic advisors who keep the ship moving in the right direction.
This year, we have a mix of new and familiar faces joining the board, each serving a two-year term.
The newly elected Directors are:
- Cooksey Evans, from RPS in Dallas
- Kasey Massey, with Markel in Plano
- Tishka Taylor, from Arch Insurance Group in Houston
- Matt Tredwell, of Russell Bond & Co., Inc. in Addison
It’s always exciting to see new people step into these roles, bringing fresh perspectives and energy.
And just as important are the directors who are continuing their service. Their experience provides the continuity that is so critical for any organization. The returning Directors are:
- Cody BRANDON, with CRC Group in Dallas
- Amelia GRIMES, from McGriff, Seibels & Williams of Texas, Inc. in Houston
- Lori HUNTER, with Amwins Brokerage of Texas, Inc. in Dallas
- Logan WEISS, from HULL & Company in Dallas
When you look at that list, you see a real cross-section of the Texas surplus lines market. That diversity of experience is what makes TSLA so effective.
A Big Thank You to Our Outgoing President
As we welcome the new team, it's also the perfect time to give a huge thank you to the outgoing President, Matt GRUNSTAD.
Leading an organization like this takes a ton of time, energy, and passion—on top of an already demanding day job! Matt, who is with Amwins Brokerage of Texas, Inc. in Dallas, has done a fantastic job steering the ship. He'll now move into the role of Past President, continuing to offer his wisdom and guidance to the board. It’s this kind of seamless transition that keeps TSLA strong year after year.
So, as we look ahead, it feels like the Texas surplus lines market is in very capable hands. Having strong leadership is more than just names on a letterhead; it’s about having dedicated people who are willing to volunteer their time to advocate for all of us. It ensures our industry has a powerful voice in Austin and beyond.
Here's to a great year ahead for TSLA and for all of us working in this exciting field. Congratulations to the new team
