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April 18, 2023 info@naaia.org
Owie Lei Agbontaen Appointed as NAAIA National Emerging Leader
Washington, DC – The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) announces the appointment of Owie Lei Agbontaen as the NAAIA National Emerging Leader. Agbontaen succeeds Brandi N. Monique, JD who originated the role in 2019.
“As we think about the next phase of NAAIA’s work, it is especially important that our board reflects the breadth and diversity of our industry,” said George Woods, Chair of NAAIA’s Board of Directors. “Owie is incredibly talented and I’m looking forward to serving alongside and learning from him.”
Agbontaen is an Assistant Vice President, Regional Underwriting Executive and Business Development at Sompo International. Based in Chicago, he leads the business development in Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota, supporting growth of all product lines from a broker/carrier relationship standpoint. Prior to his role in business development, Agbontaen led the underwriting efforts in the Midwest for the Middle Market P&C team. Agbontaen co-founded the Chicago Chapter of Young Risk Professionals and currently serves as the Vice Chair and Director of Finance on the board. Additionally, he is a mentor for HFS Chicago, an organization that helps underserved Chicago high school students succeed in and out of the classroom by providing educational mentoring, college readiness and academic excellence programs. Agbontaen was a founding board member of NAAIA Boston Chapter’s.
NAAIA recognized Agbontaen with the Emerging Leader Award at its 2022 Annual Conference in Baltimore, and he has received additional recognitions as a RISE 35 Under 35, and as a 2020 Rising Star and 2021 Hot 100 from Insurance Business America.
“I’m beyond thrilled to welcome Owie to the national board of directors,” said Omari Jahi Aarons, NAAIA Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer. “Having worked with him in the Boston Chapter’s formation, I know firsthand how NAAIA will benefit from Owie’s thought leadership and guidance as we build our value proposition for student members and increase efforts to attract millennial and Gen Z cohort to the insurance and risk management industry.”
Outgoing National Emerging Leader Brandi Monique originated the role when NAAIA members voted to dedicate a seat on the Board of Directors to a National Emerging Leader. Among her credits, Monique worked to engage professionals who are early career or new to the insurance industry to understand their needs and better position NAAIA to respond to their needs. “I personally extend my thanks to Brandi for her work over the past four years on the Board,” said Woods. “Her energy and passion have served the NAAIA Organization well and I’m excited to see her continued growth as an industry professional and person.”
ABOUT NAAIA
The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) was organized to create a network among people of color and others employed in or affiliated with the insurance industry. The association currently has 1,800 members and 22 chapters, with others in development, throughout the nation and its members represent every sector of the industry. NAAIA’s focus is the professional development and personal empowerment of its members, and to serve as a gateway to diverse talent at every level of the industry. Visit www.naaia.org to learn more.
