On Wednesday, December 3rd, OIA proudly hosted our annual Awards Ceremony, a night dedicated to celebrating the exceptional commitment and achievements shaping our industry. We honored members and company partners whose passion and impact continue to strengthen communities and elevate the profession. We were also lucky enough to have Angela Ripley, Big “I” Chair, join us for the celebrations! Angela is the owner and president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland. She was installed as Big “I” Chair, only the second woman to hold this position, in September 2025 and is a true servant of the independent agent system.
The task of selecting award winners falls to the OIA Governance Committee, who face the challenging job of choosing from a wealth of outstanding nominations. After careful consideration, the committee identifies the individuals and organizations that best embody the spirit of each award.
We’re thrilled to introduce this year’s honorees and share their inspiring contributions below.
OIA Citation Award
The OIA Citation honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the insurance industry, the independent agency system, and OIA. This year’s recipient is Don Ritchey, owner of The Block Agency!
Don has had an impressive 35-year career and has successfully transitioned ownership to two of his producers, ensuring the Block Agency’s legacy will continue for years to come. Don has been a passionate supporter of OIA, and his commitment to giving back to the industry reflects the noble and honorable values of the independent insurance agent. We are deeply grateful for Don’s leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on the Ohio independent agency system. It’s members like Don that make our Association stronger. Thank you for your years of support and for being a model for independent agents everywhere!
Community Service Award
The OIA Community Service Award honors an independent insurance agent or agency that gives back to its community in incredible ways. This is always one of the hardest awards to give out, as so many agencies do so many great things to support their communities’ needs.
This year, we would like to recognize Wichert Insurance with the Community Service Award! They have created two foundations to extend their commitment to the community even further.
The Wichert Insurance Foundation provides a channel for employees, clients, and friends to personally support charitable causes in their local communities. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in every community where Wichert operates, strengthen public understanding of insurance, and foster meaningful relationships with clients and neighbors. Through this foundation, Wichert has made a lasting impact – supporting organizations like women’s shelters, community action partnerships, and countless others – helping them achieve their goals and touch lives in profound ways.
The Insuring the Mission Foundation carries that spirit globally, supporting short-term and long-term mission efforts by Wichert employees, families, and clients. It provides funding and opportunities for employees to leverage their careers and resources, helping others in places like Guatemala and Bulgaria. The heartfelt gratitude of those touched by these efforts reflects the deep, personal commitment Wichert brings to service.
Through the Wichert Insurance Foundation and the Insuring the Mission Foundation, they have created ways for their agency staff, clients, and friends to help their local community and have an impact globally through both short-term and long-term mission efforts. They inspire all of us to think beyond ourselves and invest our time, talents, and resources in ways that truly make a difference.
Each year, OIA makes a donation on behalf of our Community Service Award winners to the charity of their choosing. It’s our honor to recognize the support Wichert Insurance and their foundations with a donation of $2,500.
Public Service Award
The Public Service Award honors an individual whose contributions exemplify outstanding public service and serve as a model for their community.
We want to congratulate Brian Lampton as the winner of this year’s Public Service Award!
Brian has become a true pillar of the Beavercreek community. He has been running the Lampton/Engle & Associates for over 30 years, has served as the president of both the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce and the Beavercreek Rotary Club, and he even finds the time to announce football and basketball games for Beavercreek High School.
In addition to his efforts on the local level, Brian has been a leading voice in the Ohio General Assembly as a State Representative and the current Chair of the House Insurance Committee. He helps voice the concerns of independent agents across the state of Ohio.
Whether as an agent, a community leader, or a legislator, Brian Lampton embodies servant leadership. His dedication, integrity, and impact touch so many lives. We are so thankful for your leadership and service, Brian!
Best Agency Video Award
Each year, OIA recognizes an agency that uses video to share the story of the independent agent in a creative, concise, captivating, and memorable way through our Best Agency Video Award. We want to recognize Rob Strachan for his “Debunking Insurance Myths” video series!
Rob uses short, one-minute social media videos to tackle common insurance misconceptions like “I don’t need cyber insurance,” “I’m young and healthy, I don’t need insurance,” and even “Do red cars really cost more to insure?” These videos are smart, engaging, and educational, while showcasing the value of the independent agent.
You can watch the Debunking Insurance Myths video series on the Strachan Novak Insurance Services LinkedIn page.
Please join us in congratulating Rob Strachan and his team on winning this year’s award!
Outstanding Company Achievement / Eagle Award
The OIA Outstanding Company Achievement / Eagle Award honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, innovation, technology, perpetuation, and customer service – all to strengthen and support the independent agency system.
We are proud to recognize our company partner, Arlington/Roe, a family-owned, Midwest-based MGA and wholesale broker that has shown true partnership to OIA over the years! Their dedication to access, innovation, and agency support has made them a critical resource for agents navigating complex or hard-to-place risks. Arlington/Roe’s service model, responsiveness, and underwriting expertise consistently stand out, helping our agents protect their clients while also supporting agency growth.
Jim Roe says it best:
“Whether you choose Arlington/Roe for our breadth of knowledge, product line diversity, market access, or industry know-how, you may be assured we are in business primarily to serve you. We will do our best to earn and keep your trust. You have our word on it.”
Thank you to Jim and Patrick Roe for traveling to attend our Awards Ceremony and connecting with our members. It is our honor to celebrate Arlington/Roe’s exceptional contributions to the IA system with this Eagle Award!
Excellence in Leadership
OIA’s Excellence in Leadership Award acknowledges an individual whose vision, integrity, and dedication inspire others, foster collaboration, and leave a lasting impact on their organization, community, and the insurance industry. This year, OIA celebrates Meghan Griffith Ragozzino of The Griffith Agency!
Meghan exemplifies leadership that goes beyond achieving results. She is thoughtful in her remarks, shrewd in business, and always ready with a laugh – qualities that make her an exceptional leader and a joy to work alongside. A shining example of her leadership is her “Refer a Friend. Reward a Community.” program, where client referrals result in a donation to the community in the clients’ name.
Meghan’s leadership extends beyond her agency; she has been a longtime volunteer leader with OIA, serving six years on the OIA Board and joining the Service Corporation Board in 2025. She has participated in Advocacy Days, IIABA National Meetings in Washington D.C., and Capitol Hill visits to advocate for independent agents and to help advance the IA industry.
Meghan’s vision, integrity, and lasting influence make her a true model of leadership. It is our honor to award her with this year’s Excellence in Leadership Award!
OIA Board Service Award
We want to spotlight an individual for her dedication to OIA and service. OIA wants to thank Katie Watson, of Insurance Agency of Ohio, for 7 years of dedicated service on the OIA Board of Directors.
Katie began her service with OIA back in 2012 as a committee member, and has since served as National Director to the Big “I,” was elected to the OIA board, and will end her tenure on the Board as Chair since 2023. Katie’s leadership is marked by thoughtfulness, collaboration, and a genuine passion for the industry. Her inquisitive nature and generous spirit consistently elevate discussions and inspire those around her.
Lucky for us, Katie will be continuing her service in other capacities on the OIA Service Corporation Board.
Service Corporation Board Service Award
We also want to commemorate another individual for his time, energy, and passion to advance the independent agency system through OIA. The legacy of leadership he leaves for the next generation is one of integrity, inspiration, and honor. OIA recognizes John Koetz of W.E. Davis Insurance for his years of volunteer leadership.
John is rolling off the Service Corporation Board at the end of the year after decades of service to the OIA. John began his volunteer career in the 1980s, has served on more than a dozen committees and task forces, has been named Agent of the Year, served as PIA President, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also one of the initial directors of the Service Corporation.
John has truly given his time, talent, and treasure in service to the OIA and the Independent Agency system and we could not be more grateful.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The final 2025 OIA Award is the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors an individual whose career, vision, and dedication have left an enduring mark on the insurance industry and inspired generations of professionals.
We are proud to honor Jerald Tillman, owner of JL Tillman Insurance Agency and founder of NAAIA, the National African American Insurance Association!
Jerald’s remarkable vision and commitment to diversity and inclusion transformed the industry, creating opportunities for countless African American professionals and fostering a network of support, mentorship, and education that spans the nation.
Over the years, Jerald has turned his ambition to own his own business into a legacy. In 1997, he founded NAAIA here in Ohio, and today the organization has grown to more than 30 chapters nationwide, providing mentorship, professional development, and recognition for insurance professionals of color.
His impact extends far beyond his own agency – he has truly elevated the profession and inspired a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and collaboration. Jerald Tillman’s dedication, vision, and lasting influence exemplify the meaning of a lifetime achievement. It is an honor to recognize him with the 2025 OIA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Congratulations to all the recipients! Each year, this event gives us the chance to spotlight the incredible work our members are doing in their communities. Your passion, dedication, and impact truly represent the best of who we are. Thank you for inspiring us through your achievements and your commitment to making a difference.
