Each year, the Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) pauses to shine a light on what often goes unspoken in our fast-moving industry: exceptional people doing meaningful work.
The OIA Awards have been honoring industry excellence since 1942, celebrating the individuals, agencies, and company partners who make a lasting impact on the independent agency system and the communities they serve.
Now, nominations for the 2026 OIA Awards are officially open.
Why Your Nomination Matters
Behind every successful agency, community initiative, or industry advancement is someone who went above and beyond. The OIA Awards are a chance to recognize those efforts and to ensure the people shaping our industry receive the appreciation they deserve.
These honors are more than a moment of recognition. They highlight leadership, inspire peers, and reinforce the value independent agents bring to their clients and communities.
Award Categories
Each award is designed to spotlight a different type of impact our members and company partners make across the independent agency system:
- Industry Person of the Year (Independence Bell Award)
Recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the betterment of the independent agency system and OIA. Recipients may come from within or outside the insurance industry.
- Excellence in Leadership Award
Honors an OIA volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service over the past year.
- Community Service Award
Celebrates an independent agent or agency making a meaningful difference in their community. The recipient also receives a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice.
- Outstanding Company Achievement (Eagle Award)
Recognizes a company excelling in areas like innovation, leadership, technology, or customer service to support the independent agency system.
- Best Agency Video of the Year Award
Awards a creative and compelling 3–5 minute video that tells an agency’s story and communicates the value of the independent agent.
- Public Service Award
Honors members who serve the public through formal roles whose work exemplifies outstanding service to their community. Think: a city councilperson, a school board member, a congressional representative.
- Jeanie Giesler Culture Catalyst Award
Recognizes an agency employee who truly brings your mission and core values to life—someone who helps others understand the impact and importance of the independent agent, both within your team and out in the community.
What to Expect
All nominations are reviewed by the OIA Governance Committee, which selects winners based on the strength and impact of each submission.
Selected honorees and the individuals who nominated them will be notified in the fall and invited to attend the OIA Awards Ceremony in December.
Make Your Nomination Today
The nomination window closes on August 7, 2026.
Think about the people who have made an impact on your career, your agency, or your community. Who inspires others? Who quietly goes above and beyond? Who deserves to be recognized?
Take a few minutes to nominate them.
Submit your nomination here: https://ohioinsuranceagents.com/oia-awards-nominations/
Email Katherine White with any questions Katherine@ohioinsuranceagents.com
About the Author
Katherine White is the Executive Administrative Coordinator at OIA. She works alongside OIA Volunteer Leaders to ensure seamless execution and alignment with the strategic vision of the organization. Katherine manages board meetings, retreats, and the organization’s annual awards ceremony. She also administers the Foundation Scholarship, supporting educational opportunities for the independent insurance agency system.
With a diverse background in real estate as a licensed realtor, compliance manager, and trainer, Katherine brings a detail-oriented and compliance-driven approach to her work. She is passionate about volunteering, particularly with animal-related causes, and is dedicated to making a positive impact.
