Independent agents are at the core of OIA, but our work is strengthened by the support of dedicated industry partners. Their support, from every corner of the industry, helps us strengthen the IA system and serve our members.
The newest member of the OIA Foundation Board, Jessica Zinsmeister, was destined to work in insurance. “The Cincinnati Insurance Company’s building was the biggest building in my hometown. I always knew I would work there someday, I just didn’t know what they did.”
Jessica has been with Cincinnati Insurance Company for almost 20 years and has steered her career through underwriting, management, and now leading their Customer Care Center. Like many others in the IA space, she was immediately drawn in by the organization’s connection to their community, the conviction they have for their clients, and the agent advocacy.
The partnership between OIA and the Cincinnati Insurance Company is how Jessica became involved in this community, and she finds that there is perfect alignment between her professional background and the mission of the OIA Foundation: keeping agencies independent, advocating for the future, and providing resources and education to strengthen agents.
Insurance is a very relationship-driven industry, and Jessica thrives in that environment. She describes herself as a social butterfly and credits both personal and professional connections with shaping her. Throughout her career, building relationships and partnerships has given her valuable insight and a strong network to learn from and rely on.
As a self-proclaimed nerd, Jessica has a passion for learning and is most excited to help agents continue developing through the opportunities the OIA Foundation offers. Every day, she speaks with newly appointed agents who are looking for guidance and resources, and she values that OIA not only offers a wide range of educational resources, but also helps agents take advantage of these tools through scholarships.
Outside of work, Jessica is embracing her newly empty-nester lifestyle. She married her high school sweetheart and has two grown children. She and her husband are working their way through all the National Parks, starting a garden, and spending time with her pride and joy, Archie the English Bulldog.
Jessica is a lifelong advocate of education and insurance, making her role on the Foundation Board a natural fit. She is excited for the opportunity to become more involved with OIA and support agents as they grow and strengthen the independent agency system.
About the Author:
Colleen Elliott is the Marketing & Communications Manager for OIA and IA Valuations. Colleen graduated from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has a background in sales and marketing. Colleen manages marketing campaigns for OIA and IA Valuations, communications with agents and state partners, and helps the IA Valuations team from an operational perspective. Colleen joined OIA in January 2023.
