Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (OIA) has announced that John Z. Wells, has been hired as Government Affairs Manager effective February 27, 2023. With over five years of experience working in public policy and politics, John is passionate about advocating for Ohio’s independent insurance agents with legislators, regulators and in the political arena.

OIA is the leading advocate for insurance consumers, independent agents and a competitive insurance marketplace. John has the experience, determination and zeal to help OIA educate lawmakers, regulators and consumers on the complexity of insurance decisions and the importance of having the professional advice of an independent insurance agent.

“John is excited to advocate for OIA’s mission to promote, progress and protect the professional advice and guidance only independent insurance agents provide,” says OIA CEO Jeff S. Smith. “He has extensive knowledge of the legislative, regulatory and political arena and will be a great asset to independent insurance agents and insurance industry. He is well positioned to help our association tell our story and achieve our policy goals.”

Most recently, John served in the Ohio Senate as Senior Legislative Aide for Senator Steve Wilson working on legislative and policy issues. John has also worked in the Michigan House of Representatives and for the Michigan Republican Party. John grew up in Aurora, OH and is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati.

Under John’s management, OIA will continue to be the leading advocate for legislative and regulatory policies that protect consumers and support a strong economy and competitive insurance marketplace for independent agents and their clients.

“OIA is an industry leader. With John on the team, our focus will continue to be ensuring Ohio has a healthy, stable and competitive insurance marketplace for independent agents to serve Ohio families and businesses. He brings a palpable energy, a keen policy mind and strong political insight to the team.”