COLUMBUS, OH (January 2, 2024) – Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (OIA) has announced that George Christy has been hired as Government Affairs Manager effective January 6, 2024. With over four years of experience working in public policy and politics, Christy is passionate about advocating for Ohio 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. Christy has the passion, energy and experience 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.

“George 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 and regulatory arena and will be a great asset to independent insurance agents and insurance industry. He is well positioned to help our association tell the story about our noble profession.”

Most recently, Christy served the Ohio Department of Transportation communications team after working on legislative and regulatory issues with the ODOT policy team. He grew up in Central Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University where he studied Political Science and Economics.
Under George’s engagement, 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 George 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 an infectious energy, policy mind and communications skill to the team.”

About the Author:

Jeffrey S. Smith, JD, CIC, CAE serves as Chief Executive Officer for Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) and IA Valuations. He is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.

As CEO of IA Valuations, Smith has consulted and reviewed over 200 agency valuations for independent agents across the US. IA Valuations serves independent agencies as a trusted advisor and strategic business partners as they implement strategies to increase their agency value, grow their businesses, and transition their agencies. Smith provides insights into the agency’s operations, risk factors, and legal guidance on how to perpetuate and maximize value in a sale.