Her Story: Meet The New Big ‘I’ Chair

• By: Will Jones
• September 1, 2025

Angela Ripley, president of VW Brown Insurance in Columbia, Maryland, brings two decades of agency leadership, eight acquisitions and a passion for mentorship and inclusion to the role of Big “I” chair. Ripley is the second woman to serve as Big “I” chair, following in the footsteps of Louise “BeBe” Canter in 2003. With Maryland roots and a vision for the future, Ripley is focused on sustaining the independent agency system through innovation, education and strategic growth.

Prior to her installation as Big “I” chair at the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference, to take place Sept. 9-14 in Nashville, Tennessee, Independent Agent magazine talked with Ripley about her path from commercial producer to agency principal, how her experiences as a woman, businessowner and a mother shaped her leadership style, and what it means to build a more connected, forward-thinking industry.

Whether she’s mentoring young agents or cheering from the lacrosse sidelines, Ripley leads with authenticity and purpose—and she’s ready to help independent agents thrive in a time of rapid change.

How did you begin your career in insurance?

I started in insurance shortly after graduating college with a degree in marketing with a concentration in advertising. My dad was the former owner of VW Brown Insurance, so I grew up around the business. I didn’t initially plan to follow in his footsteps. I decided to start my career at an insurance carrier to get a sense of how a corporation runs and to gain some foundational insurance knowledge. Then I returned to VW Brown in 2000 as a commercial producer. Once I was back in the agency, I saw firsthand how insurance could impact lives and communities—and I knew I had found my path.

Can you tell me about your agency?

We’re a full-service independent agency in Columbia, Maryland. We deliver personalized solutions across commercial lines, personal lines, and life and health—both individual and group. Our focus is building long-term relationships based on trust, education and advocacy. We’re also committed to innovation and community engagement.

We’re a generalist agency. We write everything from small Main Street businesses to large regional contractors like excavators and drywall companies. Until recently, we were about 60/40 commercial to personal. But after two acquisitions a year and a half ago—both heavily personal lines—we’re now closer to 50/50.

While I carry out my duties as chair, my sister Tricia Wolters, CFO, and Marc Bruno, executive vice president, will be working hard at the agency. They have both been extremely supportive.

What do you do in your spare time?

For the past 12 years, I’ve been on the sidelines of a lacrosse field cheering on my daughters play sports. My husband coached, and one of our daughters played on his team. This year, I’ll be watching my youngest daughter, Madelyn, who is a senior in high school, play field hockey, basketball and lacrosse before she heads to Arizona State University where she was recruited to play lacrosse. I’ll also be traveling to Rochester, New York, to visit my oldest daughter, Emma, and cheer on the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers women’s lacrosse team. Outside of sports, I like spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, walking the dogs, traveling and reading. I might read one business book a year if it really interests me, but I mostly read for fun.

How has your involvement with the Big “I” shaped your career?

I’ve built profound relationships through the Big “I” that have made my insurance career even more enjoyable. Many of the people I’ve served with are now colleagues I continue to engage with through the Insurance Roundtable of Baltimore. The Big “I” has given me a broader perspective on the business and opened doors to leadership, and it’s introduced me to people who continually challenge and inspire me.

Favorite memories of being a Big “I” member?

My first national meeting as a Maryland director was in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during Dave Walker’s installation as Big “I” chairman in 2014. I had caught something on the plane and spent the first couple of days sick in the hotel. I was keeping to myself and not feeling great when the national director from Vermont introduced himself. We started talking and, despite how awful I felt, we really connected. That same evening, he invited me to dinner and we’ve kept in touch ever since. We’ve met each other’s families and even visited each other’s home states. It was one of those moments that reminded me how meaningful these relationships can be.

What are you looking forward to most about becoming chair?

I’m looking forward to continuing the important work of supporting independent agents through innovation, inclusion and advocacy. It’s a tremendous honor to serve at a time when our industry is evolving. I want to help ensure we meet the moment with clarity and purpose. One thing we discussed recently is that our association exists to support the independent agency system and the agents who are part of it. That mission has to endure. I’m also in the early stages of developing a national program for women in insurance.

Experiences as a woman in insurance and a business owner?

It’s never easy walking into a room full of men, especially older men, but I do it because I want to be there. I also do it knowing that visibility matters, not just for me, but for the women and people I mentor and sponsor. I’m passionate about championing women in leadership roles because I know how hard it can be. At the same time, it’s important to include men in these conversations, because inclusion isn’t about creating separate spaces—it’s about coming together to learn and support each other.

How can the industry create more leadership opportunities for women in insurance?

I’ve visited several states recently—Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia and Louisiana—and each one has different programs supporting women in insurance. But I want to be clear: this isn’t just about women. I want to invite men into the room, too. If we’re going to talk about things like work-life balance, which is relevant to everyone, then we need diverse voices at the table. That’s why I’d love to see panels with both men and women addressing these topics. We have to move beyond exclusivity and start building together.

Traditionally, women have carried the bulk of household responsibilities, but that’s changing. For instance, I now work an hour away from home, and my husband has really stepped up to help balance our family’s needs. It’s not perfect, but it’s a partnership—and that kind of support makes all the difference.

What are your priorities as chair of the Big “I”?

One of my top priorities is setting the stage for those who follow me, especially young agents. I believe in strategic planning that not only addresses today’s challenges but also positions the association for long-term success. Everything I do in this role is with that in mind: building a future that’s inclusive, resilient and innovative.

How do you foresee the association evolving in the next five to 10 years?

The association and the channel need to become more agile and tech-enabled, while staying rooted in advocacy, education and human connection. Relationships are the foundation of this industry. Whether it’s with clients or colleagues. Independent agents remain the primary method of insurance distribution, and we’re seeing even direct writers like Geico recognize the value of our channel. However, we also need to embrace tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and continue supporting efforts through programs like the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT) to educate ourselves.

What are the biggest opportunities for the independent agency channel?

There’s a tremendous opportunity in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making and personalized service. Our ability to stay adaptable while keeping that personal touch gives us a unique competitive advantage.

Your experiences with acquisitions?

Since 2007, we’ve completed eight acquisitions. The first one was a major turning point. We were a medium-sized agency that acquired an agency three times our size. That acquisition gave us leverage in the marketplace, and since then, we’ve had other agencies approach us to see if we were interested in acquiring them. Many of those owners wanted to stay on as producers without dealing with day-to-day operations, and our structure allows for that. Every deal has been different but most of them are centered on what the seller needs, not just what works for us.

What advice would you give to new agents entering the industry today?

Be curious, be committed and always prioritize your clients. Learn from those around you, invest in your education and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This industry offers incredible career paths for those who are willing to work hard and stay engaged.

How should agencies attract and retain younger talent?

We need to showcase the meaningful impact of our work and the diversity of roles across the industry. Offer mentorship—I’ve said that a bazillion times—along with flexible career paths and growth opportunities. My daughter is in college studying human-centered computing and she worked at our agency last summer and again this year. She was floored at how much her field intersects with insurance. Now she’s looking into Liberty Mutual’s internship program for next summer. It’s funny—it pulls you in. Creating a culture of purpose is key to retaining the next generation.

What is the best part about being an independent agent?

It’s the ability to truly advocate for your clients. We’re not tied to one company or product—we can find the right solution for each person or business we serve. That freedom, combined with the trust we build, makes this work incredibly rewarding. And of course, the relationships we build with our policyholders are everything.

How can members become more involved with the association?

Start by showing up. Join a committee, attend events or offer to mentor. The association thrives on member engagement and there’s a place for everyone. Your voice matters and your involvement strengthens the entire channel.

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.