Agency Nation Meets: Susie Bonner

• September 1, 2025

By Agency Nation

Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions. 

With a focus on innovation and storytelling, Susie Bonner, vice president of marketing and communications at the Big “I,” drives campaigns that elevate the Big “I” mission and empower state associations and industry partners. She leads strategic initiatives across branding, digital platforms, public relations and member engagement, supporting a national network of independent insurance agents.

Based in Virginia, she’s a proud wife and mom of two boys. Susie is passionate about creativity, community impact and making complex ideas easier to understand.

Susie, great to meet you for the first time ever! What film have you watched the most times and will probably keep watching over and over again?

It’s hard to name just one. “Sandlot” is an awesome summer pick, and the holiday season doesn’t start until I watch “Elf.” “The Goonies” and “The Princess Bride” also rank pretty high on my list.

If you had to do karaoke, what song would you sing?

It would have to be something by Stone Temple Pilots or Pearl Jam.

You are what they call a grunge mom. What one piece of advice would you give to your great-grandchildren?

A walk in the woods or at the ocean brings peace. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, grab a friend and take a walk.

Also applies after failed attempts to assemble IKEA furniture. If you had to enter a talent show, what would be your performance?

Never.

That’s the most talented response of all. What is your favorite season and why?

Fall. We got married on the first day of fall, and my husband and boys’ birthdays are in October and November. We have three weeks of baseball, pumpkin patches and celebrating before we hibernate for winter.

What’s one thing you can’t say no to?

I can never say no to a trip with my family. Last year we drove from Virginia to Maine and it was the best. There’s something about packing the car too full, a good playlist or audiobook, and eating all the gas station snacks.

The memories—and the crumbs in the car—last a lifetime. Where would you go during a zombie apocalypse?

This is an excellent question for a road trip. I’d raid CVS for my asthma inhaler, visit the garden center for vegetable and fruit plants and seeds, and then I’d be a total homebody and mind my own business.

You’d be the zombie-era homesteader. When was the last time you laughed so much you cried?

Swimming with the kids the other day.

I’m gonna guess someone got pantsed. What superpower do you wish you had?

Teleportation. Save time, see the world—but I’d want to bring my family with me.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Is walking in the woods an Olympic sport?

It can’t be worse than some of the breakdancing, so why not! Which website do you most often defer to when procrastinating?

Roblox’s Grow a Garden. I have a private server.

What is the most-used emoji on your phone?

<3

It’s a heart, people. When you go to a fast-food restaurant, where do you go?

I’d rather have gas station snacks!

I hope you don’t also grocery shop at a gas station. Lastly, what is your favorite pizza topping?

I love veggie pizza.

OMG. This interview is over. Thank you for your time, Susie!

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.