Big ‘I’ Presents Member Awards
By Will Jones and Olivia Overman
This week in Washington, D.C., the 2026 Big “I” Legislative Conference set the stage for celebrating standout members who embody the very best of the Big “I.”
Honoring those who’ve gone above and beyond, the awards spotlight individuals whose impact stretches across the insurance industry, their communities, and the association itself.
*This page will be updated throughout the conference.
Here are this year’s winners:
Young Agent of the Year Award: Miles Lee
During the Emerging Leaders Luncheon, Miles Lee (pictured above with Cash McMillen), transportation insurance broker at McGriff in Savannah, Georgia, was presented with the 2025 Young Agent of the Year Award.
“Under his leadership, their Young Agents Committee reached extraordinary heights in advocacy and fundraising, raising over $58,000 for InsurPac, with nearly $20,000 coming directly from 61 Young Agents,” said Cash McMillen, national Big “I” Young Agents Committee chair and executive vice president of operations at The Cashion Company in Little Rock, Arkansas, as he presented the award.
“Each year, the YAC chair selects a charitable organization for the annual YAC golf tournament. Under his leadership, the event had a record-breaking year,” McMillen said. “The event raised $77,903, supported by 58 sponsors and attended by 215 participants, including 132 golfers—all the highest totals in the event’s history.”
“Professional development was another priority for Lee during his term. The YAC Sales & Leadership Conference drew 190 attendees, including 78 first-time attendees and 47 brand new agents, again setting records,” McMillen added. “We honor someone who didn’t just meet expectations but redefined them.”
Inclusive Excellence Champion Award: Jeff Smith
For his contributions to the Big “I” Diversity Council and advancement of diversity and inclusion initiatives, Jeff Smith, CEO for the Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) (pictured middle with Peter Perlman, left, and Bill Bishop, partner at Associated Insurance Agencies) with the 2025 Inclusive Excellence Champion Award.
Smith is a member of the Big “I” Diversity Council, Diversity Best Practices Work Group and a dedicated supporter of the Right Start Mentorship program, bringing both passion and action to advancing diversity and inclusion across the independent agency channel.
“He is not only a leader in title, but a mentor in action. He invests his time, shares his perspective, and helps guide the next generation of industry professionals,” said Peter Perlman, Big “I” Diversity board member and president of Perlman Insurance Agency in West Bloomfield, Michigan, as he presented the award. “His willingness to support others as they grow is a powerful example of what inclusive leadership really looks like.”
Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief. Olivia Overman is IA content editor.
