The Hill Names Big ‘I’ Leader Among Top Lobbyists for 2025

The Hill, a prominent Washington, D.C.-based political newspaper, has once again named Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO, among the top trade association lobbyists in the nation’s capital this year. The Big “I” was the only property & casualty insurance agents group recognized on the list for 2025.

In its announcement this morning, The Hill stated winners were selected from more than 1,800 nominations and “represent the industry’s savviest, most influential and well-connected advocates across Capitol Hill.” 

“The Big ‘I’ is proud to see Charles recognized, once again, by one of the premier political outlets in the country,” says Angela Ripley, Big “I” chairman and owner and president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland. “Charles and our government affairs team have built an impeccable reputation in Washington for more than two decades. Their leadership ensures the Big ‘I’ remains the trusted, credible voice for independent agents and brokers. This honor is truly well deserved.”

“Being named on The Hill’s Top Lobbyists list again is an honor, but it’s really a testament to our team,” Symington says. “Led by Nathan Riedel, our outstanding federal government affairs staff works relentlessly on behalf of independent agents, particularly this year, securing major tax relief for our member agencies and state associations. Through their dedication and strong relationships, our issues remain front and center in Washington. Their work is why the Big ‘I’ continues to be recognized.”

Congressional leaders regularly tap the Big “I” federal government affairs team for its political acumen for sitting on congressional steering committees, raising campaign dollars, hosting political events and strategizing to help members of Congress better serve their constituents and advance top issues. A vital component of the association’s advocacy efforts is InsurPac, the Big “I” political action committee, which continues to be one of the top agent and broker PACs and one of the leading small business PACs in the country.

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.