I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the role of president of this incredible organization. This is a moment of great personal significance for me, and I am profoundly grateful for your trust and confidence. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, including my beautiful wife Emily, who has joined us for this moment, friends, mentors, and colleagues who have supported me on this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable.

I would also like to recognize the Past Presidents who have come before me. Their dedication, vision, and hard work have laid the foundation for the strong and vibrant association that we are today.

To our outgoing president, excuse me, Madam President, Carmen Amerian, thank you for your unwavering commitment and the countless contributions you have made to IBASFV. You have left an indelible mark on this organization, and it has been an honor serving as your Vice President over the last year.

The Insurance Brokers and Agents of San Fernando Valley represent the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in our industry. Our mission is to empower our members to excel, to advocate for our clients’ best interests, and to promote the value of insurance as a cornerstone of financial security. These are values I hold close to my heart, and I am deeply committed to upholding and advancing them in my tenure as president.

But let’s cut to the chase –  The recent wildfires which ravaged Los Angeles have left devastation in their wake, impacting countless families, businesses, and communities. As insurance professionals, we know that insurance is the first line of defense after a disaster. This is our moment to come together, as agents, carriers, and partners, to help our community rise up from the ashes. We have a unique opportunity to bring not only financial recovery but also hope and stability to those who need it most.

In thinking of a theme for 2025, I have chosen “United We Stand.” This theme reflects the collaborative spirit that defines our industry and underscores the strength we derive from working together. United, we can help rebuild our communities, support each other through these trying times, and ensure that our industry remains resilient and prepared for future challenges. Together, we will demonstrate the profound impact of unity in both recovery and growth.

In addition to this, I don’t even need to mention the profound challenges that our industry has experienced over the last several years with this hard market. These fires are certainly going to have an impact on the recovery of our industry.

As I step into this role, I anticipate a challenging year ahead for all of us. Together, we will build upon our strong foundation and our united front in effort to reach new heights. My primary goals as president include:

• To be a source of knowledge, resources and support to our members and community.
• Promote, Protect and Perpetuate independent insurance agents and brokers in the San Fernando Valley.
• Unite our community of insurance professionals through events and networking opportunities.
• Enhancing community outreach to demonstrate the vital role of insurance in building resilience and security.

These goals are ambitious, but I have no doubt that, together, we can achieve them. I believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of our collective commitment. Every member of this organization plays a vital role in shaping its success, and I invite each of you to join me in making this vision a reality. Of course, challenges lie ahead. From helping our devastated communities rebuild, to the on-going challenges of our continued hard market, we will face these challenges head-on. With determination, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident we will not only overcome them but emerge stronger.

I stand before you not just as a leader but as a fellow advocate for the incredible potential of our industry and our members. I am committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering dedication to our shared mission. Together, we will continue to elevate our profession and demonstrate the vital role we play in our community. I want to thank each of you for your commitment to IBASFV and for the work you do every day to support our mission. Let us move forward with optimism, determination, and a shared vision for the future. I am excited about what we will accomplish together, and I am honored to lead this journey.

Thank you and United We Stand!

-Jimmi Lewis