Higginbotham Appoints Jennifer DeMello-Johnson as VP of Partner Growth and Engagement

Higginbotham Welcomes Jennifer DeMello-Johnson as New VP of Partner Growth

Introduction

Higginbotham, a prominent employee-owned firm specializing in insurance, financial services, and HR solutions based in Fort Worth, Texas, has recently made a significant addition to its leadership team. Jennifer DeMello-Johnson has been appointed as the Vice President of New Partner Growth and Engagement. This strategic new position is designed to enhance the integration and support of new partners as well as facilitate their organic growth to promote success in the competitive landscape of insurance services.

Background and Experience

Prior to joining Higginbotham, DeMello-Johnson had an impressive tenure at Acrisure, where she led sales growth in the U.S. retail sector. Her extensive experience also includes over ten years at Amerisure Insurance, where she worked on initiating and managing a subsidiary that focused on aiding agency partners in their growth initiatives. This breadth of experience gives her a comprehensive perspective on what it takes to help agencies flourish beyond mere acquisition to sustainable growth pathways.

The New Role at Higginbotham

In her new role, DeMello-Johnson’s primary focus will be to facilitate a seamless transition for new partners integrating into Higginbotham. She aims to capitalize on the firm’s existing resources while providing strategic guidance to empower partners and top recruits, also known as 'five-star recruits.' The goal is to help these professionals accelerate their performance and establish successful practices right from the start.

Higginbotham Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid emphasized the importance of having a figure like DeMello-Johnson who can guide new partners through the complexities of joining the firm. He noted, "Joining a new firm can feel like being dropped into a new city without a map. You need a guide who knows the landscape and understands the journey. This new role is essential to make that happen."

A New Approach to Partner Support

This new position signifies Higginbotham's commitment to investing in its people and fostering growth from within. The company recognizes that to thrive in today's fast-paced environment, new partners require not only tools and resources but also a personalized approach to engagement. DeMello-Johnson expressed her excitement about her new role, asserting, "I've essentially been preparing for this opportunity throughout my entire career. It's not just about acquisition; it's about supporting agencies during their growth journey. This role sends a strong message about our direction and commitment to growth."

Looking Ahead

DeMello-Johnson's addition comes at a crucial time as Higginbotham also pursues a dual-growth strategy that balances organic expansion with strategic partnerships. This ensures that new partners are well-equipped to not only integrate but also to drive their businesses forward within the Higginbotham framework. The firm’s approach is to align their growth initiatives with the personal aspirations of their partners, creating a win-win situation that caters to mutual success in the long run.

Conclusion

Higginbotham continues to cement its position as a leading independent insurance brokerage in the United States, recently ranking as the 18th largest firm by revenue. As it embraces new leadership and innovative roles like that of Jennifer DeMello-Johnson, the firm is poised to enhance its service offerings and expand its influence in the industry. For those looking to navigate the complexities of joining an industry leader while maximizing their potential for success, the appointment of a dedicated Vice President for partner growth and engagement is a promising development.

Stay tuned for more updates as Higginbotham continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its partners and clients alike.