WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a leadership transition that highlights both continuity and forward-thinking ambition, the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has officially named David Gorman as its new national president. Gorman, a seasoned industry veteran and the founder of Red Gorman Insurance Services based in Dallas, Texas, succeeds immediate past president Mark Suhr.
The announcement, formalized during a pivotal period of modernization for the independent insurance sector, marks the beginning of a one-year term for Gorman and his newly installed executive slate, which will run through September 30, 2027. As the insurance landscape faces unprecedented disruption from technological evolution, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer expectations, Gorman steps into the role with a clear mandate: to champion the independent agent, bridge technological divides, and fortify the collaborative network of PIA affiliates nationwide.
Main Facts
The leadership transition at the PIA brings a fresh yet experienced executive team to the helm of one of the nation’s most prominent trade associations representing professional independent insurance agents and their employees.
- The New President: David Gorman, founder of Red Gorman Insurance Services in Dallas, Texas, assumes the role of national president. Gorman brings decades of dedicated service within the independent insurance community, having previously held numerous leadership positions within both the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas (PIA Texas) and PIA National.
- The Executive Slate: Joining Gorman on the national executive committee are three prominent industry figures, each serving a one-year term through September 30, 2027:
- Vonda Copeland of Manhattan, Kansas, serving as President-Elect.
- Albert S. Pappalardo, Jr. of New Orleans, Louisiana, serving as Vice President and Treasurer.
- Erin Dey of Portage, Michigan, serving as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.
- Immediate Past President: Mark Suhr steps down from the presidency but will remain active on the executive leadership team in the role of Immediate Past President, ensuring institutional knowledge and stability during the transition.
- Core Strategic Priorities: Under Gorman’s leadership, the PIA plans to concentrate heavily on two main pillars: helping independent insurance agents embrace and integrate emerging technologies into their daily operations, and fostering deeper collaboration among members by acting as a powerful unified voice and conduit for state and regional PIA affiliates across the United States.
Chronology of Leadership and Career Background
To fully understand the significance of David Gorman’s ascension to the PIA national presidency, it is necessary to examine the trajectory of his career and his deep-rooted history within the association.
Foundation and Early Engagement
David Gorman’s journey in the insurance industry is rooted in entrepreneurship and grassroots involvement. In 2018, Gorman established Red Gorman Insurance Services in Dallas, Texas, building the agency from the ground up with a customer-centric philosophy that resonated deeply within his local market. Long before founding his own agency, however, Gorman recognized the vital importance of industry advocacy and peer collaboration. He became actively involved with the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas, viewing the association not merely as a networking group, but as a crucial engine for professional growth and legislative defense.
Rising Through the Ranks
Gorman’s dedication to the PIA ecosystem quickly became apparent to his peers. Over the years, he steadily assumed roles of increasing responsibility within PIA Texas, eventually stepping into major leadership positions where he helped guide the state affiliate through complex regulatory environments and market fluctuations.
His effectiveness at the state level naturally paved the way for national service. Gorman transitioned his leadership capabilities to PIA National, taking on committee assignments and board responsibilities that prepared him for the highest office in the organization. Throughout his tenure at the national level, Gorman earned a reputation as a consensus-builder, a strategic thinker, and an unwavering advocate for the independent agency system.
The Transition of Power
The official handover from Mark Suhr to David Gorman represents the culmination of a meticulously planned leadership succession process within the PIA. Suhr, who guided the association through a dynamic period characterized by post-pandemic economic adjustments and hardening property and casualty markets, handed the reins to Gorman with the association financially stable and strategically focused.
Simultaneously, the installation of Vonda Copeland as President-Elect, Albert S. Pappalardo, Jr. as Vice President/Treasurer, and Erin Dey as Secretary/Assistant Treasurer ensures geographical diversity and a balanced mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned governance on the executive committee. This team will steer the organization through the 2026–2027 term, directly aligning with Gorman’s vision of a digitally empowered, highly collaborative membership base.
Supporting Data and Industry Context
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents represents a vital segment of the American financial services sector. Independent insurance agents are small business owners who offer consumers a choice of policies from different insurance companies. Unlike captive agents, who are tied to a single carrier, independent agents provide personalized advice and comparative shopping, making them essential pillars of local economies across the country.
The Economic Footprint of Independent Agents
According to industry research from organizations like the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and various trade analyses, independent agencies account for the vast majority of property and casualty (P&C) insurance premium distribution in the United States. They employ hundreds of thousands of professionals, generating billions of dollars in economic activity. However, these small-to-medium-sized businesses face intense competitive pressures from direct-to-consumer digital insurers and well-capitalized insurtech startups.
Technological Adoption Imperatives
Gorman’s focus on helping independent agents embrace technology is backed by compelling industry data. Recent surveys indicate that while the vast majority of independent agents recognize the necessity of digital transformation—such as adopting artificial intelligence for customer service, moving to cloud-based agency management systems, and utilizing advanced data analytics—many smaller agencies struggle with implementation due to resource constraints and knowledge gaps.
- Digital Expectations: Modern consumers, accustomed to frictionless digital experiences in retail and banking, increasingly expect the same speed and convenience when purchasing insurance.
- The Productivity Gap: Agencies that successfully integrate automation and digital workflows report significantly higher retention rates, lower operational costs, and greater capacity to handle complex accounts.
- The PIA’s Role: By prioritizing technological enablement, the PIA under Gorman aims to democratize access to these tools, ensuring that independent agencies of all sizes can compete effectively against tech-heavy market entrants.
Official Responses and Perspectives
The announcement of the new executive team drew enthusiastic responses from across the PIA network, highlighting the respect and admiration Gorman commands within the industry.
Upon stepping into his new role, David Gorman articulated his vision for the association, emphasizing continuity, empowerment, and his own personal journey within the organization:
"I see my role as a continuous link in moving the initiatives of previous presidents forward—building on the progress PIA has made in strengthening our collective voice, advocating for agents and helping them harness technology to better serve their customers," Gorman stated.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings within the association, he added:
"When I first became involved with PIA in Texas, I never imagined I would one day have the opportunity to serve as national president. It’s an honor, and I’m excited to help carry this work forward."
Industry observers have noted that Gorman’s grassroots background gives him a unique ability to connect with everyday agency principals. Unlike leaders who come exclusively from large corporate brokerages, Gorman understands the day-to-day operational hurdles—ranging from human resources and compliance to carrier relations—that define the reality of running an independent agency in America today.
Outgoing president Mark Suhr expressed full confidence in Gorman and the incoming executive committee. In his parting remarks, Suhr highlighted the resilience of the PIA network and praised the membership for its ongoing dedication to professional excellence. As Immediate Past President, Suhr will continue to lend his expertise to the board, ensuring a seamless continuation of key legislative and educational initiatives.
Implications for the Future of Independent Insurance
David Gorman’s presidency arrives at a crucial juncture for the insurance industry. The strategic priorities outlined for his term—technological adoption and enhanced member collaboration—carry profound implications for the future trajectory of independent agents nationwide.
1. Bridging the Digital Divide Among Agencies
One of the most significant challenges facing the independent agency system is the disparity in technological maturity between large, regional agencies and smaller, Main Street storefronts. Under Gorman’s leadership, PIA is positioned to serve as an educational and operational catalyst. By providing curated resources, webinars, vendor partnerships, and best-practice guides on digital transformation, the association can help smaller agencies modernize their operations without breaking their budgets. This democratization of technology is essential for preserving the viability of the independent channel against aggressive digital-first competitors.
2. Strengthening the Collective Voice in Regulatory Affairs
As insurance markets harden across many lines of business—particularly property insurance in disaster-prone regions like the Gulf Coast, California, and the Midwest—regulatory scrutiny is at an all-time high. Independent agents are often on the front lines of consumer frustration regarding rising premiums and non-renewals. By fostering tighter collaboration among state affiliates and PIA National, Gorman aims to amplify the legislative and regulatory voice of agents. A unified PIA can more effectively lobby state commissioners and federal lawmakers on issues ranging from tax policy to flood insurance reauthorizations and cybersecurity regulations.
3. Cultivating the Next Generation of Talent
With an aging demographic among agency principals and producers, workforce development remains an existential concern for the insurance sector. Gorman’s career trajectory—from founding a single agency in Dallas to leading a national trade association—serves as a powerful narrative for attracting entrepreneurial talent to the industry. By modernizing agency operations through technology and showcasing the rewarding nature of independent agency ownership, the PIA under Gorman can help make the profession more attractive to younger generations looking for meaningful, independent careers.
Conclusion
As David Gorman assumes the presidency of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents for the 2026–2027 term, the organization stands well-equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing marketplace. Backed by a strong executive team—including Vonda Copeland, Albert S. Pappalardo, Jr., Erin Dey, and Immediate Past President Mark Suhr—Gorman’s leadership promises to honor the rich traditions of the independent agent community while aggressively propelling its members toward a technologically advanced and collaborative future.
