Newtowner Named Connecticut Insurance Agent Of The Year

Sandy Hook resident Timothy Russell has been named Agent of the Year by the Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut (PIACT). Mr Russell, a senior member of the family-owned Russell Agency in the Southport section of Fairfield, accepted the award on St Patrick’s Day during the PIACT annual convention.

Chosen for demonstrating excellence and achievement in insurance marketing and service, showing a personal commitment to professionalism, and contributing to PIACT and the community, Russell has been described by colleagues as affable, honest, vigilant and dedicated.

“Throughout his career, Tim has demonstrated a deep level of dedication to our industry and he has earned the respect and trust of his colleagues and customers,” said PIACT immediate past president Michael Keating.

An active member of PIACT and 2008’s treasurer, Mr Russell was also elected vice president for 2009-10.

“The PIACT needs strong leaders to navigate through these challenging times, but also to look beyond our current situation, ensuring that both our industry and our association are strong for the next generation of professional independent agents,” said PIACT President James A. Goodman. “Tim Russell is that kind of leader. We are lucky to have him on our board.”

Mr Russell’s service to the insurance industry includes trips to Capitol Hill to lobby lawmakers on key issues facing insurance professionals as the legislative chairperson of PIACT’s Legislative/Business Issues Committee. He has also served as past president of the Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Charter Property and Casualty Underwriters Society and serves as budget and finance chairperson of the Executive/Budget & Finance Committee.

Raised in Southport, Mr Russell and his brother and business partner, George, are third-generation owners of the independent Russell Agency, which was founded by their great-uncle in 1941. He has held various board positions at the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, including chair of the Marketing Committee; he is also a past president of the Fairfield Rotary Club and the Southport Merchant’s Association.

Mr Russell is a former full-time stand-up comedian and headliner at New York City’s The Comic Strip. He and his wife, interior designer Bobbie Sue Smart, reside in Sandy Hook with their three children, Judge, 10; Walker, 8; and Mila, 5.