2025 – 2026 Annual Report
Chapter 1
ICT Overview
Chapter 2
Regulatory & Legal Advocacy
Chapter 3
Comms & Members
Chapter 4
Ed Foundations, events, & committees
Political Action Committee
In late 2024, ICT established the Insuring Texas PAC in support of the association’s legislative advocacy efforts. As the official political action committee of ICT, the PAC works to advance the interests of Texas property and casualty insurers while supporting a strong and competitive insurance marketplace.
PAC Engagement & Growth
In its first year of operation, donor support enabled the Insuring Texas PAC to engage key legislators, strengthen relationships with policymakers working on insurance issues, and begin building a foundation for the 2026–27 election cycle.
With member support, available PAC funds doubled to nearly $60,000 by December 2025. Since its inception, the PAC has contributed $25,000 to officeholders aligned with ICT priorities and key insurance issues.
PAC contributors receive regular updates and engagement opportunities, including election recaps, policy insights, and information on key policymakers and legislative developments impacting the industry.
Through strategic engagement and support of elected officials who share ICT’s priorities, the PAC helps protect the political and business interests of member companies while promoting policies that support a strong and stable property and casualty insurance market in Texas.
PAC Events & Advocacy
ICT hosted a PAC luncheon during the 2025 ICT Symposium and continued expanding PAC engagement opportunities for members.
On March 4, 2026, the Insuring Texas PAC hosted “Justice, Not Jackpots: Leading the Rally Against Greed,” focused on the industry’s continued efforts to address lawsuit abuse ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
On February 9, 2026, the Insuring Texas PAC, in conjunction with APCIA’s Insuring America PAC, hosted a joint fundraising reception honoring House Insurance Committee Chairman Jay Dean (R–Longview) in Austin. The event highlighted the property and casualty insurance industry’s continued engagement in the legislative process and provided an opportunity to discuss key industry issues.
ICT plans to continue expanding PAC engagement and advocacy efforts throughout the 2026 election cycle.
Luke Horton
ICT Board Chair
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Message from the ICT Board Chair
Dear ICT Members,
It is an honor and privilege to have served as chair of the board of directors for the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) since 2024. This organization holds a unique position in Texas’ insurance landscape, and my fellow board members and I are deeply committed to its mission and future.
The past year has brought both challenges and opportunities to the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. Legislative and regulatory changes, rising costs driven by inflation, increasingly severe weather events, and ongoing legal system pressures continue to require that we adapt our businesses to respond to a rapidly changing marketplace. Companies are finding new ways to provide policyholders with the products and services they need while maintaining a strong and competitive market. As our companies adapt, so must our trade association.
To help better support and represent our industry with state leaders and policymakers, in May 2024, the board voted to expand ICT’s mission to include legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry. The ICT team quickly built the infrastructure to support this work and, while navigating their first Texas legislative session in this new role, demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep industry knowledge and a strategic focus that made an immediate impact. Their ability to build relationships, represent the industry’s interests effectively and step into this space so quickly is a remarkable achievement—and speaks volumes about the professionalism and passion of the ICT staff.
I joined this board more than 15 years ago because I believe in ICT’s ability to be a trusted voice and a driving force for the Texas P&C community. From legislative and regulatory advocacy to educating the media and public about insurance, ICT plays an essential role in strengthening our industry.
This annual report highlights just a portion of the important work being done every day by the ICT team. Their commitment to delivering value for our members and raising awareness of key issues impacting the Texas insurance market is unmatched. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together this past year—and excited for what lies ahead.
On behalf of the entire board, thank you for your continued support and engagement. Your partnership enables ICT to grow, adapt and lead during these pivotal times.
Luke Horton
ICT Board Chair
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Message from the Executive Director
This year marked a pivotal shift in the history of ICT as we expanded our suite of member services to include legislative lobbying on behalf of our members’ collective interests. The ICT board of directors and staff recognized the important role our organization could play in shaping legislative policy for the property and casualty industry in Texas. As a Texas-only insurance trade association, we brought deep knowledge of the state and extensive legislative and policy experience to what was expected to be a challenging 2025 legislative session.
As questions about insurance and the state of the Texas market grow more complex and politically charged, ICT proactively engaged legislators with a focused, strategic approach to key insurance issues. We worked collaboratively with state and national property and casualty trade groups and member company lobbyists. During the session, we built strong working relationships at the Capitol, drafted and recommended bill language, and, when needed, testified before committees in support of or opposition to proposed legislation.
Albert Betts
Executive Director
Insurance Council of Texas
Throughout this transformational year, ICT continued to serve our members as a trusted source of insight, advocacy and education. As an industry, we continue to face evolving challenges: severe weather losses, increased regulatory scrutiny, reinsurance costs, costly litigation, and shifting market dynamics and consumer expectations. Despite these pressures, the Texas insurance market remains resilient, innovative and competitive.
Key highlights from 2024–25:
- Launched ICT’s legislative advocacy initiative, adding lobbying to our services in response to growing regulatory and political pressures affecting the insurance sector.
- Engaged throughout the 2025 session—tracking and analyzing 600 bills, testifying before committees, drafting language, educating lawmakers, and collaborating with member companies and partners to influence legislation.
- Enhanced our leadership team by welcoming Kevin Matula with USAA to the ICT board and adding staff to support advocacy and administrative functions.
- Represented our members’ interests before the Texas Department of Insurance and other agencies.
- Led public education campaigns focused on insurance literacy, rising costs and losses impacting rates, risk mitigation, fraud awareness, and understanding the claims process.
- Responded to more than 200 media inquiries, helping shape the public narrative on critical insurance issues at the state and national levels.
We are proud of what we accomplished this year and energized by the path ahead. ICT remains committed to serving our members with integrity, transparency and strategic vision. Thank you for your continued trust, engagement and support.
Luke Horton
ICT Board Chair
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
ICT Board of Directors Changes and Updates
ICT Announces Its Officers for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors
The Insurance Council of Texas board of directors has selected its officers for the 2026–2027 term, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The board unanimously approved the new officers during its Nov. 11 meeting. They are:
- Chair: Luke Horton, Regional Executive – South Central Region - The Travelers
- Vice Chair: Angela Doss, Senior Director – State Legislative & Regulatory Affairs - Nationwide
- Treasurer: John Henle, President - Berkley Southwest
- Secretary: Diane Hirtz, Southwest Region Manager - UFG
- Immediate Past Chair: Mike Gerik, Strategic Vice President - Texas Farm Bureau
ICT’s board officers serve as the organization’s executive committee, helping guide ICT’s priorities, programs and industry engagement. Each officer brings extensive insurance industry experience and leadership to the organization.
ICT looks forward to the continued guidance and expertise of these leaders as they support the organization’s mission and members.
John Stuckemeyer to Retire after 35 Years in the Industry and 15 years as a Member of the ICT Board of Directors
John Stuckemeyer is retiring around Aug. 1 after nearly 35 years in the industry, including serving 15 years of dedicated service on the ICT Board of Directors, including as the Board Chair from 2020 - 2021. He called it “a great privilege” to work alongside ICT’s members and partners. “It has been an honor to work with John for so many years,” said Albert Betts, ICT executive director. “His steady leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on ICT and its members.”
Brock Patterson to Replace Stuckemeyer as State Farm Representative on ICT Board of Directors
ICT welcomes Brock Patterson as the new State Farm representative to the Board of Directors. Patterson brings legal and strategic experience supporting State Farm, one of the nation’s leading property and casualty insurers. He provides guidance on insurance-related legal issues and supports sound, compliant decision-making across business operations. His work spans insurance regulation, coverage and claims matters, risk management, dispute resolution and enterprise governance. Originally from Indiana, Patterson’s government affairs experience includes Capitol Hill, California and several states nationwide. In Texas, he is eager to tackle insurance issues in the Lone Star State. Patterson graduated from the Indiana University School of Law. ICT looks forward to Brock’s advice and leadership to drive ICT forward.
ICT Thanks Jed Kincaid for Board Service
Jed Kincaid with Progressive announced in January 2026 that he would be stepping down from the ICT Board of Directors. ICT thanks Jed for his service, leadership and contributions to the organization. A new Progressive representative will be named soon. Jed served for 5 years on the ICT Board.
About ICT
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is the nation’s largest state-level association dedicated to property and casualty insurance. ICT represents and supports a broad network of more than 400 member companies and more than 30 associate members. ICT member companies account for 86% of Texas property and casualty insurers.
Mission
ICT advocates on behalf of its members and promotes the benefits of a competitive Texas property and casualty insurance market.
Vision
Be the preeminent voice for the Texas property and casualty insurance industry through advocacy, education, and service to our members.
Mission
Excellence
Professionalism
Service-Oriented
Innovation
Respect
ICT Staff Updates
Erin O'Donnell
Erin joined ICT in 2025, bringing five years of experience in content creation, social media storytelling and design. Before joining ICT, she worked with a variety of brands and industries, including Inked Magazine and Prime Therapeutics, using data-driven research and trends to create content that resonates with audiences, boosts engagement and builds communities.
She earned a BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin and an MA in media studies from the New School. Erin is a native Austinite, and outside of work, she enjoys textile crafting, catching the latest movies in theaters, nerding out over her favorite comic books and singing her heart out to her favorite songs — especially anything by Queen.
Ellena Chen
After more than six years with ICT, Ellena was promoted to accounting manager in 2025, marking an important next step in her career with the organization. In her expanded role, she continues to build on her expertise while supporting ICT’s financial operations and contributing to the company’s continued success. Ellena brings more than 25 years of experience in the accounting field and holds a BBA in accounting.
Outside of work, Ellena is an active marching band mom, juggling pickups, drop-offs and volunteer activities. She also enjoys cooking for her family and, when time allows, serving as a substitute kindergarten teacher for Mandarin classes at Austin Chinese School.
Financials
Chapter 2
Legal Efforts
Chapter 3
Comms and members
Chapter 4
Ed Foundations, events, & committees