At the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT), serving members means more than responding to the issues of the day. It means anticipating challenges, advancing sound public policy and standing as the industry’s voice at the Texas Capitol and across the state. This annual report highlights ICT’s work to support a strong, competitive insurance marketplace; strengthen relationships with policymakers, regulators and industry leaders; and deliver meaningful value to members. From advocacy and education to communications and community engagement, ICT remains focused on protecting the interests of Texas insurers and helping shape the future of our industry.
Table of Contents
Leadership, Mission and Organizational Strength
A look at ICT’s leadership, member-driven mission, financial position and the people guiding the association forward.
- Message from the Board Chair
- Board of Directors
- Message from the Executive Director
- Board changes and updates
- About ICT
- Staff updates
- Financials
Advocacy, Policy
and Industry Engagement
Advocating for the Texas property and casualty insurance industry through legislative, regulatory, legal, and political engagement.
- Legislative interim activity
- Interim charges
- Legislative priorities for the 90th session
- Political Action Committee
- Industry collaboration and strategy
- Regulatory efforts with TDI, DWC and other agencies
- TWIA and FAIR Plan monitoring
- Legal updates and amicus briefs
Communications,
Public Affairs and
Member Services
Connecting members, informing the public and strengthening the industry’s voice through outreach, education and engagement.
- Communications and public affairs
- Weather events and catastrophes
- Public safety campaigns
- Member services and marketing
- New associate members
- Webinars, podcasts and member calls
- ICT committees
- Texas Committee on Insurance Fraud
Signature Events
and Committees
Connecting members through events, leadership recognition, and committee-driven collaboration.
- ICT Symposium
- Awards and recognition
- Workers’ Compensation Conference
- ICT webinars and virtual events
- ICT Committees
ICT Education Foundation
Investing in students and building the next generation of Texas insurance professionals.
- About the ICT Education Foundation
- Foundation fundraising and scholarship impact
- Legacy partners
- Individual donors
- Corporate sponsors
Message from the ICT Board Chair
Dear Members,
Serving as chair of the Insurance Council of Texas Board of Directors is a privilege, and I begin this role with deep appreciation for ICT’s history, its members and its essential role in the Texas property and casualty insurance marketplace. ICT has long been a respected resource and advocate for our industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help guide the organization during a time of continued change for our members, policyholders and the marketplace we serve.
I want to thank our immediate past chair, Mike Gerik, and the entire board for their steady leadership and thoughtful stewardship of ICT. Their work helped strengthen ICT’s legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, public education, member services and industry collaboration as the issues facing insurers, policymakers and consumers continue to grow more complex. That foundation gives us a strong platform for the year ahead, and I am committed to building on it with focus, discipline and a deep sense of service to our members.
I am excited to work with our executive director Albert Betts, the ICT staff, our officers, board members, committees and member companies to advance ICT’s mission. Together, we will focus on effective advocacy, practical member engagement, clear public communication and continued support for a healthy, competitive Texas insurance market. By staying aligned and responsive, we can ensure ICT remains a strong, credible and effective voice for the industry.
This annual report demonstrates how ICT turns member priorities into action through advocacy, education, communication and collaboration. It highlights the breadth of ICT’s work, from interim legislative monitoring and regulatory advocacy to media engagement, public safety campaigns, Education Foundation efforts, member events and committee leadership. Just as important, it reflects the dedication of the staff and volunteers who give their time and expertise to deliver meaningful value to our members.
Thank you for your continued support, involvement and confidence in ICT. I look forward to working alongside you to build on this momentum, meet the challenges ahead and continue strengthening ICT’s service to the Texas property and casualty insurance industry.
Luke Horton
Board of Directors
Luke Horton
Chair
Angela Doss
John Henle
Diane Hirtz
Michael Gerik
Thomas Fitzpatrick
Scott Gainey
Jed Kincaid
Jeffrey Junkas
Kevin Matula
Chris Merideth
John
Stuckemeyer
Sabrina Timmins
Robert Zeman
Message from the Executive Director
Dear members,
This annual report highlights a year of meaningful progress, strengthened advocacy, and expanded service for ICT and our members. In 2025, ICT worked to advance a competitive Texas property and casualty insurance market, support members through timely information and engagement, and strengthen the organization for the years ahead.
As we look ahead to 2026, I am pleased to welcome Luke Horton of The Travelers as chair of the ICT Board of Directors. Luke has served as a board officer since 2021 and brings strong industry experience, thoughtful leadership and a clear commitment to ICT’s mission. I look forward to working with him, our officers, board members and staff to continue advancing the organization.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Mike Gerik for his outstanding service as board chair in 2024 and 2025. Mike helped guide ICT through an important period of growth, including the creation of our legislative advocacy services and political action committee, Insuring Texas PAC.
Earlier this year, we learned that John Stuckemeyer, State Farm, will be retiring after nearly 35 years in the industry. John has served on the ICT board since 2011 and was board chair in 2020-21. His steady leadership, deep industry knowledge, and dedication to ICT have left a lasting mark on the organization.
In 2025, ICT worked every day to advance members’ interests through advocacy, regulatory engagement, and education. We provided written comments and testimony on proposed administrative rule changes at TDI to implement bills passed during the 2025 legislative session. During the interim period, we are monitoring House and Senate interim charges and hearings, continuing that work by meeting with legislators, discussing key issues, and working with our members to develop a proposed 2027 legislative agenda. You can read about these efforts and other highlights from the past year in the report.
To support our expanded advocacy role, ICT adopted a new strategic plan that better reflects our legislative advocacy services and the organization’s long-term priorities. The mission statement adopted as part of that plan is:
ICT advocates on behalf of its members and promotes the benefits of a competitive Texas property and casualty insurance market.
We could not exist without your support and dedication to ICT and this industry. Enjoy this annual report and let us know if you have any questions about ICT and your membership.
Albert Betts
ICT Board of Directors Changes and Updates
ICT Announces Its Officers for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors
ICT 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 President – 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 announced he will be retiring in August 2026, 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.”
About ICT
ICT is the nation’s largest state-level association dedicated to property and casualty insurance. ICT represents and supports a broad network of nearly 450 member companies and more than 40 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.
Core Values
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
