B.C. broker association names new chief executive

Julie Skelton, a 35-year veteran insurance broker, will succeed retiring Insurance Brokers Association of B.C. executive director and chief operating officer Chuck Byrne when he retires on Dec. 31, 2024.

“I am excited for the opportunity to focus my passion, experience and pride in this industry to represent all B.C. brokers with a strong and dedicated voice for the broker channel and the clients and communities we serve,” Skelton said of the appointment.

Skelton’s career has seen her in leadership roles in brokerages large and small.

She started her career working at Gillam Insurance Brokers in Prince Rupert, B.C., from June 1987 to September 2002. She moved to regional brokerage Vancouver Island InsuranCentres, where she became a personal lines supervisor. She is now vice president of personal insurance operations at HUB International, a brokerage where she has worked for the past 18 years.

“Having grown up in a small brokerage firm, [Skelton] understands the struggles of small brokers and is passionate about helping brokers of all sizes and regions,” IBABC commented. “Skelton began her career with a small brokerage firm and spent her first 15 years there, followed by three years at a regional brokerage, before joining HUB International in 2006 as a branch manager….

“Skelton is well-known in the B.C. insurance industry and with insurance markets nationally, having assisted with insurer relationships over the past 25 years.”

She is also keenly aware of the impact of climate change on brokers’ clients — particularly on the flood and wildfire files.

During the climate change session of the 2022 IBABC Leaders’ Conference, Skelton spoke about the role of brokers after an atmospheric river flooded the Fraser Valley in fall 2021, as well as her experience helping clients filing Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) paperwork with the provincial government.

Skelton has consulted on B.C.’s review of the DFA program and her insights are included in the IBABC’s feedback to the province’s emergency preparedness review and updates.

“Julie has a strong grasp of the issues facing brokers and the industry as a whole,” IBABC president Michele Carver commented. “She played a huge role in advocating for brokers and the people in her community after the 2021 floods and now also with wildfire.

“What she thinks of as ‘just doing her job’ is truly an example of the leadership and advocacy we want for our members.”

Skelton will join IBABC on Aug. 1, with a plan to transition during the following months and fully take over the role from Byrne upon his retirement on Dec. 31.

Byrne has been the association’s executive director and chief operating officer for the past 27 years.

IBABC confirmed Byrne’s intention to retire in February 2024. The association’s board hired Caldwell Partners to conduct the executive search to find a successor, and an IBABC selection committee formed to assess the candidates.

“Needless to say, we have some big shoes to fill, and our goal via this recruitment is to advance IBABC, building on the significant efforts and accomplishments that Chuck has consistently delivered,” the association stated in February. “As his final year with IBABC ticks down, we are enjoying our remaining time with Chuck and hope you [B.C. brokers] find opportunities to do so as well.”