Supporting the insurance profession
Distinguished Service Award
The Big I Louisiana Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana and the broader Louisiana insurance industry. This award recognizes exceptional dedication, leadership, and service in support of the independent agency system and the customers it serves.
Established to acknowledge those who go above and beyond in advancing the interests of independent agents, this award is presented to professionals who have played a critical role in shaping policy, guiding legislation, or providing strategic support during pivotal moments for the industry. Whether through government affairs, legal advocacy, or industry collaboration, recipients of the Distinguished Service Award exemplify the commitment and impact that strengthens the future of insurance in Louisiana. of the insurance profession.
Kevin Cunningham
2023 Recipient
Kevin Cunningham is a partner with Southern Strategy Group. He is the local lobbyist for APCIA, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the largest insurance company trade association in the country. Kevin Cunningham also represents the Reinsurance Association of America, Liberty/Safeco, and Ace/Chubb. As you can see, Kevin represents a number of important players at the Louisiana Legislature. But what makes Kevin unique is that for over 20 years, Kevin Cunningham and Jeff Albright have been the primary lobbyists providing testimony in the House and Senate Insurance Committees on important insurance legislation. Today it is our pleasure to present Kevin Cunningham with the IIABL Distinguished Service Award for lifetime service representing the insurance industry in the Louisiana Legislature.
Jimmy Ordeneaux
2023 Recipient
Jimmy Ordeneaux is a Partner with Plauche Maselli Parkerson law firm. Jimmy represents Louisiana Farm Bureau in legal defense cases, and for the past several years has also represented Farm Bureau at the Louisiana Legislature. Jimmy Ordeneaux is the legislative “rookie of the year” or actually the past couple of years. After Hurricanes, Laura, Delta, Zeta, and Ida, the Louisiana insurance industry was fighting for our lives in the Louisiana Legislature because there was so much anger about how the 800,000 claims were settled. Jimmy Ordeneaux worked closely with Jeff & Ben Albright, Kevin Cunningham, and other insurance lobbyists to manage bad legislation in 2021 and 2022, and to introduce industry friendly legislation to address bad faith and assignment of benefits this year. Jimmy provided critical expertise as a practicing defense attorney to industry efforts, and we are pleased to present him with the IIABL Distinguished Service Award.
James J. Donelon
2023 Recipient
Jim Donelon has served as Louisiana’s Commissioner of Insurance since 2006, following his appointment and subsequent election to multiple terms. A New Orleans native, he is a graduate of Jesuit High School, the University of New Orleans, and Loyola School of Law. Prior to his role as Commissioner, he held several leadership positions within the Department of Insurance and served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1981 to 2001. Donelon has also held national leadership roles with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and served 33 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel.
Sharon Hobby
2022 Recipient
Sharon Hobby served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Shreveport-Bossier Chapter for many years and officially retired her position in 2022. IIABL recognize her for her outstanding service to the chapter and our state association with this special award.
Stephen Waguespack
2019 Recipient
Stephen Waguespack served as President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), where he led the state’s largest business advocacy organization representing over 2,200 members. With nearly 20 years of experience in state and federal politics, he was recognized as a leading voice for policy reform in Louisiana. He received the IIABL Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his leadership in addressing Louisiana’s auto insurance and tort challenges, working alongside IIABL and industry partners to raise awareness and advocate for meaningful legislative reform.
