The Agents Advocacy Coalition—the official political action committee of PIANY—plays a crucial role in shaping legislative efforts that impact insurance agents across New York state. We sat down with three members of the AAC—Chairperson Fred Holender, CLU, CPCU, ChFC, MSFS; Treasurer Jason Bartow, AAI, CPIA; and AAC Committee Member Jamie Ferris, CIC, AAI, CPIA, CRM—to discuss their journeys into the insurance world, their advocacy efforts and what motivates them to support the coalition.
Q. What is your insurance origin story?
Holender: I graduated from Hamilton College in May 1974 with a liberal arts degree. My father had a small agency comprised of his partner, his partner’s son and a few employees. I joined the agency 10 days after graduation, and I have been in the business since then. A few years later, we joined PIA to take advantage of the E&O program. Eight years after joining the family agency, we merged with a competitor where we remained for 12 years before merging with Lawley in 1996. Since then, we have seen tremendous growth and opportunity. It’s been said that a liberal arts degree teaches you nothing and prepares you for everything—and especially in my case—this is absolutely true.
Bartow: Is this like a superhero origin story—how I was born on the planet Coveragii and was sent here to write policies? Actually, once my internship with the Yankees ended, I needed a place to work and figure out my future. My father, who owned the agency, told me to come work for him while I searched. That was 25 years ago, and I’m still figuring it out.
Ferris: I’m a second-generation insurance agent. I started as the bookkeeper right out of high school, working part-time while I attended college. I became licensed during school and then came full-time into the agency after graduation.
Q. What first sparked your interest in supporting the Agents Advocacy Coalition and its causes?
Holender: I’ve been involved with western New York legislative District Office Visits for over 10 years, and I have represented PIA in Albany—including meetings with the Senate and Assembly Insurance Committee chairpersons and ranking members. I’ve also represented PIA National at the Washington, D.C., legislative visits for 10 years. It’s important to meet elected representatives, build relationships, tell our story, and explain how our legislative initiatives impact their constituents positively. Contributions to the AAC allow us to leverage legislators’ support for our initiatives—exceeding what any individual PIA member can do alone.
Bartow: I’ve always been politically active. I was a national staffer and convention staffer for Bill Clinton in 1992 and a New York director for Bill Bradley in 2000. When I started working with the New York Young Insurance Professionals, I realized how misunderstood insurance was at both the state and federal levels. I wanted to be a voice for my insureds and help affect policy changes that benefit them. I’m always amazed when talking to legislators just how many misconceptions there are about our industry.
Ferris: My work on the PIANY Government Affairs Committee and PIANY’s legislative efforts sparked my interest. I wanted to take a more active role in advocating for the issues that affect our industry.
Q. In your opinion, what are the most important issues or policies the Agents Advocacy Coalition is helping to support?
Holender: Our PIANY Government Affairs Committee prioritizes legislative initiatives that are good public policy, revenue-neutral or both. We’ve had some of our priorities enacted into law over the past few years, and this is due to persistence. The AAC’s support helps ensure that our legislative efforts continue to move forward and make an impact.
Bartow: Right now, the AAC is on a hot streak. It has assisted PIANY in being successful with photo inspection reform, and we’re waiting on the governor to sign the windstorm standardization bill and Coastal Market Assistance Program expansion bill. We’ve also got important work ahead on issues like the anti-arson bill, excess-line reform, e-bikes and tort reform.
Ferris: It wouldn’t do justice to the AAC and PIANY to single out just one or two issues. Instead, I’d say the AAC’s most vital role is supporting PIANY’s regulatory and legislative agenda. While that may seem like a broad answer, it’s important to recognize the unique nature of their fundraising and advocacy efforts.
As agents, we juggle countless responsibilities to keep our businesses running smoothly. Every day, we’re putting out small fires—like renewing licenses, handling expiring policies, or navigating changes in carrier underwriting. These day-to-day tasks leave us with little time, resources, or energy to tackle the larger industrywide issues that affect agents. That’s when the AAC and PIANY excel. With a small annual donation, I know I have experienced, professional advocates fighting the big fires that could threaten my agency and the industry at large.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to potential new donors considering supporting the AAC, what would it be?
Holender: TheAAC is an essential part of the legislative process and provides an opportunity for every member to have a voice in keeping our association front and center with our representatives. Even a small contribution—like the cost of a cup of coffee a week—can make a difference. The goal of the AAC is twofold: to raise funds and to raise people. Showing our representatives that our membership is on board is key—regardless of the amount of the contribution.
Bartow: Every dollar counts. The AAC is careful with its resources, and while we’re always outspent by carriers, legal groups and corporations that oppose our priorities, every donation helps. It allows us to educate legislators on why we support the policies we do. It may seem like a small contribution, but each one helps us expand our reach.
Ferris: Get involved beyond just making a contribution. Help the association connect with local legislators—your voice can make a difference.
Q. Lastly, can you give readers one book, movie or show recommendation?
Holender: I enjoy anything by Daniel Silva or Lee Child. They’re entertaining and a nice break from the insurance rat race—nothing too intellectually challenging, but definitely enjoyable.
Bartow: For a book, I’d recommend All Roads Home by Bryan Trottier. My movie recommendation is The Princess Bride, and for a show, it’s got to be Ted Lasso.
Ferris: The new Shogun series is awesome.
The PIANY Agents Advocacy Coalition continues to be a strong voice for independent insurance agents in New York state. With leaders like Holender, Bartow and Ferris, the coalition is making strides in legislative and regulatory reforms that benefit agents and their clients alike. Through advocacy, persistence and the support of dedicated members, the AAC is working to ensure that insurance professionals have a seat at the table when it matters most.
To learn more about the Agents Advocacy Coalition, or to donate, click here.
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR, joined PIA in 1983 and has worked in many facets of the association over the years. In 1995, she was an integral part of establishing the Industry Resource Center to include the development of the software system to record and track all incoming and outgoing inquiries. She quickly moved from industry resource representative to assistant director and eventually to her current position as director. Currently, Shirley oversees the daily operations of the Industry Resource Center to include the triage of thousands of incoming member inquiries. Her other accomplishments include obtaining her New York state property/casualty broker’s license, CPIA and CISR designations.
