HARTFORD, Conn.—The Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut Inc., honored four insurance professionals at its Annual Convention, held March 19-20, at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
Professional Agent of the Year was awarded to Joseph Krar founder of Joseph Krar & Associates in Southington, Conn. The Professional Agent of the Year award is given to a professional, independent agent who has demonstrated excellence and achievement in insurance marketing and service; who has shown a personal commitment to professionalism; and who has contributed to PIA and the community. Krar began the company in 1993 and continues to serve as chairman of the board and claims manager. Krar has dedicated more than 60 years of service to the Connecticut insurance industry, making a lasting impact through his expertise, leadership and his commitment to excellence.
Community Service Award was presented to Stephen G. Todd, CIC, CPCU, owner, president and CEO of Brooks, Todd & McNeil in Torrington, Conn. The PIACT Community Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a significant commitment to the improvement of his or her community. Todd has used his standing in the community to help the most vulnerable, and he has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of the life of those around him. For 18 years, he has been co-chair of the BLN Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised over $700,000. These funds have been distributed directly to nonprofits in the community where he lives. These agencies include those providing food, housing, treatment for substance and mental health disorders, as well as providing for the safety of those affected by domestic and sexual violence. His agency gives back 25% of its net proceeds to support local charities and the arts including The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, 5 Points Gallery for the Visual Arts, and the Warner Theatre, an historic local landmark. Todd also was awarded the Legacy Award for single handedly raising over $150,000 in contributions to the YMCA. He is also the past president of the Lake Titus Protective Association, corporator for Northwest Community Bank and Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial, whose mission is to prepare children for lifelong success through education, health services, family support and programs of excellence. He also served as vice president of the board of directors for Crossroads Ranch for disadvantaged youth and was a corporator for Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He is past president of the Northwest Connecticut YMCA and was named the Chamber of Commerce Community Leader of the Year in 2022. Brooks, Todd & McNeil agency received the Best Practices Award of Distinction in 2025, one of 348 out of 39,000 independent agencies in the country or top 1% by Reagan Consulting. The award shows balance of excellence between business and community involvement.
Company Person of the Year was awarded to Robert Dunn of Hanover Insurance. Dunn has been active in the insurance industry for nearly 40 years. He began on the captive side of the insurance industry as an underwriter and who moved up to sales manager. Dunn’s responsibilities had him overseeing all of the New England states and New York state in any given year. He was responsible for achieving growth and profit targets, but also for the development of underwriting employees, agency owners and their staff. Dunn joined the Hanover in 2023 as a territorial sales manager for Connecticut. Since joining Hanover, he has worked continuously building relationships based on trust and the value he can offer them.
Legislator of the Year was awarded to Rep. Kerry Wood. Wood represents Connecticut’s 29th House District, which is comprised of Rocky Hill and part of Wethersfield. PIACT presents its Legislator of the Year award to a lawmaker who has demonstrated outstanding effort on behalf of Connecticut’s independent insurance agents and the insurance-buying public. This award recognizes Rep. Wood for her tireless leadership in the insurance sector. She has distinguished herself as a pragmatic lawmaker who is dedicated to improving the insurance market for all Connecticut residents. PIACT greatly appreciates Rep. Wood’s pivotal role in advancing H.B.6981, which updates Connecticut’s excess-and-surplus lines insurance framework and aligns it with best practices adopted by other states, thereby benefiting consumers and businesses alike. By advocating for the removal of the outdated due diligence requirement, she has helped eliminate unnecessary delays that provided limited consumer protection benefit and has contributed to more timely access to coverage. Rep. Wood’s efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to efficient regulation, responding to consumer needs, and strengthening the insurance marketplace for Connecticut’s businesses and individuals. Her contributions are instrumental in fostering a more robust and responsive insurance environment in the state.
“I consider all these award winners models for our industry,” said Kevin McKiernan, CIC, CPIA, outgoing president of PIACT. “They personify professionalism and they are richly deserving of these honors. We are pleased to present these awards recognizing their dedication to our industry and to the community.”
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