People Moves: Gerger Named CEO of Big I Illinois

The board of directors of Big I Illinois named Brett Gerger CEO, effective July 1. Gerger, who has served as director of education and agency resources with Big I Illinois since 2019, succeeds Phil Lackman, who is retiring after 31 years with the association.

Kristi Osmond will assume the role of education director, and Jennifer Jacobs has been promoted to chief operating officer.

Gerger will provide overall leadership for the association, including organizational management, strategic planning, business development, fundraising, budget and finance oversight, public relations, and coordination between the Board of Directors and association staff.

Gerger began his 24-year career at the Illinois Department of Insurance in the producer regulatory division. He later served as chief deputy director of product lines and licensing, where he was responsible for management of the property & casualty, life and annuity, health, producer regulatory and licensing units. He also served as the state of Illinois group insurance division manager with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, overseeing the planning and implementation of policy and operations for the state’s insurance programs, including property, liability and benefits.