Higginbotham Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Higginbotham has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and risk management.

Focused on delivering independent insurance solutions, Higginbotham empowers commercial and individual clients through tailored risk mitigation strategies. The firm maintains a consultative approach to ensure optimal coverage structures across diverse industries.

Leadership Roles at Higginbotham

  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Rusty Reid
  • Chief Executive Officer, President & Director - James Cic
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Mat Lipscomb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Mickey Shepherd
  • Managing Director - Rusty Hilburn
  • Managing Director - Robert Stahl
  • Managing Director - Christopher Trapani
  • Managing Director - Brent Marcum
  • Managing Director - Pete Lunati
  • Managing Director - Jake Reid
  • Rusty Reid - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Rusty Reid, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Higginbotham, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Overseeing the expansion of independent brokerage services, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to client-centric risk management. This leadership role involves evaluating complex insurance landscapes to provide tailored solutions for commercial enterprises. By fostering relationships with multiple insurance carriers, Rusty Reid secures competitive coverage options that align with specific client vulnerabilities. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer drives the firm toward sustainable growth while managing the administrative complexity of employee benefit programs. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the executive maintains the firm's reputation as a strategic advisor. Ultimately, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the organizational structure to support long-term financial stability and operational excellence across all regional markets.
    Rusty Reid

    James Cic - Chief Executive Officer, President & Director

    James Cic, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director at Higginbotham, architects the firm's long-term growth initiatives and market positioning. Managing the integration of risk management consulting, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director ensures that the brokerage delivers comprehensive solutions to diverse business sectors. This role involves coordinating with the Board to refine corporate policies and enhance service delivery models. By identifying exposure gaps for clients, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director drives the implementation of mitigation strategies that reduce operational disruption. James Cic oversees the alignment of internal resources to support complex insurance placements, ensuring that the firm remains independent from carrier preferences. The Chief Executive Officer, President & Director monitors market trends to adapt service portfolios, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the insurance industry. Through this leadership, the executive secures the firm's status as a primary advisor for commercial and individual risk management needs.

    Mat Lipscomb - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Mat Lipscomb, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Higginbotham, executes the firm's operational strategy and business development goals. Focusing on the expansion of commercial insurance portfolios, the Co-Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that address the specific vulnerabilities of large-scale enterprises. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to streamline the delivery of employee benefit administration services. By optimizing coverage structures, Mat Lipscomb ensures that clients receive solutions tailored to actual operational challenges rather than generic market offerings. The Co-Chief Executive Officer oversees the firm's consultative methodology, ensuring that risk mitigation strategies remain effective across various industries. Through the management of regional market reach, the executive supports the firm's mission to provide independent, high-value insurance advice. The Co-Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on cost control and administrative efficiency, directly impacting the financial health of the organization and the satisfaction of the client base.
    Mat Lipscomb

    Mickey Shepherd - Chief Operating Officer

    Mickey Shepherd, the Chief Operating Officer at Higginbotham, directs the internal operational infrastructure and administrative efficiency of the firm. Overseeing the integration of technology and service delivery processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization maintains high standards of operational excellence. This role involves managing the firm's internal resources to support the consultative methodology used by the brokerage teams. By optimizing administrative workflows, Mickey Shepherd reduces complexity and enhances the firm's ability to serve clients effectively. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align operational capabilities with the firm's strategic growth goals. Through the oversight of regional operational support, the executive ensures that the firm's service delivery remains consistent and scalable. The Chief Operating Officer focuses on maintaining the firm's reputation for reliability and efficiency, directly impacting the overall success of the organization. This leadership role is vital to the firm's mission of providing independent, high-value insurance advice.
    Mickey Shepherd

    Rusty Hilburn - Managing Director

    Rusty Hilburn, the Managing Director at Higginbotham, directs the delivery of specialized risk management solutions for commercial clients. Overseeing the development of tailored insurance strategies, the Managing Director ensures that the firm addresses complex operational vulnerabilities with precision. This role involves managing client relationships and identifying exposure gaps that require customized coverage structures. By leveraging the firm's independence, Rusty Hilburn evaluates options across multiple providers to secure the most advantageous terms for the client. The Managing Director coordinates with internal teams to implement risk mitigation strategies that reduce financial exposure and operational disruption. Through the oversight of regional initiatives, the executive drives the firm's growth in key market sectors. The Managing Director maintains a focus on delivering high-quality service, ensuring that the firm functions as a strategic advisor rather than a transaction facilitator. This leadership role supports the overall mission of providing comprehensive, independent insurance expertise.

    Robert Stahl - Managing Director

    Robert Stahl, the Managing Director at Higginbotham, architects the firm's approach to employee benefit administration and organizational health. Managing the design of competitive benefit packages, the Managing Director ensures that clients can attract and retain talent while controlling administrative costs. This role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes to provide compliant and effective insurance solutions. By identifying specific client needs, Robert Stahl drives the implementation of strategies that optimize benefit structures for diverse workforces. The Managing Director collaborates with other leadership members to integrate these services into the broader risk management portfolio. Through the oversight of regional operations, the executive ensures that the firm's consultative methodology remains consistent and impactful. The Managing Director focuses on reducing the administrative burden for clients, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. This leadership role supports the firm's commitment to providing strategic advice that addresses the unique challenges facing modern commercial enterprises.

    Christopher Trapani - Managing Director

    Christopher Trapani, the Managing Director at Higginbotham, directs the firm's efforts in personal insurance coverage and individual risk management. Overseeing the development of tailored strategies for private clients, the Managing Director ensures that coverage structures align with specific asset protection needs. This role involves evaluating complex insurance landscapes to provide solutions that mitigate financial vulnerability. By maintaining independence from major carriers, Christopher Trapani secures options that prioritize the client's actual requirements. The Managing Director coordinates with internal teams to ensure that personal insurance portfolios remain robust and responsive to changing market conditions. Through the oversight of regional market reach, the executive drives the firm's growth in the individual client segment. The Managing Director focuses on delivering high-touch service, ensuring that the firm acts as a trusted advisor for personal risk management. This leadership role supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive, independent insurance expertise to all client types.

    Brent Marcum - Managing Director

    Brent Marcum, the Managing Director at Higginbotham, executes the firm's strategy for commercial insurance and risk mitigation consulting. Managing the identification of exposure gaps, the Managing Director ensures that clients receive coverage structures that address specific operational challenges. This role involves coordinating with multiple insurance providers to secure solutions that prioritize client needs over carrier preferences. By implementing risk mitigation strategies, Brent Marcum reduces financial vulnerability and operational disruption for a diverse range of businesses. The Managing Director oversees the firm's consultative methodology, ensuring that every client receives a tailored approach to risk management. Through the management of regional operations, the executive drives the firm's expansion and market impact. The Managing Director focuses on maintaining the firm's reputation as a strategic advisor, ensuring that all insurance placements support the long-term goals of the client. This leadership role is essential to the firm's mission of providing independent, high-value insurance advice.

    Pete Lunati - Managing Director

    Pete Lunati, the Managing Director at Higginbotham, directs the firm's initiatives in risk management consulting for complex commercial accounts. Overseeing the analysis of operational vulnerabilities, the Managing Director ensures that clients implement effective mitigation strategies to reduce financial exposure. This role involves collaborating with internal teams to design coverage structures that address specific industry nuances. By leveraging the firm's independence, Pete Lunati evaluates options across multiple providers to secure the most advantageous terms for the client. The Managing Director coordinates with other leadership members to ensure that risk management services remain integrated with the firm's broader insurance portfolio. Through the oversight of regional market reach, the executive drives the firm's growth and service quality. The Managing Director focuses on delivering strategic advice that minimizes operational disruption, thereby supporting the long-term success of the client. This leadership role is central to the firm's commitment to providing comprehensive, independent insurance expertise.

    Jake Reid - Managing Director

    Jake Reid, the Managing Director at Higginbotham, architects the firm's approach to commercial insurance placements and client relationship management. Managing the development of tailored insurance strategies, the Managing Director ensures that the firm addresses the specific needs of diverse business sectors. This role involves identifying exposure gaps and implementing coverage structures that optimize risk management. By maintaining independence from major carriers, Jake Reid secures options that prioritize the client's actual requirements. The Managing Director coordinates with internal teams to ensure that insurance portfolios remain responsive to changing market conditions. Through the oversight of regional operations, the executive drives the firm's growth and market impact. The Managing Director focuses on delivering high-quality service, ensuring that the firm acts as a strategic advisor for commercial risk management. This leadership role supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive, independent insurance expertise to all commercial clients.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Higginbotham Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Higginbotham?
    Higginbotham is led by Rusty Reid (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Cic (Chief Executive Officer, President & Director) and Mat Lipscomb (Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Higginbotham’s executive team?
    The executive team of Higginbotham includes leaders such as Rusty Reid (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), James Cic (Chief Executive Officer, President & Director), Mat Lipscomb (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Higginbotham have?
    Higginbotham has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Higginbotham’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Higginbotham includes roles such as Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, President & Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director.