Higginbotham Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Higginbotham has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Higginbotham delivers comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. The firm's leadership philosophy centers on independence, deep expertise, and a consultative approach to address complex insurance landscapes and client vulnerabilities.

Leadership Roles at Higginbotham

  • Chief Executive Officer, President & Director - James Cic
  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Russell Reid
  • Chief Financial Officer - Wesley Snow
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Andrew Reutter
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gayle Eagan
  • Chief Operating Officer, Employee Benefits - Koby Hackradt
  • Chief Operating Officer, Business Insurance - John Schramm
  • Chief Operating Officer (Memphis) - Karla Combs
  • Chief of Staff - Sydnie Smith
  • Chief Information Officer - Bj Meyer
  • James Cic - Chief Executive Officer, President & Director

    James Cic, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director at Higginbotham, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Cic's leadership guides the firm's mission to provide independent insurance brokerage services and comprehensive risk management solutions. This executive role involves setting the strategic vision for growth and market expansion, ensuring alignment across all business units. Cic oversees the integration of new services and the refinement of existing offerings to meet evolving client needs in commercial and personal insurance. The responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of expertise and client advocacy, critical for maintaining Higginbotham's position as a strategic advisor. Cic's direction ensures the firm navigates complex insurance landscapes effectively, delivering tailored strategies that address specific client vulnerabilities and operational challenges. This executive's focus is on driving sustainable value and reinforcing the company's commitment to independence from major insurance carriers, allowing for objective client-focused solutions.

    Russell Reid - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Russell Reid, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Higginbotham, shapes the firm's strategic direction and governance. Reid's leadership is pivotal in maintaining the company's independent brokerage model, ensuring a client-centric approach to risk management and insurance solutions. This executive role encompasses guiding the board of directors and overseeing the executive team's alignment with the company's core values and long-term objectives. Reid's influence extends to fostering strategic partnerships and evaluating market opportunities that enhance Higginbotham's service portfolio, which includes commercial insurance, personal coverage, and employee benefits. The Chairman's focus is on driving innovation and operational excellence across the organization. By championing the firm's deep expertise, Russell Reid ensures that Higginbotham continues to deliver tailored strategies that address the specific vulnerabilities and operational challenges of both commercial enterprises and individual clients, solidifying its reputation as a trusted advisor.
    Russell Reid

    Wesley Snow - Chief Financial Officer

    Wesley Snow, the Chief Financial Officer at Higginbotham, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and management. Snow's leadership ensures the fiscal health and stability of the firm, supporting its mission to deliver comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. This executive role involves overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, investment strategies, and capital allocation. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in guiding Higginbotham's financial decisions, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. Wesley Snow's responsibilities include managing financial risks, optimizing financial performance, and providing strategic financial insights to the executive team. This focus is essential for maintaining the firm's independence and its capacity to offer objective, client-focused insurance solutions that effectively address complex financial vulnerabilities and operational challenges.
    Wesley Snow

    Andrew Reutter - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Andrew Reutter, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Higginbotham, provides dual leadership across the company's financial and operational domains. Reutter's comprehensive oversight ensures robust financial management and streamlined operational execution, supporting the firm's delivery of risk management and insurance solutions. This executive role involves integrating financial strategy with operational efficiency to drive growth and profitability. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer plays a crucial part in optimizing resource allocation and enhancing service delivery across all business lines. Andrew Reutter's responsibilities include managing financial planning, overseeing operational workflows, and ensuring the firm's capacity to adapt to market dynamics. This dual focus ensures Higginbotham maintains its independence while effectively addressing complex financial and operational challenges for its clients.
    Andrew Reutter

    Gayle Eagan - Chief Operating Officer

    Gayle Eagan, the Chief Operating Officer at Higginbotham, oversees the day-to-day operational functions of the firm, ensuring seamless delivery of insurance and risk management solutions. Eagan's leadership focuses on optimizing internal processes and enhancing service quality across commercial and personal insurance lines. This executive role involves managing operational workflows, driving efficiency improvements, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The Chief Operating Officer plays a vital part in translating strategic goals into tangible operational outcomes, supporting the firm's commitment to deep expertise and client advocacy. Gayle Eagan's responsibilities include fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, which is critical for Higginbotham's ability to provide tailored strategies that address complex client vulnerabilities and operational challenges. Eagan's direction ensures the firm operates effectively as an independent brokerage.

    Koby Hackradt - Chief Operating Officer, Employee Benefits

    Koby Hackradt, the Chief Operating Officer, Employee Benefits at Higginbotham, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the employee benefits division. Hackradt's expertise ensures the delivery of comprehensive benefit administration and tailored insurance solutions to clients. This executive role involves overseeing the development and management of employee benefit programs, focusing on cost containment, compliance, and enhancing employee value propositions. The Chief Operating Officer, Employee Benefits plays a crucial part in advising clients on designing competitive packages that meet their specific workforce needs. Koby Hackradt's responsibilities include driving innovation within the benefits sector, managing client relationships, and ensuring operational excellence. This leadership ensures Higginbotham effectively addresses the complex challenges associated with employee benefits, supporting businesses in their risk management strategies.

    John Schramm - Chief Operating Officer, Business Insurance

    John Schramm, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Insurance at Higginbotham, directs the operational strategies and service delivery for the commercial insurance sector. Schramm's leadership focuses on providing robust risk management and insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of commercial enterprises. This executive role involves overseeing the underwriting processes, claims management, and client support functions within the business insurance division. The Chief Operating Officer, Business Insurance plays a vital part in ensuring that clients receive comprehensive coverage and expert advice to mitigate operational risks and financial vulnerabilities. John Schramm's responsibilities include driving operational efficiency, fostering strong carrier relationships, and enhancing the client experience. This focus ensures Higginbotham effectively navigates complex insurance landscapes for its business clients.

    Karla Combs - Chief Operating Officer (Memphis)

    Karla Combs, the Chief Operating Officer (Memphis) at Higginbotham, leads the operational execution and strategic initiatives for the Memphis region. Combs's leadership ensures the delivery of comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions tailored to the local market's specific needs. This executive role involves overseeing all aspects of the Memphis office's operations, including client services, business development, and team management. The Chief Operating Officer (Memphis) plays a critical part in strengthening Higginbotham's presence and service capabilities within the region. Karla Combs's responsibilities include driving operational efficiency, fostering strong client relationships, and ensuring alignment with the firm's overall mission of providing independent, expert insurance brokerage. This regional focus allows for highly responsive service to address local business vulnerabilities.

    Sydnie Smith - Chief of Staff

    Sydnie Smith, the Chief of Staff at Higginbotham, provides critical operational and strategic support to the executive leadership team. Smith's role involves streamlining internal processes, managing key projects, and ensuring effective communication across departments. This executive function is essential for translating high-level strategic initiatives into actionable plans, thereby enhancing organizational efficiency and execution. Smith collaborates closely with various leaders to drive forward the company's mission of delivering comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include facilitating cross-functional collaboration, optimizing resource allocation, and supporting the implementation of new business strategies. By managing critical operational workflows, Sydnie Smith ensures that Higginbotham's commitment to deep expertise and client-focused service remains paramount, directly contributing to the firm's ability to navigate complex insurance landscapes and address client vulnerabilities.

    Bj Meyer - Chief Information Officer

    Bj Meyer, the Chief Information Officer at Higginbotham, directs the company's technology strategy and infrastructure. Meyer's leadership ensures that Higginbotham leverages cutting-edge information systems to enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery. This executive role involves overseeing the development and implementation of robust IT solutions that support the firm's comprehensive risk management and insurance offerings. Meyer's responsibilities include managing data security, optimizing digital platforms, and driving technological innovation across all business units. The Chief Information Officer plays a crucial part in maintaining the firm's competitive edge by ensuring seamless integration of technology with business objectives. Bj Meyer's strategic oversight guarantees that Higginbotham's technological capabilities effectively support its independent brokerage model and its commitment to providing tailored, client-specific insurance solutions, thereby addressing complex operational challenges.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Higginbotham Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Higginbotham?
    Higginbotham is led by James Cic (Chief Executive Officer, President & Director), along with executives such as Russell Reid (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer) and Wesley Snow (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Higginbotham’s executive team?
    The executive team of Higginbotham includes leaders such as James Cic (Chief Executive Officer, President & Director), Russell Reid (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), Wesley Snow (Chief Financial 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Director, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer.