Texas First Insurance (TFI), celebrating its 100th year in business, has announced the promotions of Jerry Blystone to Chief Executive Officer and Bryan Burkhart to President. These moves are designed to position the independent insurance agency for continued growth and success.
Blystone has been with Texas First Insurance for 38 years, starting as a Producer and being named President in 2018. He has a deep understanding of the insurance business, its customers, and the community. During his tenure, the agency has achieved record-setting growth, including expanding its presence in the Houston, Conroe, and Beaumont markets. In his new role as CEO, Blystone will oversee the agency’s strategy and direction, ensuring TFI continues to provide excellent service, support its local community, and maintain its position as a respected insurance agency in Texas.
Burkhart, a native of Galveston County, joined TFI in 2018 as an Executive Producer. He brought over a decade of prior sales experience to the role. Burkhart was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2022, where he led the implementation of several innovative tools to improve backend operations and service to customers. As the new President, Burkhart will manage the company’s day-to-day operations and strategic execution while continuing to offer commercial insurance and ancillary products.
In other recent news, Brown & Riding announced that Courtney Murphree will join Tim Pedersen, Jr., in leading its Transportation Practice. The expansion of leadership reflects the growth of the Transportation Practice and B&R’s dedication to meeting their team’s and clients’ evolving needs, the company stated.
Murphree, with more than 12 years of industry experience, was named a Brown & Riding Principal in 2023. She will focus on establishing strategic initiatives, fostering talent within the practice, and strengthening the team’s ability to supply clients with custom-made solutions nationwide.
