Texas First Insurance announced the promotions of Jerry Blystone to Chief Executive Officer and Bryan Burkhart to President. Having celebrated 100 years in business earlier this year, these promotions position the independent insurance agency for continued growth and success over the next century.

Blystone joined Texas First Insurance (TFI) 38 years ago as a Producer and was named President of the agency in 2018. He has a deep understanding of insurance operations, the agency’s customers, and its community. Additionally, he has led the agency to record-setting growth, including the establishment of offices in the Houston, Conroe, and Beaumont markets. In his new role as CEO, Blystone is responsible for overseeing the overall strategy and direction of the agency, ensuring TFI continues to deliver exceptional service to its customers, supports the local community, and maintains its position as a trusted and respected insurance agency in Texas.

A native of Galveston County, Burkhart joined TFI in 2018 as an Executive Producer with over a decade of sales experience. He was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2022 and has led the company in the implementation of numerous innovative tools to improve backend operations and better serve agency customers. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as he steps into the role of President, where he is responsible for overseeing the agency’s daily operations and strategic execution, while continuing to provide commercial insurance and ancillary products to customers.

Brown & Riding Adds Courtney Murphree to Transportation Practice

Brown & Riding announced that Courtney Murphree is joining Tim Pedersen, Jr., to lead B&R’s Transportation Practice. This leadership expansion reflects the growth of the Transportation Practice and B&R’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both our team and clients, B&R said.

With over 12 years of industry experience, Murphree was named a Brown & Riding Principal in 2023. In her new leadership role, she will focus on advancing strategic initiatives, nurturing talent within the practice, and strengthening the team’s ability to provide customized solutions to clients across the country.