Houton Joins IIAA Government Affairs Operation

October 2, 2001

Robert K. Houton is the newest member of the Independent Insurance Agents of America’s government affairs operation, having joined the staff as a lobbyist and grassroots specialist.

As IIAA’s new Washington representative and grassroots coordinator, Houton will lobby members of Congress and congressional staff on several issues important to insurance agents and brokers such as legal reform, crop insurance, high-tech issues and life/pension/tax issues. In addition, he will manage the Association’s extensive grassroots contact network and coordinate legislative and regulatory alert communications to the agents and brokers who are actively involved in the political and legislative process in their communities.

“Rob comes to IIAA with a wide range of contacts on Capitol Hill that will empower him to hit the ground running in his mission to spread the message of independent agents to members of Congress and their staff,” said Maria L. Berthoud, IIAA senior vice president of federal government affairs.

Before joining IIAA, Houton was manager of grassroots and political affairs for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International. In this position, he lobbied Congressional members and staffers on a number of pressing legislative issues, represented the organization on coalitions, authored congressional testimony, managed grassroots operations and wrote several articles that were published. Houton also gained grassroots experience as a government affairs coordinator for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, where he communicated with the organization’s members on its legislative and regulatory policies and increased grassroots involvement significantly.

He also has Capitol Hill experience, having worked in the office of Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) spearheading constituent outreach and assisting senior staff with legislative research.

“The depth and breadth of Rob’s background makes him well-prepared for the tough task of representing independent agents in Washington,” Berthoud said.

Topics Legislation Agencies

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