2023-24 BOD Nominations

As our new fiscal year begins, we are pleased to announce the 2023-24 IIANC Board of Directors nominations. The following slate of officers and directors have been nominated to fill positions on the IIANC Board of Directors.

Secretary/Treasurer Position

Don Stroud, CIC, AAI

Hartsfield & Nash Agency, Wake Forest, NC

One year term: 2023-2024

Don is a Wake Forest Native who has served his community both personally and professionally for many years. Don graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor’s degree in economics. He also graduated from the USF&G School of Insurance in 1985 and was named managing partner of Hartsfield and Nash in 1988. As the 1989 recipient of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina’s Young Agent of the Year award, he has continued to serve as a member of the many insurance carriers Agency Advisor Councils. Don has also earned both the Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) and Certified insurance Counselor (CIC) accreditation. He has taught insurance classes to insurance and non-insurance personnel all over the United States with a goal of educating current and potential clients about the importance of a strong insurance advisor in the protection of their assets.

National Director Position

Danny Cook, CIC, CRM, MSRMI, LUTCF

Cook Insurance Services, Lumberton, NC

Three year term: 2023-2026

Danny started his insurance career in 1993 with Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company.  In 1999, he started Cook Insurance Services in Lumberton.  He is an active member of IIANC, having served on various committees as well as the board where he has just recently finished his term as Immediate Past Chair.  He has also been an instructor for IIANC since 2008. 

Danny received a B.S. in Business Administration from Pembroke State University, and a M.S. in Risk Management and Insurance from Florida State University.  Additionally, he holds the CIC, CRM, and LUTCF designations.  In 2002, Danny received the IIANC Young Agent of the Year award, and in 2009 the IIANC Southeastern Insurance Institute’s Education Award.  In 2017, largely due to the role he played after Hurricane Matthew, Danny was named the IIANC Agent of the Year.  He is also a Faculty member with The National Alliance. 

Danny is married to Kim, of almost 33 years, and they have two daughters (Ashley and Lauren), and one granddaughter (Emmy).  He is an honorary member of Lumberton Rescue where he served over 20 years, with over 15 years of that time as a board member and Finance Chair.  Other community involvement includes 10+ years as a board trustee of the local healthcare system, UNC Health Southeastern, where he current serves as Vice-Chair of Finance; Kiwanis of Robeson-Lumberton; Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce; and many roles within First Baptist Church of Lumberton where he serves as Vice-Chair of Deacons, as well as the Endowment Chair.

Director at Large Position

Oliver Connor

Connor Insurance Agency, Inc., Sherrills Ford, NC

Two year term: 2023-2025

Oliver's career began in an unlikely place—as a marine mammal trainer. This experience allowed him to deeply understand the importance of building trust and the power of positive reinforcement. As he transitioned into the insurance sector, he found these principles were just as applicable and powerful. Oliver has since used them to inspire and lead teams, consistently meeting and exceeding his company goals.

In 2016, Oliver followed in his father's footsteps, taking the helm at Connor Insurance Agency, which he successfully ran for many years. Despite significant changes in their community and the broader insurance sector, Oliver has remained committed to supporting the local community and upholding the values of trust, authenticity, and connection that his father laid down. To Oliver, our work extends beyond insurance—it's about caring for each other and being there when needed.

As a Board Member of NetVU (The Network of Vertafore Users) and an active participant in innovative industry events such as the Accelerate Conference, Oliver has developed a keen eye for industry trends and a deep understanding of the unique needs of independent agencies. He always seeks ways to leverage technology and innovative tools to enhance productivity and client experience, driving operational efficiency and growth.

Director at Large Position

Christopher Cook, CRIS

Alliance Insurance Services, LLC, Winston-Salem, NC

Two year term: 2023-2025

Born and raised in Surry County, Christopher was a stand-out student/athlete at East Surry High School, and was also recruited by major universities to play football. Ultimately he chose to pursue a degree in economics from N.C. State University. He graduated summa cum laude in 2000.

Christopher began his professional career as a district manager for Aldi Foods, where he directed the operations of up to six retail grocery stores stretching from Winston-Salem to Concord. Then, in 2002, Cook joined AIG American General where he learned the insurance business from the ground up.

In 2004, Christopher and Adam Pardue founded Alliance Insurance Services, LLC, which today operates offices in Winston Salem, Walnut Cove and Mount Airy, NC. The company offers a variety of insurance products including health, auto and home, business insurance, Long Term Care, and Medicare Supplement.

Christopher and his wife Amanda reside in Pilot Mountain with their three beautiful children. They enjoy spending time on their boat, and staying close with family. The Cooks are active members of First United Methodist Church in their hometown of Pilot Mountain, NC.

Director, District 2 Position

Darrin Rankin, CIC, AIS, CPIA, MBA

Rankin Insurance Group, Huntersville, NC

Darrin will fill the vacant position of District 2 Director, serving 2023-2024, as Don Stroud is moving to the IIANC Executive Committee.

Darrin got his start in the insurance industry when he served as a District Sales Manager for Erie Insurance. He then went on to start his own insurance agency, Rankin Insurance Group, in 2001.

Darrin received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Edinboro University, and his MBA from Syracuse University with an emphasis in Innovative Management.

Darrin is well-known in the insurance industry with his involvement in various organizations. He is a National Faculty Member with the National Alliance, a Pre-Licensing instructor at Central Piedmont Community College, and a Subject Matter Expert with Pearson Vue, to name a few. Additionally, Darrin is also a licensed Real Estate Broker with Bryan Realtors in Charlotte.

In his spare time, Darrin is an active member of several notable organizations, including the Lexington Community Association,  Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the National African American Insurance Association, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, and a Fellow at the Institute of Political Leadership.

Additional BOD Changes for 2023-2024

Director, District 1

Thomas Rhodes, CPCU, CIC, AAI, AIC

JHA Risk Management, Inc., Rocky Mount, NC

Thomas will begin his second term on the Board of Directors, serving 2023-2025.

Director at Large

Landon Bentham, MBA, TRA

Callahan & Rice Insurance Group, Inc., Fayetteville, NC

Landon will begin his first, full term on the Board of Directors, serving 2023-2025. Landon is currently serving as a Director at Large, having filled a vacant term for the 2022-2023 year.