Alison Gemmell and Alyssa Sanfilippo took top honours at the NIBA Convention this week.

Ms Gemmell, Aon’s Gold Coast-based national client leader, was crowned broker of the year by the National Insurance Brokers Association.

“Alison’s readiness to meet challenges head on while keeping client advocacy at the heart of her work reflects exactly what this award stands for,” prize sponsor CGU’s EM Giselle Walther said.

Lockton account manager Ms Sanfilippo, from Melbourne, was chosen as young broker of the year.

“Alyssa is a standout ... Her initiative to identify emerging client needs and find new ways to strengthen protection reflects the insight and advocacy great brokers bring,” sponsor Vero’s head of distribution Anthony Pagano said.

Vero says Ms Sanfilippo impressed the judges with her expertise in complex placements and passion for the profession.

“Alyssa stood out for her initiative and commitment to finding innovative solutions for her clients, which is a hallmark of outstanding brokers," Vero CEO commercial & personal injury Lisa Harrison said.

Head of JLT public sector Pacific Gary Okely was awarded the Lex McKeown Trophy for service to the profession.

Mr Okely was on the NIBA board for more than a decade until February and was president from 2023 to last year, before handing over to Nick Cook.

Adelaide-based Mr Okely has worked in Australia, Asia and London across a 40-year career, helping create mutual risk products for the government sector.

“Gary exemplifies what this honour stands for,” Mr Cook said. “Gary has given an extraordinary amount to NIBA and to the profession over more than a decade on the board.

“His steady leadership, commitment to members and focus on raising professional standards have strengthened the association and the value we deliver.”

As previously reported, Gallagher senior technical claims lead for construction Maree Solvyns won the claims broker of the year award, and Affinity Insurance Brokers client director Paul Davenport took the community excellence member prize.

“This year’s finalists bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to professionalism ... showing that our brokers are future-ready and our profession is in capable hands,” NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said.

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