IBAO announces new president, board of directors 

The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario has named Shara Bierman board president for the 2025-2026 term. 

Bierman, principal broker at Strong Roots Insurance in Stratford, takes the position over from Dario Battista, who is president and CEO at Isure. He will move to IBAO’s chairman position. 

“I’m honoured to serve as president of IBAO,” Bierman says in a statement. “The association is a driving force in strengthening and protecting the future of Ontario’s broker channel. Its work has never been more important. I’m excited to contribute to that mission and look forward to working with such a dedicated team.” 

Bierman holds more than 20 years’ experience as an insurance broker. Her appointment makes her the eighth female IBAO president in the organization’s history, according to previous IBAO reporting. 

She first joined IBAO’s board in January 2021, holding roles with the association’s finance and audit committee. She was also a liaison at Young Brokers Council Liaison and IBAO observer at the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. 

Bierman was elected at IBAO’s recent annual general meeting, where members also approved a bylaw that will expand its board of directors from nine to 11 members.  

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This bylaw will allow “new appointments without disrupting the existing leadership succession,” IBAO says.

Joining IBAO’s board of directors are: 

• Cassandra Backhouse — southwestern Ontario director. Backhouse is an aviation account manager, private and commercial risks at Nacora International Insurance Brokers.  

• Jay Regimbal — central west director. Regimbal is a managing partner at Youngs Insurance Brokers. 

• Brenda Rose — skills-based director. Rose is a partner and executive vice president at FCA Insurance Brokers. 

Suzanne Pountney, commercial lines manager at Ontario West and Bill Blaney Insurance Brokers, is ending her board term. She was most recently IBAO chairwoman, following her term as president in 2023-2024.  

Alyssa DiSabatino

Alyssa Di Sabatino has been a reporter for Canadian Underwriter since 2021, covering industry trends, market developments, and emerging risks.