In a statement, PIA National President Thomas C. Adderhold says Ted Besesparis, senior vice president of communications, will fill in for Brevik as acting association executive until a replacement is found.

“The PIA National Executive Committee will exercise due diligence in in selecting a permanent replacement,” says Adderhold. “To that end, we will not rush to fill this vacancy. A selection committee will be appointed to oversee the process.”

Commenting on his departure in a statement, Brevik says, “I am proud of what PIA has stood for and accomplished during my eight year tenure. Working together as staff and volunteers, we have accomplished much: developing a formidable national branding program, launching a professional liability captive program, creating the leading industry agent/company forum 'The Partnership' and building an advocacy team second to none.”

He adds, “While I am excited about my next challenge, I will miss my daily contact with the finest staff I have had the privilege to work with and many fine leaders from around the country who have grown into friends.”

In an e-mail statement, Besesparis says, “I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Len and all the good things he has accomplished for PIA.”

“Len brought PIA National to a much higher level of prominence and influence, building a professional staff that is effective and exemplary in its advocacy for all of the members of PIA,” says PIA National President-elect Andrew C. Harris in a statement. “We appreciate Len's years of singular dedication to the success of our association and his many achievements on our behalf. We wish him well in his next endeavors.”

Both Adderhold and Harris say Brevik's leaving does not mark an “any lessening of commitment to the success of PIA” its affiliates or change in direction, nor will there be any let-up in the association's initiatives.

In an interview, Fred Thomas, immediate-past president of PIA National and branch manager at Western States Insurance, says Brevik will be missed because “he did a very good job for PIA.”

The move, he says, will be an opportunity “to bring fresh blood and leadership into the organization,” which is something to look forward to while appreciating all that Brevik has done for the association.

Brevik's leaving did not come as a complete surprise to the association's leadership, says Thomas, and the possibility that he might leave at some point was discussed.

Concerning Brevik's replacement, Thomas believes the association will look for someone capable of being a strong advocate for independent agents and their brand across the country. The individual will to be able to work within the association and its affiliates, much as Brevik did.

Thomas says that anyone with leadership capabilities will be considered and the choice will not limited to someone with insurance experience. However, he indicated someone with insurance experience would be the most likely candidate.

In a 2004 interview with National Underwriter, Brevik said that one of his main goals was “replanting the PIA flag,” after a number of years that saw the association end its national convention and deal with persistent rumors of merging with the Independent Insurance Agents Association of America (now the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America).

Among some of the association's initiatives during Brevik's tenure, the association established its own branding campaign in 2007 and released a Spanish version of the campaign in 2010.

Updated at 3:20 p.m. EDT with comments from Fred Thomas.