PIA announces 2018 Professional Agent of the Year

Carla Jean Marks has been named the 2018 Professional Agent of the Year by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). Marks is President of the Marks-Tiller Insurance Agency in Roanoke, Va.

“This award is PIA’s highest honor,” said PIA National Tim Russell, in presenting the award. “It recognizes the achievements of one Professional Insurance Agent who is an outstanding member of PIA.” Russell detailed how, when Marks joined the one-person agency in 1991, its total book of business was $75,000. She ultimately purchased the agency and has grown that book of business to $2.5 million.

A small town insurance agent

Carla has made many presentations to church groups on insurance. She has also spoken regularly on insurance topics at local high schools.

“She is entrenched in her community, where she touches lives in many ways. Hers is a life of service to her community, church, friends, family and her industry. She is a fine example of the small town insurance agent who gives our industry a good name,” said Kevin P. Kowar, Association Executive of PIA of Virginia & D.C., in a statement.

The 2018 PIA Agent of the Year Award was presented to Marks during a gala luncheon ceremony held on April 24, 2018, in Arlington, Va., held in conjunction with PIA National meetings.