Broker Panel

Lisa Butler is the Vice President of Commercial Lines at Wedgwood Insurance, where she has been a key contributor since 2015. With over two decades of industry experience, Lisa brings knowledge from both the insurer and broker sides of the business. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as designations as a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and a Canadian Risk Manager (CRM).

Lisa began her career in a broker's office and advanced into various underwriting roles, including a distinctive position as a Commercial Property & Casualty Underwriter embedded within a broker’s office. This unique vantage point gave her a deep appreciation for the dynamic between brokers and insurers and ignited her passion for the industry.

At Wedgwood, Lisa initially joined as the Commercial Lines Manager and now leads the department as Vice President. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of department performance, including strategic planning, financial growth, retention, profitability, and operational efficiency. She is also committed to fostering a high-performance, client-focused culture and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

In addition to her leadership at Wedgwood, Lisa serves as President-Elect of the Insurance Broker’s Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (IBAN), where she plays an active role in shaping the future of the broker community through the implementation of the association’s strategic plan.

Born in Antigonish NS, James grew up in NS,PEI, and BC before settling down in NB in 1989.

James has a Bachelor of history from UNB and joined Wawanesa as a Property Underwriter in 2002.

He joined the family brokerage (Higgins Insurance - Rothesay NB) in 2005 holding various positions throughout the years. Prior to the sale of the agency in November 2023 James spent 8 years as President of Higgins Commercial Insurance Ltd. He is currently the Commercial Manager for Atlantic for TW Insurance Services Ltd. (Orbit Insurance) and as of September will be in his 23rd year in the industry.

James has sat on the board of IBANB for seven years and is currently President of the Association.

He has also held the role of Director of IBAC since 2024 and is the Deputy Chair of the Facility Association Rates & Rules Committee.

On a personal note he is a father of 3, grandfather to 1 and is a self proclaimed history and insurance nerd, not necessarily in that order. He also tries to find time in his busy schedule to play a few rounds of golf.