Broker Panel: Real Talk from Atlantic Canada’s Insurance Pros
We are proud to introduce you to some of Atlantic Canada’s top brokers who are joining us to tell it like it is. They’ve weathered storms, literally and figuratively and are here to swap stories, share important lessons and predict where the industry is headed next. This panel knows what it takes to stay ahead in a changing market and navigate the twists and turns like a true Atlantic Canadian – with real talk and plenty of banter!
Our moderator Jess Chapman, ethree Consulting will guide the conversation and focus on both the challenges and opportunities unique to the industry and Atlantic Canada.
This is your chance to gain practical advice and hear industry perspectives from leading brokers across the region.
Meet our Panel
Keith Vokey, BA, CAIB (Hons)
Keith Vokey is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a partner of GTI Broker Group Inc.(Synex Assurance) a leading independent insurance brokerage across Atlantic Canada. Based in Bedford, Nova Scotia, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing GTI’s operations, incorporating a culture that is deeply rooted on its corporate values, transparency, open dialogue which span over 140 employees across 17 locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Keith brings more than two decades of experience in senior sales leadership roles within international companies, where he cultivated strong client relationships and developed a deep understanding of the insurance market. Prior to joining G.T.I in September of 2021, he served as Senior Vice President at Cal LeGrow Insurance and Financial Group for the Maritimes, where he was instrumental in expanding the company's presence and strengthening insurer partnerships in the region.
Keith holds a degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Outside of his professional endeavors, Keith enjoys spending time with family and summer activities such as golf, kayaking, biking and hiking and in the winter its hockey and skiing.
Lisa Butler, BBA, CIP, CRM
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.
James Higgins, BA, CIP
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.
Aneill MacCaull, BA, CAIB, FCIP
Aneill is the President & CEO of Whycocomagh based AA Munro Insurance Brokers. A former personal & commercial lines broker, in his current role Aneill's focus is to oversee the growth and development of the organization and its people, as AA Munro Insurance seeks to become a leading personal & commercial lines brokerage in Atlantic Canada.
A past president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia and board member of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, Aneill has completed his CAIB, CIP, and FCIP, along with receiving his Bachelor's degree from Brock University.
Outside of work, Aneill enjoys spending time with his young family, traveling, and playing golf, soccer, and hockey.