Aubie Knight Named Recipient of Prestigious James M. Lowry Award by AENC

CARY, NC – June 22, 2026 – The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) announced today that Chief Executive Officer Aubie Knight has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 James M. Lowry Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a chief executive officer by the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC).

Named in honor of the late James J. Lowry, Jr., a longtime leader within AENC and the North Carolina association community, the award recognizes outstanding leadership and achievement in association management. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated excellence in organizational leadership, service to the association profession, and meaningful engagement in civic and community affairs.

Knight has served as CEO of IIANC since 2014 and has spent more than twenty-five years in association management. During his tenure, IIANC has experienced significant growth, doubling organizational revenue, expanding its team by more than sixty percent, and earning recognition as North Carolina's number one mid-sized employer in three of the past four years.

Under Knight's leadership, IIANC has become nationally recognized for its innovative approach to member value and industry advancement. Initiatives such as InsurAcademy, investments in artificial intelligence solutions, and the launch of 101 Weston Labs, the first insurtech accelerator dedicated to the independent agency channel, have positioned the organization as a leader in helping insurance agencies adapt and thrive amid rapid technological change.

Knight has also maintained a strong commitment to the broader association profession. He previously served as Chair of the Georgia Society of Association Executives, served on the AENC Board of Directors, regularly contributes to AENC educational programming, facilitates CEO roundtables, and actively encourages professional engagement among IIANC staff.

Beyond the association community, Knight has championed efforts supporting public safety, education, workforce development, and disaster recovery initiatives throughout North Carolina.

"It is truly an honor to receive recognition from peers within the association community," Knight said. "Associations exist to create meaningful value for their members, and this recognition is really a reflection of the incredible team at IIANC, the engagement of our volunteer leaders, and a membership that continually challenges us to innovate, improve, and think differently about what an association can and should be."

IIANC Board Chair, Don Stroud, praised Knight's leadership and impact.

"Aubie has helped transform IIANC into an organization that is widely viewed as a model for innovation, culture, and member engagement," said Stroud. "This recognition by AENC reflects not only his vision, but also his unwavering commitment to ensuring that independent insurance agencies in North Carolina have the tools, resources, and strategic support they need to prosper in an increasingly complex environment."

The James M. Lowry Award will be presented during the Association Executives of North Carolina Annual Meeting on July 28, 2026.

About IIANC

The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (“IIANC”) is dedicated to empowering its nearly 1,000 Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency members across the state by providing the tools, resources, and solutions they need to succeed in today's insurance industry. As an unrelenting advocate and strategic business partner, IIANC represents agencies that offer clients a wider range of auto, home, business, life, and health coverages while delivering valuable guidance and advocacy. IIANC leads independent agencies toward a prosperous future by driving change, fostering innovation, and delivering cutting-edge solutions. For more information, visit www.iianc.com.