J. Smith Lanier & Co., one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States, is honored to announce executive promotions awarded at the company's annual conference held on January 23, 2015.

In Murfreesboro, a promotion for Vice President was awarded to Chip Hoover.

Born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Chip is a 10th generation Rutherford County native. Chip is a graduate of Oakland High School and received his Bachelors of Arts from Middle Tennessee State University in 2002.

Chip began his insurance career as an Account Executive with Martin & Zerfoss, Inc. In 2005, Chip formed AGA/Hoover, LLC, a commercial insurance brokerage firm in Murfreesboro. In 2008, AGA/Hoover was acquired by J. Smith Lanier & Co., Inc. As one of the oldest insurance brokerage firms in the United States, J. Smith Lanier & Co. leads the industry through unparalleled specialization in the management of business, alternative risk, employee benefits, and personal insurance needs.

Chip is active in the community where he and his wife, Aimee, serve as the 2015 Rutherford Heart Ball Co- Chairs. He is a graduate of the Leadership Middle Tennessee Class of 2014 and past Board Chair for Main Street Murfreesboro/Rutherford County. Chip and his family are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

All promotions were awarded based on achieving established sales goals in 2014, their expertise in the industry, overall performance, and leadership.

J. Smith Lanier & Co., headquartered in West Point, Georgia, is an employee-owned company that was founded in 1868 and has become one of the largest privately owned insurance brokers in the United States. Since 1868, the company has grown from a three-employee local agency to a major regional firm employing over 530 employees in eight divisions and 18 branch offices. J. Smith Lanier & Co. offers commercial and personal lines insurance, employee benefits, surety, and risk control.