Joel T. Kopperud serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. In this role, Kopperud leads the industry’s advocacy campaigns across federal and state arenas representing the commercial insurance brokerage industry. Kopperud oversees a talented team engaging with Members of Congress, Administration officials and state regulators as they craft policy on issues that impact employer-sponsored benefits, property/casualty regulation, and natural catastrophe programs. Recent legislative successes include achieving preferential tax treatment in both the original Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and its subsequent extension, as well as securing provisions to stabilize the group health insurance markets and strengthen ERISA protections. Joel’s team has complemented federal wins with state-level advocacy—championing implementation standards, defending preemption where appropriate, and partnering with commissioners and legislative leaders to ensure federal reforms operate as intended on the ground.
These outcomes reflect Joel’s hallmark approach: meticulous policy craftsmanship paired with disciplined, relationship-based lobbying. His accomplishments are often the result of steering multi-year efforts that blend grasstops engagement, bipartisan outreach, political support and data-driven messaging—often coordinating national trade allies, state partners, and client executives. He is as comfortable briefing committee staff on statutory language as he is negotiating directly with United States Senators. Colleagues point to his ability to anticipate political risk, build durable coalitions, and keep complex campaigns on schedule.
Joel’s 25 years of advocacy experience also extends internationally. He regularly works with counterparts around the globe to ensure pragmatic and sound policy deliberations at international policy-setting bodies like the OECD and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, while leading deliberations at the World Federation of Insurance Intermediaries. The proficiency is embodied in his passion for the advocacy industry at-large and its critical role in business, economic development, and democracy.
Beyond the Capitol, Joel invests in professional and civic networks that amplify his passion for advocacy. He is a member of the exclusive Ned social club, serves on the board of the LGBTQ+ political organization Victory Fund, is an active member of Foundry Methodist Church, and is a former member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. A fitness and travel enthusiast, he brings the same energy and curiosity to the trail and the tarmac that he brings to the policy arena—always building connections, exploring new perspectives, and elevating the communities he serves.