ROCKY MOUNT — A state association recently recognized a Rocky Mount man as its top insurance agent under 40. 

Thomas Rhodes of the John Hackney Agency is the Young Agent of the Year, according to the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina.

The award is given annually to an agent under 40 who has exemplified excellence as an insurance professional and who has made a significant impact on the future viability of the insurance industry as a whole through promotion and support.

Rhodes joined the Rocky Mount insurance agency as a producer in 2014. He’s now a broker and co-owner at the agency, located at 950 Country Club Road in Rocky Mount.

After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2010, Rhodes worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance as a commercial casualty claims specialist in Charlotte for four years before joining the John Hackney team.

Rhodes served on the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee. He has served on the IIANC Young Agents Committee since 2014 and is a board member of the CPCU Society’s Eastern North Carolina Chapter.

Rhodes’ agency provides insurance and risk management solutions to individuals and businesses, including personal insurance, commercial insurance, employee benefits and surety bonding.

The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina bills itself as the premier trade organization for independent insurance agents in the state.