GILROY KERNAN & GILROY ACQUIRES THE BURNS AGENCY
August 25, 2023
Sets Up Future with Succession to a 4th Generation Agency
(April 10, 2024) New Hartford, NY – Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy (GKG), one of Central New York’s oldest and largest independent insurance agencies, is commemorating its 120th anniversary. Additionally, GKG is unveiling leadership transitions that position the company for the future as a fourth-generation business.
GKG traces its roots to 1904 when E.F. & J. S. Kernan was founded in Utica, NY. In 1990, GKG was formed when E.F. & J.S. Kernan and Gilroy Insurance merged. Today GKG helps clients across the United States manage risk in Property and Casualty Insurance, Employee Benefits, Retirement, and Personal Insurance. GKG continues to grow as a result of client support, organic growth, and acquisitions, most recently with The Burns Agency in 2023.
Lawrence T. Gilroy III (Larry) was the 3rd generation to join the company in 1985 and he has served as president since. Effective immediately, he will move to the role of Chief Executive Officer, passing the role of President to his son, Lawrence T. Gilroy IV (Tom) and promoting Megan Gymburch to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
“We are proud to be part of a 120-year legacy and, personally, I am thrilled to know we have the leadership in place to continue creating success for our team, clients, and community,” said Larry Gilroy. “Tom, Megan, and all our dedicated team members at GKG are the most important component of the organization and the reason we are able to celebrate this anniversary. We believe in investing in people; in turn, our team invests in our clients, our community, and builds our future.”
Tom Gilroy joined the company in 2019 after a successful career in finance with BNY Mellon and HSBC, where he served as a Vice President of Global Banking. Joining GKG as a Strategic Business Advisor, he has served as a member of the Leadership Team, focused on national new business growth, supporting clients through Mergers and Acquisition strategy, and driving technology transformation across the agency. He graduated from the University of Rochester, holds the Certified Insurance Counselor designation, and is licensed in Life, Health, and Property & Casualty Insurances.
“It has been an honor to return home and represent the 4th generation at GKG,” said Tom Gilroy, president. “I consider myself lucky to be part of an incredible team that protects others not only locally but nationally and across the globe. As I transition into this new role, my focus remains on growth, innovation, and our culture.”
Megan Gymburch started her career at GKG after interning with the company while earning her B.A. at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. She began as Brand Manager and has been promoted into roles of increasing responsibility including Chief of Staff, Manager of the Employee Benefits Division, and Integrator on GKG’s Leadership Team. Megan holds the Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) certification and licenses in Life, Health, and Property & Casualty Insurances.
“GKG’s continued success has created many opportunities for me to grow professionally with the company over the past decade,” said Megan Gymburch, COO. “It’s a great honor to step into this new position as we look to the future for our team members, our clients, and our community.”
Nearly 20% of GKG’s current team came up through the company’s long-standing internship program. More recently, the program has evolved to include entry-level Associate positions that give candidates broad exposure to all areas of the business while expediting their technical knowledge around risk and insurance. The program has helped GKG attract a diverse range of young professionals into the industry. 10 associates have been hired into this program since 2022.
Along with these leadership transitions, GKG will continue to celebrate their 120th Anniversary with 12 months of community impact. Throughout the year GKG team members will work together to impact areas of their community.
For more information and to learn more about GKG, job opportunities, or how the company is celebrating this milestone, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.gkgrisk.com