Georgia Trend’s Georgia 500: Celebrating Leadership and Progress

Georgia Trend’s annual Georgia 500 honors the state’s most influential leaders who drive business and community progress. This recognition stands among Georgia’s most prestigious accolades, spotlighting individuals shaping the state’s business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Each year, Georgia Trend curates this list to celebrate visionaries whose leadership and impact fuel growth across the state. Being featured in the Georgia 500 reflects not only professional excellence but also meaningful contributions to Georgia’s success. We are proud to announce that our CEO, Jim Bailey, earned a place among this year’s honorees.

Why Jim Bailey Stands Out

Discover more about Jim Bailey’s leadership and why he ranks among Georgia’s most influential executives.

Jim Bailey’s career demonstrates business growth, cultural leadership, and a strong commitment to mentorship. As president of Pritchard and Jerden, he drove 500% growth before leading its 2021 merger into Sterling Seacrest Pritchard. Today, Bailey serves as CEO of one of the largest independent risk management and insurance brokerages in the U.S. He focuses on vision, strategy, revenue, and developing the next generation of leaders.

A Leadership Philosophy Built on Culture

Bailey champions continuous learning and treats leadership as an evolving responsibility. He explains, “Leadership is about developing yourself and others.” For Bailey, culture forms the foundation of long-term success. He emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and what he calls an “apprentice-type” business model. As he notes, “Your values drive your behavior. Behavior shapes your culture, and culture enhances your chances for success.”

Commitment Beyond Business

Bailey also contributes actively to civic and industry boards. He co-founded the Georgia chapter of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), which has granted more than $1.5 million to local nonprofits. In recognition of his efforts, IICF named him Insurance Person of the Year in 2022.

Originally Featured in Georgia Trend.