Thomas Matthew Braniff: 1945 - 2021

Thomas Matthew Braniff, CPCU, passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas

on February 12, 2021, at the age of 75. A dear friend to countless Texas insurance agents, Tom will be remembered for his vast insurance expertise and steadfast advocacy for the industry.

Tom was the president and owner of Texas Insurance Consulting, an insurance and risk management consulting firm that provides regulatory and technical assistance, primarily to insurance agents and insurance companies. He represented numerous clients in connection with acquisitions, sales and mergers of insurance entities.

Prior to founding Texas Insurance Consulting, Tom was a major stockholder and Executive Vice-President and General Counsel of Braniff & Braniff Insurance, a large regional Insurance Agent/Broker, which provided property, casualty, life and employee benefits coverages, as well as risk management advice. The firm merged with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to form Gallagher-Braniff, Inc.

Tom was an active member of the IIAT community for over 35 years. He was a regular at IIAT conferences and events, participating and volunteering his time and talents. Besides being a staple speaker at IIAT’s Joe Vincent Management Conference, Tom developed sample contracts that IIAT and agency leaders have used for years. The Texas insurance industry always counted on Tom for his guidance and legal expertise as agents made critical business decisions. Tom and his wife, Wendy, have always been avid supporters of ICT’s Education Foundation which directs member contributions to university insurance programs throughout Texas and promotes student and graduate careers in the P&C insurance industry.

With his interest in advocacy, Tom played an instrumental role in setting up and chairing IIAH’s Legislative Committee and was very involved in IMPACT in Houston. He also served as a Past President of IIAH. In 2007, IIAT recognized Tom with the Paige Eiland Political Action Award. This premier award recognizes the person whose political involvement has greatly benefited independent insurance agents. The award is named for Paige Eiland of Stanton, TX, a longtime member who worked tirelessly on behalf of agents in both state and federal political arenas.

Tom will be missed dearly as a friend and colleague.

In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial gifts in Tom’s name be made to Texas Insurance Education Foundation, 8980 Lakes at 610 Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054.

Read Tom’s obituary published in the Houston Chronicle.