Rusty is a visionary leader with a relentless drive for innovation and excellence. Known for his strategic insights and natural ability to build strong relationships, he has earned a reputation as a transformative force in the insurance industry.

During his 30-plus years of leadership at Higginbotham, Rusty has spearheaded groundbreaking, people-focused initiatives that have significantly contributed to the firm’s impressive growth, expanded market presence, enhanced brand visibility, and thriving company culture. Under his leadership, Higginbotham has become a Top 20 independent brokerage firms in the U.S. and the largest in Texas.

From introducing the firm’s groundbreaking single-source service model, enabling clients to access a full spectrum of insurance and financial services in one place, to building a culture of generosity, where combined philanthropic efforts are making a sustained difference in our communities, to establishing Higginbotham’s employee ownership structure—an initiative that has aligned employees’ interests with the company’s success and continues to be a cornerstone of talent attraction and retention, Rusty’s leadership is nothing short of impressive.

 Rusty has earned widespread recognition for his leadership from his peers and the broader industry. He has been named a Most Admired CEO by the Dallas Business Journal and the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s 2024 Philanthropic Leader. He received the Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and was named a Top Private Executive by Fort Worth Business Press. Plus, Rusty was honored as CEO of the Year at the Business Insurance America Awards, named Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW Inc., and recognized as one of the 25 Most Innovative Agents in America by The National Alliance & The Rough Notes Company, Inc. These accolades complement Higginbotham’s consistent recognition as an employer of choice, a top place to work, and other awards year after year.

Rusty’s journey began in 1983 when he took his first role as an assistant to the principals at Ramey, King & Minnis Insurance Agency. Eager to expand his expertise, he transitioned to American General Fire & Casualty Company as a marketing manager, where he honed his strategic and leadership skills. In 1986, Rusty joined Higginbotham as its 12th employee, marking the start of a pivotal chapter that would shape his legacy as the architect of the company’s remarkable success.

Rusty graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s in Business Administration/Insurance. Outside the office, his greatest joy comes from spending time with his family. He and his wife, Molly, are proud parents to three children and doting grandparents to six grandchildren.

About the Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame 

The 55th Business Hall of Fame is made possible by the joint efforts of Texas Wesleyan University, the Fort Worth Report, and the Fort Worth Chamber to present the Business Executive of the Year. Last year's recipients were Mr. Billy Rosenthal, chairman of the Penrose Group, LLC, and Mrs. Rozanne Rosenthal, founder of the Greater Fort Worth Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The event supports the Thomas H. Law Scholarship endowment, which benefits business students at Texas Wesleyan.