Higginbotham has partnered with Monarch Solutions Inc. to expand specialized insurance strategies supporting high-net-worth clients, including estate liquidity and tax-efficient wealth transfer planning. Monarch founder Kevin Klaas will serve as managing director at Higginbotham’s Fort Worth headquarters, while Ann Marie Coyle continues leading field office operations.

Higginbotham has named Samuel Isaac Ritter, M.D., as medical director for employee benefits, a new clinical advisory role supporting the firm’s self-funded health plan consulting services. Based in the Dallas office, Ritter will provide client-facing clinical insight to help employers evaluate care pathways, population health trends and evidence-based treatment strategies.

Fort Worth Opera will celebrate the music, stories, and spirit of the American West with Cowboys & Culture, a multimedia concert presented Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Kimbell Art Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion. Featuring internationally acclaimed dramatic tenor Clifton Forbis alongside the company’s 2025–26 Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists, the event blends Western-themed operatic repertoire with projected artwork by contemporary Western painter Kevin Chupik, creating an immersive evening that reflects Fort Worth’s cultural heritage.

The Fort Worth Chamber has announced its 2026 Board of Directors, naming Mike Micallef, president of Reata Restaurant, as Chair during a pivotal year focused on member engagement, business advocacy, and long-term strategic planning. The new leadership slate reflects a broad cross-section of Fort Worth industries and comes as the Chamber prepares to support local employers amid workforce challenges and increased global attention tied to major events and conventions.

Higginbotham is introducing NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) Insurance — coverage options available through the firm to help college athletics programs and donor-supported NIL organizations manage the risk that comes with student athlete compensation commitments. College Football Hall of Fame coach and FOX Sports broadcaster Urban Meyer is advising Higginbotham as the firm builds on its sports and elite athlete experience to bring these specialized risk management solutions to the college athletics environment.

Higginbotham has joined forces with Charter Energy, an independent firm based in Atlanta, Ga., that provides specialty insurance placement and risk management strategies for a global portfolio of energy, heavy industry and private equity clients.

Higginbotham has teamed up with Synergy Insurance of Mishawaka, Ind., giving the firm its first footprint in the Hoosier State. The move strengthens support for Synergy’s commercial, employee benefits and personal lines clients and creates a shared platform for growth across a key Great Lakes corridor.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce will present findings from its employer skills gap survey during the “Build Your Fort Worth Workforce Summit” on Feb. 25 at Texas Wesleyan University. The half-day event will bring together business, education and industry leaders to discuss workforce readiness, soft skills development and long-term student outcomes shaping the regional talent pipeline.

Fort Worth Opera continues its 80th Anniversary Season with Philip Glass’s La Belle et la Bête at Ridglea Theater, Nov 21–22. A live chamber orchestra and singers synchronize with Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film. Pay What You Can tickets are available thanks to the Claytor Family Charitable Foundation.

Higginbotham has teamed up with Lubbock-based Stephens Insurance Services, strengthening benefits expertise and regional reach across West Texas and eastern New Mexico. The collaboration pairs trusted local leadership with added resources, including public sector capabilities, while preserving Stephens’ specialty focus and relationship-driven service.

The Fort Worth Chamber has named Nicholas Ditto, Founder and CEO of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, its 2025 Young Professional of the Year. Recognized for his leadership and commitment to education, Ditto received the award at the Young Professionals Summit, presented by YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth.

Higginbotham, one of the nation’s largest independent insurance brokerages, earned a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list at No. 3735 with 101% three-year growth.

Fort Worth Opera celebrates its 80th season with a one-night-only recital by international tenor Jonathan Tetelman on October 10 at TCU’s Van Cliburn Concert Hall. The evening continues with Dinner with the Stars, featuring performances from renowned guest artists and the company’s Resident Artists. Limited seating available.

Higginbotham has appointed Jennifer DeMello-Johnson as Vice President of New Partner Growth & Engagement, a new role focused on accelerating organic growth for new partners and top recruits.

Fort Worth Opera selected four emerging singers as its 2025–26 Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists, bringing performances and education programs across North Texas.

Energy Domain acquires Clerk Records and its AI-driven courthouse records platform from founder Jason Smith, integrating the technology into Energy Domain Data and expanding ClerkRecords.com.

Higginbotham names James Hoffman and Jill Webb as leaders for its Colorado Springs and Denver offices, driving growth in employee benefits, property and casualty, and culture-focused leadership.

Higginbotham teams up with Roehr Insurance, one of Cincinnati’s largest property and casualty agencies, expanding its Midwest presence with shared values, client-first service, and proven growth.

The Fort Worth Chamber honors Texas Health Resources with the 2025 Vandergriff Award, recognizing exceptional leadership, innovation, and community service.