Gallagher’s Jodi Sharman was crowned broker of the year for Victoria/Tasmania at a gala lunch in Melbourne attended by 540 professionals today.

Lockton account manager Alyssa Sanfilippo won the states’ young broker of the year honour.

The Melbourne duo now compete for national awards, to be revealed at the National Insurance Brokers Association Convention in October.

They will be up against WA winners Brooke Tarr from KBI and Isabella Moran from Howden, plus four Aon brokers: Queensland winners Alison Morrissey and Emily Booth, and NSW/ACT winners Debbie Gibson and Laith Parissi. Winners from SA/NT will be announced next week, rounding out the 10 regional contenders this year.

Ms Sharman, who is Gallagher’s national business development manager for corporate, was shortlisted alongside Kunal Monga of Arcuri & Associates and Lois Walters of Stone Lane Broking & Risk Advisory.

“This award recognises those who make a real difference to people, businesses and communities and weʼre proud to acknowledge Jodiʼs impact,” award sponsor CGU said.

The other young broker finalists for Victoria/Tasmania were Lockton’s Ashleigh Woodman and Jessica Cudia of Simplex Insurance Solutions.

Ms Sanfilippo has built an impressive career with a focus on client advocacy, award sponsor Vero says. “She brings energy, professionalism and a clear sense of purpose to her work and weʼre proud to continue backing exceptional brokers like her.”

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin congratulated all this year’s contenders.

“The standard was exceptionally high. I want to recognise every finalist for the dedication they continue to bring to this profession,” he said.