Vanguard Claims Acquires Gibson & Associates Professional Claims Management

Vanguard Claims brings a seasoned multi-line liability team in Springfield, Missouri, onto Vanguard's national platform

WOODBURY, N.J., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Claims Administration, LLC ("Vanguard") has acquired the business of Gibson & Associates Professional Claims Management, Inc. ("Gibson"), a Springfield, Missouri-based third-party administrator with a 25-year history in the Lloyd's and domestic markets. The transaction closed on Oct. 30, 2026.

Gibson has built a strong reputation handling multi-line liability claims, and its experienced team will now work within Vanguard's national platform. Clients will continue to receive the same personal, responsive service both companies are known for, while gaining the added resources of a larger organization with deep domestic and London Market relationships.

Benjamin A. "BJ" Joplin, an attorney and Gibson's principal, is joining Vanguard as Senior Vice President, TPA Division, where he will lead the third-party administration general liability team. All Gibson employees are joining Vanguard.

The combination strengthens Vanguard's capabilities across general liability, professional liability, auto liability, REO, investor-owned property, outdoor activity liability, and construction defect claims. Financial terms were not disclosed.

McGuireWoods LLP served as legal counsel to Vanguard. Spencer Fane LLP served as legal counsel to Gibson.

"BJ and the Gibson team have earned a strong reputation for the way they take care of their clients and their people," said Brian Gilliam, President and CEO of Vanguard Claims. "We're excited to welcome them. Their experience in multi-line liability strengthens what we can offer, and our clients will benefit from the combination of Gibson's expertise and Vanguard's national platform."

"Gibson and Vanguard are family-led companies that have always put people first," said Robert Gilliam, Chairman of Vanguard Claims. "We were drawn to Gibson because we recognized the foundation of their success matches our own: investing in strong, long-term relationships, anchored by personal accountability and dedicated support for both clients and employees. BJ and his team bring deep claims expertise, and we are glad to give them the resources of a national platform to innovate and expand the excellent care they already provide their clients. Every claim counts, and that does not change."

"This is the right next step for our people and our clients," said BJ Joplin, Senior Vice President, TPA Division. "Our clients will keep working with the same adjusters they already know and trust. They'll also have the support of a national firm with strong London Market relationships and the tools to grow with them."

For a transition period, Gibson will continue to operate under the Gibson & Associates name while client agreements are moved over to Vanguard. Clients will keep their current claim contacts, reporting, and service standards. Vanguard will reach out to each client directly about any changes.

About Vanguard Claims
Founded in 1997, Vanguard Claims Administration, LLC is a family-owned national claims solutions provider headquartered in Woodbury, New Jersey. The company handles daily and catastrophe field adjusting, full third-party administration, and subrogation recovery across all 50 states. Roughly 60% of its work is commercial property, along with residential, coastal, and transportation exposures. Vanguard manages close to 100 Lloyd's of London programs. Learn more at www.vanguardclaims.com.

About Gibson & Associates
Based in Springfield, Missouri, Gibson & Associates Professional Claims Management, Inc. is a multi-line liability third-party administrator with a 25-year history in the Lloyd's and domestic markets. Its lines include general liability, professional liability, auto liability, REO, investor-owned property, outdoor activity liability, and construction defect. More about Gibson at www.gibsonpcm.com.

Media Contact
Sarah Lively, Vice President, Growth & Innovation
678-642-3226 | [email protected]

SOURCE Vanguard Claims