We’re thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of Mikel Taft to Chief Business Development Officer and Courtney Barber to Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.
Since the inception of Independent Group, Courtney and Mikel have been the driving force behind sales and business development, shaping our collective growth, and strengthening our commitment to serving injury victims and their attorneys.
With over 15 years of experience in structured settlements, life insurance, and financial services, Mikel has been instrumental in driving innovation, growth, and industry partnerships. Since Independent Life’s founding in 2018, Mikel has played a key role in its expansion, holding leadership positions across its affiliates and subsidiaries, including Delta Settlements and Life Care Analytics. Over his tenure, he has overseen the placement of more than $2 billion in structured settlement production and helped thousands of injury victims begin their journey post-litigation.
Courtney has extensive experience developing business and raising capital for financial firms, and has been responsible for Independent Life’s direct and indirect sales growth since 2020, as well as developing strategic partnerships with trial attorneys throughout the United States. Courtney is the creator, producer and host of the hit trial lawyer and high performer podcast, “Settlement Nation”, and has been recognized as an innovative media personality throughout her career, featured on CNN, ESPN2 and The National Law Review.
Mikel & Courtney’s leadership, performance, and vision in their respective roles have been key to the company’s ongoing success, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come in 2025.
