After a six-month national search, Project CAP has named Charles “Chip” Bacciocco as its new chief executive officer. A 22-year veteran of both the insurance industry and Internet innovation, Bacciocco brings a wealth of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the organization.

“Our objective was to find an individual with deep roots in our industry and a clear and forward-looking vision of how digital marketing can transform our business,” said Bob Rusbuldt, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), which founded Project CAP and invested operating capital with six key insurance companies. “He has impressive experience and accomplishments. We are excited that he has agreed to take on the CEO role.”

Since founding Nickel River Partners in 2010, Bacciocco has led development and advancement of the firm’s ActSocial Web solution for insurance agents and brokers. Nickel River’s next-generation social web technology platform replaces the traditional agency website with a custom-branded, interactive community-centric destination where clients, prospects, and employees can develop relationships, share ideas, and solve problems.

Prior to his launch of Nickel River Partners, Bacciocco served as chief operating officer of the Aon Private Risk Management (APRM) and Agency Specialty Product Network (ASPN) subsidiaries of Aon Corporation, and also held senior executive positions with such industry leaders as Zywave, Inc. and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he began his career as a retail commercial insurance broker with Rollins Burdick Hunter in Chicago in 1988.

“This is an exciting opportunity, and I am pleased to have Chip with us,” said Tom Minkler, a Project CAP board member and the chairman-elect of the IIABA. “Chip’s skill set mix was incredibly difficult to find. He has great vision and a balanced approach, which will serve us well in leading the ‘industry cause’ to regain market share for independent agency system.”

“This is the year of realization for Project CAP. In 2013, we will launch the consumer portal and expand Project CAP’s offerings into new areas of digital marketing to help independent agents find new and creative ways to market and grow their businesses in an increasingly digital world,” said Bacciocco. “I am proud to be a part of the Project CAP team.”