ALPHARETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 10, 2025--
Oakbridge Insurance, one of the Southeast’s largest privately owned insurance agencies announces the appointment of John Ledyard as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Ledyard brings to Oakbridge a proven record of delivering exceptional results. He effectively combines agency expertise with a passion for operational excellence, bringing energy and innovation to Oakbridge.
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As COO, Ledyard will focus on optimizing organizational structure, enhancing client services, and supporting Oakbridge’s continued rapid growth.
“John’s deep industry expertise and operational leadership complement the strengths of our team and align perfectly with Oakbridge’s strategic vision and values,” said Robbie Smith, President and CEO of Oakbridge Insurance. “As we continue to expand our business through both organic and inorganic growth, his leadership will ensure we deliver exceptional value to our clients and insurance carrier partners. We are thrilled to have him on board.”
Since its founding in December of 2020, Oakbridge has grown significantly, completing more than 40 acquisitions across the Southeast. With its unique integrated operating model, Oakbridge continues to redefine the insurance landscape, delivering comprehensive solutions to clients in industries such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, hospitality, municipalities, and transportation, and a complete suite of employee benefits solutions.
Ledyard, a graduate of the University of North Texas, reflects Oakbridge’s strategy of partnering with industry-leading people that support its expansion goals. “I’m honored to join Oakbridge during this exciting phase of its growth,” said Ledyard. “The company’s commitment to collaboration and operational excellence mirror my own values, and I look forward to working alongside the Oakbridge team to build on its strong foundation for continued growth.”
About Oakbridge
Oakbridge Insurance is one of the largest privately-owned agencies specializing in insurance, risk management, and employee benefits. Committed to an innovative partnership strategy, Oakbridge offers firms accelerated growth, access to capital, and an expanded suite of resources to better serve their clients. With deep expertise across industries including agriculture, construction, healthcare, hospitality, municipalities, and transportation, Oakbridge is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Learn more at oakbridgeinsurance.com.
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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox traded veteran outfielder Derek Hill to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in a swap between contending teams.
The White Sox also sent $250,000 in international bonus pool money to the Phillies for minor league outfielder Dylan Campbell and minor league infielder José Colmenares.
The 30-year-old Hill is batting .213 with four homers, eight RBIs and seven steals in 50 games this season. He was claimed off waivers by the White Sox in September.
Chicago also acquired outfielder Nolan Jones and cash from Cleveland for $250,000 in international bonus pool money. The 28-year-old Jones will report to Triple-A Charlotte.
Philadelphia added to its outfield depth after Adolis García departed Wednesday night's 7-4 victory at Toronto because of a pulled muscle in his right shoulder. García was expected to get some imaging on Thursday.
The Phillies are 28-12 since Don Mattingly took over as interim manager after Rob Thomson was fired in April. They had an off day before beginning a weekend series at NL Central-leading Milwaukee on Friday night.
To make room on Philadelphia's 40-man roster, right-hander Jackson Rutledge was designated for assignment.
Chicago had won four of six going into Thursday night's game against Atlanta. After dropping at least 101 games in each of the previous three years, the White Sox began the day on top of the AL Central with a 36-31 record.
White Sox manager Will Venable praised Hill for his contribution to the team on and off the field.
“Really just a situation where we were in a little bit of a roster crunch there,” Venable said. “It speaks to D. Hill and his performance and who he is that there was a lot of interest in him and it also speaks to where our club is at that we are able to or really needed to push a really good player off our roster.”
Chicago also activated outfielder Everson Pereira from the 10-day injured list before its series finale against Atlanta. The 25-year-old Pereira had been sidelined by a right pectoral strain.
“It took a little more time than I was expecting to, but I feel very good right now,” Pereira said through a translator. "I don’t think I have to be concerned about it throughout the season.”
Pereira was in the starting lineup against the Braves, batting fifth and playing center field. Shortstop Colson Montgomery also returned to the lineup after missing two games because of back soreness.
“He’s going to have to manage it his whole career,” Venable said of Montgomery. “With backs, it’s something he’s dealt with in the past. Something he’ll deal with in the future. I don’t think to the degree you are concerned other than the daily maintenance you have to do to keep your body functioning properly.”
Jones had a big year for Colorado in 2023, batting .297 with 20 homers, 62 RBIs and 20 steals in 106 games. But he struggled for much of the past two seasons, hitting a career-low .211 with five homers in 136 games with the Guardians in 2025.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
Chicago White Sox's Derek Hill hits a one-run single against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in a baseball game, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
