As Chief Operating Officer of Roach Howard Smith & Barton (RHSB), Julia Miller Spracklen brings a wealth of expertise to the insurance sector. With a Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and a career spanning claims, liability, and fiduciary matters, she has built a reputation as a trusted leader in risk management. Her background in Employment Practices Liability, Surety, Bad Faith claims, and fiduciary coverage reflects her deep technical knowledge and dedication to client-focused solutions.
An Interview with Julia Miller Spracklen — CEO Affairs
Q: How would you describe yourself personally and professionally?
Outside of work, my husband and I are committed to giving back to our community. Over the years, we’ve been involved in various initiatives—from leading food and toy drives for underserved families to participating in youth ministry programs and creating employment opportunities for the homeless. Family is central to my life, and I enjoy spending time with my two children and two grandchildren. We live in Grand Prairie, where our four rescue dogs keep our home full of energy.
Q: Can you share your career background prior to joining RHSB?
I entered the U.S. Army right out of high school, and after my service, I pursued my law degree at Baylor, graduating in 1999. I began in private legal practice before relocating to Dallas, where I transitioned into insurance. My career at Travelers Insurance began as Senior Claims Counsel, eventually leading to a supervisory role overseeing management liability files for the Southern, Midwest, and Southern California regions. In 2015, I moved to the independent agency side of the business and joined RHSB, where I could combine my legal and insurance expertise in a client-focused environment.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the history of RHSB?
RHSB has deep roots in Texas insurance. The Dallas office traces back to 1955 when founder Richard Roach began selling policies, later partnering with Leroy Howard, Max Smith, and Archie Hunter. In 1972, the firm became Roach Howard Smith & Hunter. Meanwhile, in Fort Worth, L.T. Barton Insurance—founded in 1945—earned a reputation for its client-first approach. These two highly respected firms merged in 1998, officially becoming Roach Howard Smith & Barton, Inc. in 2006. Today, RHSB remains committed to the same client-centric values that built its reputation.
Q: What do you credit for your professional success, and what values guide you?
Strong leadership begins with genuine concern for the people you lead. I believe it’s essential to understand team members’ goals, support their growth, and give them the tools they need to thrive. I also think transparency is key—employees should know the “why” behind every process or decision, and how their contributions impact the larger organization. At RHSB, our servant leadership approach and open communication are major contributors to both our culture and our success.
Q: What services does RHSB offer, and how does the firm differentiate itself in the market?
RHSB is a full-service independent insurance agency specializing in commercial insurance, personal lines, and employee benefits. Our approach is consultative—we focus on understanding our clients’ unique risks and crafting tailored solutions.
What sets us apart is our emphasis on relationships and service. Many of our client partnerships have lasted decades because we prioritize long-term trust over short-term transactions. RHSB’s success is also supported by our affiliation as the North Texas area’s only Assurex Global partner, which gives us access to worldwide resources while maintaining the personalized service of an independent agency.
Q: What role does company culture play in your success?
Our culture is built around five core values: engagement, teamwork, solution-oriented thinking, forward-looking strategies, and trust. Every employee, at every level, is expected to embody these principles. When our culture is strong, customer service naturally follows.
Q: What are your responsibilities as COO, and what part of your role do you enjoy most?
As COO, I lead the Risk Services department, work closely with department heads, and oversee our operational strategies. My responsibilities range from budgeting and process development to data reporting and supporting company-wide initiatives.
No two days look alike. One day I might be in a Board of Directors meeting, another day I could be resolving a complex claims matter or addressing IT challenges. The best part of my job is when I can directly impact a positive outcome—whether for a client or an employee. Problem-solving is at the heart of insurance, and seeing those solutions make a difference is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What advice would you give someone stepping into leadership for the first time?
The foundation of leadership is trust. Your team must believe you have their best interests at heart, and they need to know you’re invested in both the success of the company and their personal growth. Listening is just as important as leading—sometimes more so. I’ve found that talking less and truly hearing the perspectives of employees and clients is the most valuable leadership tool you can have.
RHSB’s success is built on integrity, service, and vision. I’m proud to be part of a firm with such strong values, and I look forward to contributing to our future growth.
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