Gus A. Hoyas – President & CEO | Gus A. Hoyas and Associates (GAHA)
Gus A. Hoyas is a respected business leader, insurance executive, and community advocate serving as President and CEO of Gus A. Hoyas and Associates (GAHA), a premier insurance agency based in Twinsburg, Ohio. With a distinguished career spanning major national carriers and high-impact community leadership roles, Mr. Hoyas is recognized for his strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to empowering diverse communities across Ohio.
Before acquiring GAHA, Mr. Hoyas held the position of State Sales Director for Nationwide Insurance’s Ohio and West Virginia Region, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. In this pivotal role, he drove the region’s strategic growth initiatives, including agency distribution expansion and market penetration. He led corporate policy implementation, managed systems administration and business development teams, and oversaw agency performance reviews for a region responsible for more than $400 million in Property and Casualty business.
His leadership also strengthened diversity within sales management through the adoption of progressive corporate practices, helping shape a more inclusive agency force.
Prior to becoming a State Sales Director, Mr. Hoyas served as a State Operations Consultant for Nationwide’s Regional Vice President’s Office, where he delivered a 120% increase in agency initiatives and consistently elevated net revenues throughout the Ohio–West Virginia market. His results-driven approach and ability to motivate high-performing teams solidified his reputation as a transformative leader.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Hoyas held several senior sales management roles with Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook, Illinois. Within the Urban Affairs Department and the Hispanic Business Unit, he directed key communication and outreach strategies—spanning diversity marketing, media relations, sponsorships, procurement initiatives, and minority recruitment. He played a national leadership role in integrating and guiding Allstate’s Hispanic Business Team, boosting sales performance and strengthening the company’s presence within the Hispanic insurance market.
Mr. Hoyas earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Foreign Affairs and a minor in Biology from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
Leadership, Recognition & Community Impact
- Co-Founder, The Hispanic Construction Council, Washington, D.C.
- Current Board President, Spanish American Committee
- Top 10 Ranking, Nationwide Insurance Commercial Midwest Region
- Current President, Hispanic Contractors Association of Northeast Ohio
- Former Board Director, Economic Development Committee – Hispanic Roundtable of Cleveland
- Former President, Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
- Former President, Hispanic Business Association
A passionate advocate for economic opportunity, Mr. Hoyas has dedicated his career to elevating Hispanic businesses and developing future leaders. He co-founded the Latino Construction Program, which has successfully placed more than 170 students into union trade careers—many now earning between $20 and $45 per hour. His work in diversity, equity, and inclusion has made him a sought-after voice on local roundtables and community forums.
Driven, community-minded, and committed to advancing meaningful change, Mr. Hoyas continues to champion Hispanic business initiatives across the state of Ohio, using his platform to build economic strength, expand opportunities, and uplift the communities he proudly serves.