Robert M. Nelson, CLU, LUTCF, FSS, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been selected as the 2026 John Newton Russell Memorial Award recipient. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry to a living individual who has rendered outstanding services to the institution of life insurance and will be presented to Nelson at NAIFA’s Belong Awards Celebration on November 9 in Las Vegas.

For Jerry L. Spivey, CLU, CFP, RICP, a career in financial services began with a chance encounter and a question that changed the course of his life.

A recruiter with New York Life had approached one of Jerry’s high school friends about a career opportunity. His friend politely declined, but the recruiter followed up with a simple question: “Well, do you know anyone else who might be interested?” That person turned out to be Jerry.

NAIFA was sad to learn of the passing on August 7 of NAIFA Past President Rice E. Brown III, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, of Canyon City, Colorado. Brown was a NAIFA member for 63 years and served as national President of the association (then known as NALU) for the 1982-1983 association year. Before and after his term in national office, he held multiple NAIFA leadership roles, including serving as the President of four separate local associations. He also was President of NAIFA-Kansas and Treasurer of NAIFA-Colorado.

Many NAIFA members demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities and excel at building relationships, furthering their education, and adhereing to high standards of ethics in their personal and professional lives. If this sounds like a NAIFA colleague of yours, we encourage you to nominate them for the Kenneth Black, Jr. Leadership Award. The Society of Financial Service Professionals (now NAIFA's FSP community) established the Kenneth Black, Jr. Leadership Award in 2005 to differentiate one outstanding member each year who epitomizes FSP’s core values of education, ethics, and relationships.

A great deal of the work we experience in our profession is about helping people manage risk, such as the hazards of life we all experience on a day-to-day basis. Whether crossing a street, being diagnosed with a catastrophic medical condition, or having an unexpected loss of income due to sickness or injury, there are all kinds of perils we face each day. These risks of life can also cause a great deal of anxiety for our clients when they impact or threaten their money and savings. For example, placing money in investments that are too risky or the fear of outliving one’s income can be quite unnerving. Then again, consider the word “life” itself; the two middle letters of this word illustrate the issue clearly.

Financial security doesn't happen by accident. It begins with access to trusted information, thoughtful planning, and professionals who are committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions at every stage of life.

Understanding what consumers expect from life insurance can help financial professionals create more meaningful conversations and better connect clients with solutions that meet their needs. The latest Insurance Barometer Study offers valuable insights into consumer attitudes toward life insurance, including the growing demand for education, customization and professional guidance.

NAIFA President-Elect John Wheeler, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, LUTCF, CLTC, LACP, CPFA, is a contributor in a recent issue of the CSA Journal, the publication of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. In the article, “Funding Solutions for the Longevity Economy—Financial Security for Longer Lives,” John shares why true financial planning goes far beyond investments or retirement income alone.

This article previously was published in InsuranceNewsNet.

The Foundation for Financial Service Professionals announced the recipients of 14 Paul S. Mills Scholarships. This annual program provides need-based scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a financial service-related field.  

Four Eileen J. Prus and Edmund O. Ciske Jr.-designated Paul S. Mills Scholarships for $3,000 were awarded to Luckson Chigarire of The College of St. Scholastica, Kemoni Dunn of Florida A&M University, Tyler Kleinsasser of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and Brooklynn Robinson of Husson University. This special scholarship designation was established in 2025 through a generous gift from the estate of Eileen Prus, a dedicated, long-time member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals. Her enduring legacy will support the highest-scoring applicants each year.