Walter Bond is a former NBA professional who has successfully transitioned into a Hall of Fame motivational speaker and business accelerator. Starting his journey in the competitive world of professional basketball, he learned the value of mindset, support, and discipline. Walter is known for his Shark Mindset Selling training, which helps people become top performers in their respective fields. With a heart for mentoring and a belief in the power of support, he advises corporate leaders and coaches them toward radical growth, sustained culture, and business transformation.

NAIFA invites members to consider putting their name forward as a nominee to serve on the Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council or the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee. Details for each are below. If selected, you will be tasked with leveraging your expertise to provide critical input on the important role financial advisors and insurance producers play in securing Americans’ futures. 
 
Interested members should submit their names and contact information to governmentrelations@naifa.org. Please include your occupation/position, political party affiliation, telephone number, address and email address to be considered. Please also note if you prefer to be considered for the ERISA Advisory Council or the Insurance Policy Advisory Committee. NAIFA’s Executive Committee will then review all submissions and select the Association’s nominees.  
 

Thomas Drapala, RSSA, is Director of Strategic Partnerships, Registered Social Security Analysts, and a passionate advisor and educator with deep expertise in Social Security. He is also a keynote speaker at NAIFA's Apex, September 19-21, at the Arizona Biltmore.

NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated John Wheeler, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, LACP, CLTC, LUTCF, Executive Senior Partner at Totus Wealth Management LLC in Houston, Texas, to be the 2025 NAIFA Secretary. Wheeler, who currently serves on NAIFA’s National Government Relations and IFAPAC Committees, is a past NAIFA-National Trustee and Past President of NAIFA-Illinois. He has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1973. As incoming Secretary, Wheeler will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2026 and President in 2027.

David McKnight is a best-selling author, dynamic speaker, and expert in the field of tax mitigation in retirement planning. He is also a keynote speaker at NAIFA's Apex and National Leadership Conference, September 19-21 at the Arizona Biltmore. 

Over the past 23 years McKnight has helped put thousands of Americans on the road to the zero percent tax bracket. He has made frequent appearances in Forbes, USA Today, New York Times, Fox Business, CBS Radio, Bloomberg Radio, Huffington Post, Reuters, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq.com, Investor’s Business Daily, Kiplinger’s, MarketWatch and numerous other national publications. 

Greg Etchison is an experienced professional in the Medicare supplement business. With a career spanning over 25 years in the healthcare industry, he also has extensive experience across major carriers. Greg is passionate about educating people about healthcare options and optimizing coverage for seniors. He is a leading voice in Medicare supplement education, guiding individuals through the complexities of healthcare.

Scott Wilson is a seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in the Medicare supplement business. He has extensive knowledge in all aspects of the business, from product strategy to compliance. With a focus on product development and operations, Scott has also overseen aspects of financial management, including profit and loss responsibilities. His comprehensive background enables him to offer holistic insight into the industry, ensuring a thorough understanding of the intricacies of Medicare for anyone seeking guidance.

NAIFA's Financial Security Advocate Academy is a fun and informative program available to NAIFA members at no cost. It provides insights and training that will financial professionals great political advocates on behalf of their businesses and clients. Decisions made in Washington, D.C., and state capitals can do as much as poor planning to derail consumers' finances. Financial professionals simply are not providing comprehensive services for their clients if they are not politically aware and involved.

Join your friends and colleagues at the Arizona Biltmore, September 19-21, for NAIFA's combined signature events, Apex and the National Leadership Conference. You can see who will be there on our Apex Who's Coming? page. Add your name to the list by registering today!

NAIFA is proud to announce that John M. Ruckel, LUTCF, a Financial Professional with MassMutual and owner of Ruckel Insurance and Financial Group in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the 2024 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.

Join us for a deep dive webinar on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Eastern. Two Humana experts, with nearly 45 years of combined experience, will delve into the benefits and opportunities of Medicare Supplement products.