The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is thrilled to announce that Kathleen Owings has been named the 2024 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. This award celebrates outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within the financial advisory industry, recognizing individuals who exemplify the highest standards of excellence.

Kathleen Owings, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2000, began her career as an active-duty officer in the Army Corps of Engineers, earning the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone. She served at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; and overseas on multiple tours of duty.

Kathleen began her career in the financial services industry in 2007 and is one of the owners of Westbilt Financial Group in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She truly believes that being a financial advisor is her calling, not just a job. Kathleen is also the author of Put Your Money to Work: A Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence, empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

Kathleen has also served in many leadership roles with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, including past president of NAIFA-Colorado. She is a graduate of NAIFA's Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) program. Additionally, Kathleen actively participates in her local Pikes Peak community, serving on the Pikes Peak Library District Board and supporting other charitable causes.

“Kathleen Owings sets a remarkable example for young advisors across the nation,” said National President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. “Her leadership and commitment to advancing the goals of NAIFA have made her both a respected and successful advisor, and an industry leader. She has given her time and talents to enhance the quality of membership and promote financial security for all.”

Kathleen is the daughter of Robert Quinlan, LUTCF, MBA, a loyal NAIFA member since 1991, who resides in New York. Robert and Kathleen's mother, Alice, will be in attendance at the 2024 Apex/National Leadership Conference, to be held September 19-21, 2024, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona to applaud their daughter for achieving this national recognition from NAIFA.