The NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan has taken shape over the past few months, the result of a planning process that began last summer. The plan is in its last review stage and the final version will be released later this month, with implementation beginning immediately.

NAIFA has partnered with six other trade groups in the insurance and financial services space to provide content for the Help Protect Our Families program. The program is designed to help insurance carriers and distribution partners understand the increased need for life insurance products by American families, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) was sad to learn that Jack E. Bobo, CLU, FLMI, passed away on January 15, 2021, in Phoenix. Bobo was a legendary producer and leader in the life insurance industry who contributed the wealth of his talents and hard work to foster NAIFA’s success over several decades of his service.

NAIFA is an official participating organization in America Saves Week, which will be February 22-26, 2021. Other participants include associations and financial companies and agencies from around the country.

Do you have a client success story that stands out above the rest? Have you and the products and services you provide made a dramatic difference in the life of a family or success of a business in a time of great financial need or uncertainty?

Carol Rappaport, CLU^®, ChFC^®, CLTC, is a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual and a loyal NAIFA member since 1983.

Carol began working in the clothing sales business at an early age. She enjoyed providing a customized service for her clients and helping them select items based on their style preferences. Her clients and friends recognized her talents and recommended that she consider outside sales opportunities, and more specifically, financial services. Initially, Carol thought, “I am more of a creative type of person, not a math person. Will I be able to do this well?” However, she remained open-minded and decided to give it a shot. After all, she had experience listening to clients and making recommendations and customizations based on their best interests.

NAIFA is pleased to announce that The Fortis Agency, headquartered in Holmdel, NJ at the beautiful Bellworks Complex has become a 100% NAIFA Agency. Under the new membership program, The Fortis Agency has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.

Thomas Yannetti is a Financial Services Professional at thinkWealth, LLC, and a new NAIFA member.

A 2020 graduate of Ramapo College in New Jersey, Yannetti earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting. When Thomas received the discouraging news that classes were transitioning online due to COVID-19, Yannetti saw this minor setback as an opportunity. While finishing up his coursework online, Thomas decided to transition from part-time to full-time to jumpstart his career in financial services.

Joseph Cammayo, our newest NAIFA member, is an independent financial advisor at Calton & Associates, Inc., and a Registered Investment Advisor (IAR) with Grantvest Financial.

Joseph has 25 years of experience ranging from various Senior Level positions in some of the most prestigious firms in the industry. He was previously a Senior Director of Branch Operations at Oppenheimer, an Operations Manager at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and an Admin Manager for Bank of America Investments. He has extensive knowledge of Risk Management, Compliance, and Operations.

NAIFA member Richard Demko II, LUTCF, LACP, has joined Centric Wealth as Head of Agency focused on insurance, as well as on protection for all lines of business, specializing in supplemental retirement planning and legacy planning. Centric Wealth was founded to give clients individualized attention and custom strategies to help them navigate the complex waters of finance.