NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, was named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential People in Insurance” by CIO Views magazine.

Among his achievements cited by the magazine is Mayeux’s leadership of NAIFA’s transformation into a modern, forward-looking association. Under his guidance, NAIFA has revamped its bylaws and unified as One NAIFA with a strong national presence and revitalized state chapters working together with local chapters to best serve the needs of financial professionals and consumers. He managed this transformation began in 2019 while navigating additional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

John D. Richardson, RICP, LACP, has received the 2023 President’s Citation from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) for his extraordinary service to the association.

The NAIFA President’s Citation recognizes an association member who exemplifies NAIFA leadership and has gone above and beyond in their support for NAIFA and the industry. NAIFA’s 2023 President Bryon Holz selected Richardson to receive the President’s Citation to acknowledge his exemplary work in political advocacy and membership recruitment. The award was presented at NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in December.

NAIFA is pleased to announce that Suzanne Carawan is NAIFA’s Vice President, Membership and will lead a newly created department focused on creating exceptional member value and increased engagement in NAIFA’s core areas of advocacy, education, and volunteer leadership. She and her team will develop strategies and implement tactics to deliver NAIFA’s value proposition to an expanded pool of financial professionals that now call NAIFA home due to the recent merger with the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

In this Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) webinar, Fairway Reverse Mortgage Specialist, George Bain, will explore the challenges today’s retirees face and how they can benefit from the strategic use of a reverse mortgage. The presentation will include a discussion of incorporating home equity into a retirement income strategy, with case study examples and planning scenarios for long-term care and life insurance.

The Society of Financial Service Professionals' annual Institute is January 28-31 in Jacksonville, FL. This is one of the premier professional development events in the financial service industry and NAIFA members are invited to attend. Registration includes high-impact educational sessions and opportunities to earn CE credit. The Institute features opportunities for productive networking and offers a unique environment that inspires collaborative learning.

The final 2023 issue of Advisor Today magazine is now available as a digital edition. All NAIFA members receive the printed edition of Advisor Today as an exclusive member benefit and we make the digital edition available after the print issue release. If you are not a NAIFA member, join us today!

With 39 years of expertise, ReMark excels in providing data intelligence, marketing, and technological solutions. SCOR is a prominent global reinsurance company, and ReMark is a division of SCOR's digital solutions sector. In the previous year, I discussed their Global Consumer Study (GCM) in NAIFA’s AdvisorToday. The latest edition, covering the 2023-2024 period, has been released, encompassing multiple lines of insurance business for Gen Z and Millennials.

As we ring in another new year, this is an exciting, historic time for our association. The American public needs the services of insurance and financial professionals more than ever. You and your fellow NAIFA members help them achieve financial security, prepare for retirement, and create enduring financial legacies. NAIFA with you every step of the way, and 2024 promises to be a great year as we continue with the integration of three iconic brands within our industry – NAIFA, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and Life Happens.

Joseph Spinelli, CLU, helps people prepare for the future by prioritizing their financial goals and customizing insurance solutions to best suit their needs. With a robust skill set that includes insurance, life insurance, customer service, disability insurance, term life insurance, and more, he contributes valuable insights to the industry. Joseph has a bachelor's degree in economics from Bridgewater College.

With 2023 coming to a close, we look back at our top podcasts from this year. Advisor Today's podcast series has been a source of inspiration and knowledge for the financial services community through deep dives into the strategies, stories, and wisdom of industry leaders. Let's celebrate the voices and insights that have resonated the most with our audience starting at #5