NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux’s latest column, The Bipartisan Kindness of Caregiving, is featured in InsuranceNewsNet. In this piece, Kevin brings national attention to the financial burden faced by millions of Americans who care for aging parents and loved ones. His message is clear: Caregiving is both an act of love and a financial challenge that deserves bipartisan legislative support.

Melinda “Lindy” Camardella’s path to the financial services industry—and to her current role as a Financial Advisor with Equitable Advisors—was shaped by personal strength, a deep sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. A licensed acupuncturist and longtime advocate for her profession, Lindy made the shift to financial services after a life-changing health challenge gave her a new perspective.

Call for Nominees: 2025 NAIFA National Quality Award
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

Social Security remains one of the most important and often misunderstood components of retirement income planning. For financial professionals, helping clients navigate the complex claiming rules and optimize their benefits can make a meaningful difference in their long-term financial security.

Join us on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm Eastern for a webinar with Martha Shedden, RSSA, CRPC, President and Co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. This webinar is free for both members and non-members, thanks to co-sponsorship by RSSA.

Chris Gandy is the Founder of Midwest Legacy Group LLC, a boutique concierge insurance group for executives, professional athletes, physicians, business owners, and entrepreneurs. It focuses on the client's interests in wealth accumulation, wealth preservation, retirement strategies, insurance, asset protection, and investments. He previously worked as a Representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, the APEX Consulting Group LLC, and was the Senior Vice President of Sales at MassMutual Chicago.

Carina Hatfield is a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS), and Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP). As a third-generation insurance agent, she specializes in property and casualty insurance and works with locally owned businesses. Carina serves NAIFA as a National Trustee and a moderator for Pennsylvania’s Leadership in Life Institute. She is also the immediate past President of NAIFA Pennsylvania. Recently, Carina helped develop the organization’s new online LACP prep course.

Kathleen Owings is the Principal and Financial Advisor of Westbilt Financial Group, an independent financial advisory firm providing comprehensive planning for clients wanting to achieve personal goals. Graduating from the US Military Academy at West Point in 2000, Kathleen served for eight years as an active duty officer in the Army Corp of Engineers. In 2007, she began her career in the financial services industry, obtaining licensure in life and health insurance and maintaining Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations. Kathleen’s book, Put Your Money to Work: A Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence, helps women take control of their finances.

In his column published in both the print and digital editions of NJBiz, NAIFA national Trustee Dennis Cuccinelli, a member of NAIFA-New Jersey, warns that the state's proposed reclassification of insurance agents as employees instead of independent contractors would limit agents' independence, reduce consumer choice and potentially harm families' access to financial protection.

Eric K. Williams, founder of Empowerment Resources International Corp in Chicago, Illinois, didn’t plan on entering the financial services industry. In fact, he was first introduced to it through a simple question: “Could you save $200 a month?” That question led him to a presentation about insurance and annuity products—and sparked a realization. “I had left corporate America and didn’t have a structured way to save for retirement,” he recalls. Inspired by what he learned, Eric got licensed and officially entered the industry in January 2005.

When you meet Maureen Kirschhofer, you quickly realize you're speaking with someone whose life has been marked by reinvention, resilience, and remarkable leadership. From her early days as an art teacher to becoming a trailblazing manager in the insurance industry, Maureen’s story is as colorful and compelling as one of her paintings.

Ryan Ross is a seasoned marketing professional helping independent financial advisors grow their businesses through strategic content, SEO, and digital automation. With a background in financial services and marketing technology, he brings a unique perspective on how advisors can effectively build their online presence. Ryan is passionate about equipping financial professionals with the tools and strategies they need to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Outside of work, he enjoys endurance sports and has completed multiple triathlons, including several IRONMAN races.

Carina Hatfield is a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow, Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist, and Life and Annuity Certified Professional. As a third-generation insurance agent, she specializes in property and casualty insurance and works with locally owned businesses. Carina serves NAIFA as a National Trustee and a moderator for Pennsylvania’s Leadership in Life Institute. She is also the immediate past President of NAIFA Pennsylvania. Recently, Carina helped develop the organization’s new online LACP prep course. Her passion and dedication to the association earned her the 2020 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year Award.