The life insurance profession is facing a pivotal moment. Over the next 10 years, more than 110,000 financial professionals are expected to retire. That represents about 38% of the industry’s workforce and over 41% of the assets they manage.

The Fortis Agency has once again raised the bar — becoming NAIFA’s first-ever Dual 100% Agency with every member participating in both NAIFA membership and NAIFA’s network of PACs (Political Action Committees). This landmark accomplishment represents more than full engagement — it’s a bold statement of what it means to lead with purpose.

Significant changes to charitable giving rules are on the horizon, and now is the time for your clients to prepare. The OBBBA introduces new rules taking effect on January 1, 2026, with several opportunities set to expire on December 31. Acting now can help clients maximize available benefits and avoid missed opportunities.

NAIFA is pleased to extend an invitation to the 2026 Financial ConNEXTion cruise conference, an experience that goes beyond professional development and taps into the future of our industry. Created by the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) with NAIFA continuing the legacy, this initiative is designed to build bridges between NEXTGen talent and the financial services community.

NAIFA is proud to recognize Mike LaPorte as the recipient of the Q2 IFAPAC Hard Hat Award, honoring his outstanding commitment to NAIFA’s advocacy mission and his tireless support for the Insurance and Financial Advisors Political Action Committee (IFAPAC).

NAIFA is pleased to announce five new inductees into the NAIFA Hall of Fame. The NAIFA Board of Trustees authorized the creation of the Hall of Fame last year to recognize and celebrate members whose extraordinary service and contributions represent the legacy of the most accomplished, impactful, and inspirational members of the NAIFA family.

The 2025 NAIFA Hall of Fame Inductees are:

• Peter C. Browne, LUTCF*
• Ben Feldman*
• Terry K. Headley, LUTCF, FSS, LIC*
• Robert M. Nelson, CLU, LUTCF, FSS
• Lester A. Rosen*

NAIFA is proud to recognize Scott Blake, MBA, ChFC, CLU, as our Q2 Hard Hat Award winner for his outstanding, all-around contributions to membership growth, engagement, and leadership. Scott serves as Assistant Vice Chair on NAIFA’s National Membership Committee and is a dedicated leader at both the state and local levels in Ohio.

With great sadness, we share the news that NAIFA Past President Mark D. Johnson, CLU, RHU, ChFC, passed away on July 28. He served as President of NAIFA (then known as NALU) during the 1997-1998 association year and was the Chair of Life Happens (then, the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education) in 2006. While a member of NAIFA’s Board of Trustees in the mid-1990s, he led an important Strategic Planning Task Force that shaped the association’s direction for many years to follow. After his term as President, Mark continued as a volunteer leader providing guidance for NAIFA’s Advisor Today magazine. Prior to his national leadership, Mark was President of NAIFA-Minnesota and NAIFA-Lake Superior.

NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated Carina Hatfield, LUTCF, CLCS, LACP, agency owner of Weigner Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. in Pottstown, Penn., to be the 2026 NAIFA Secretary. Hatfield, who currently serves on the Life Happens Council and NAIFA’s National Membership Committee and Government Relations Committee, is a NAIFA-National Trustee and Past President of NAIFA-Pennsylvania. She has been a NAIFA member since 2005. As incoming Secretary, Hatfield will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2027 and President in 2028.