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.
He was selected for his comprehensive efforts to strengthen NAIFA’s membership—most notably through deepening the association’s relationship with Northwestern Mutual, where he has helped open doors to prospective members and foster stronger involvement among current advisors. His commitment to the next generation of financial professionals is evident in everything he does.
To Scott, advocacy is more than part of the job, it’s a responsibility. He believes that staying informed and involved is essential to acting in the best interest of clients. That’s where NAIFA comes in. Living in Columbus and serving clients nationwide, Scott relies on NAIFA to keep him connected to the policy decisions that affect financial security for American families. Every Monday, he looks forward to NAIFA’s legislative newsletter, Advocacy in Action blog, so he’s prepared to guide clients with the latest insights.
As an advisor affiliated with Northwestern Mutual, Scott deeply values the company’s commitment to advocacy and strong support of NAIFA’s mission. Northwestern Mutual not only encourages membership, it invests in it. The firm helps get its advisors to Washington by offering stipends, covering travel, and promoting participation in events like the Congressional Conference. Scott hopes to see more companies follow this example and prioritize advisor engagement in advocacy efforts.
Scott also believes that the future of the profession depends on bringing more young advisors into the fold. As a leader under 40, he understands their desire for meaningful involvement and lasting impact. For many, it’s not about CE credits or networking, it’s about how NAIFA can help their clients, their communities, and their practices thrive.
To help make involvement more accessible, Scott’s Columbus chapter offers scholarships for first-time attendees of NAIFA’s Congressional Conference, ensuring that more young professionals have the opportunity to experience advocacy in action.
His advice to fellow members is simple: show up. Whether it’s attending Congressional Conference, participating in in-district meetings, or sharing resources with clients—every step strengthens the voice of our profession.
Congratulations, Scott. Your leadership is helping shape a stronger, more connected future for NAIFA and the financial services industry.