NAIFA is pleased to recognize two Diversity Champions for 2025: Danny O’Connell, LACP, of Dallas, Texas, and Christopher Potts, Sr., of Rock Hill, South Carolina. O’Connell and Potts will be honored along with other NAIFA award recipients at the 2025 Belong awards dinner on October 14 in Arlington, Virginia.

NAIFA’s Advisor Today is pleased to announce the winners of its annual 4 Under 40 awards: Nicholas Limongelli, CLU, of NAIFA-New York; S. Grayson Owen, CLU, REBC, of NAIFA-Georgia; Carson Porter, CFF, FSS, RICP, LUTCF, CHLU, of NAIFA-Nevada; and Rachel Sayyad of NAIFA-Maryland.

NAIFA is proud to announce that Shane Westhoelter, AEP, CLU, LUTCF, LACP, the Founder and CEO of Gateway Financial Advisors, LLC., Gateway Insurance Group, Inc, and Gateway Insurance & Financial Services, LLC in Albuquerque, N.M., is the 2025 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is thrilled to announce that Richard “Rick” Demko, CLU, ChFC, RICP, AEP, LUTCF, LACP, has been named the 2025 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. This award celebrates outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within the financial advisory industry, recognizing individuals who exemplify the highest standards of excellence.

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*

Robert A. Miller, M.S., M.A., of New York City and Vero Beach, Florida, a retired Managing Partner at Miller-Pomerantz Insurance and Financial Services in New York City and NAIFA Past President, has been selected as the 2025 John Newton Russell Memorial Award recipient. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry to a living individual who has rendered outstanding services to the institution of life insurance. Miller will be celebrated and formally presented the award at NAIFA’s Belong Dinner, October 14 in Arlington, Virginia.

Mike McGlothlin, CFP, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, NSSA, Executive Vice President, Retirement, at Ash Brokerage, is the 2024 recipient of the Kenneth Black Jr. Leadership Award. McGlothlin manages a staff of more than 65 employees and has maintained a 90% retention rate. Under his leadership, more than 25 employees have bolstered their professional skills and received in-house promotions. The team has achieved a remarkable 300% growth over six years.  

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is thrilled to announce that Kathleen Owings has been named the 2024 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. This award celebrates outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within the financial advisory industry, recognizing individuals who exemplify the highest standards of excellence.

Kathleen Owings, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2000, began her career as an active-duty officer in the Army Corps of Engineers, earning the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone. She served at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; and overseas on multiple tours of duty.

Kathleen began her career in the financial services industry in 2007 and is one of the owners of Westbilt Financial Group in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She truly believes that being a financial advisor is her calling, not just a job. Kathleen is also the author of Put Your Money to Work: A Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence, empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

NAIFA Announces E4 Insurance Services as the Recipient of the Inaugural Financial Security Champion of the Year Award 

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is proud to announce that E4 Insurance Services, led by Managing Partners Dan Peterson, LUTCF, LLIF, FIC, Brendon DeRouin, CLU, ChFC, LACP, RICP, and Steve Bergee, LACP, is the first recipient of the prestigious Financial Security Champion award. This accolade recognizes firms that have made significant investments and commitments to NAIFA membership and its mission to empower financial professionals and consumers through world-class advocacy and education.

The award will be presented during the Apex/National Leadership Conference at the historic Arizona Biltmore from September 19-21, 2024. This conference brings together industry leaders and professionals for a dynamic series of events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to advance the financial services industry.

E4 Insurance Services, under the visionary leadership of its Managing Partners, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the principles and goals of NAIFA. Through its innovative approach and dedication to professional development, E4 Insurance Services has set a new standard for excellence in the insurance and financial advisory sectors.

The Fortis Agency Receives Inaugural 100% Agency Award at Apex/National Leadership Conference