NAIFA invites members to consider putting their name forward as a nominee to serve on the Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council or the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee. Details for each are below. If selected, you will be tasked with leveraging your expertise to provide critical input on the important role financial advisors and insurance producers play in securing Americans’ futures. 
 
Interested members should submit their names and contact information to governmentrelations@naifa.org. Please include your occupation/position, political party affiliation, telephone number, address and email address to be considered. Please also note if you prefer to be considered for the ERISA Advisory Council or the Insurance Policy Advisory Committee. NAIFA’s Executive Committee will then review all submissions and select the Association’s nominees.  
 

NAIFA is proud to announce that John M. Ruckel, LUTCF, a Financial Professional with MassMutual and owner of Ruckel Insurance and Financial Group in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the 2024 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.

Mike Paffhausen’s journey from a civil engineering graduate to the owner of the Mike Paffhausen State Farm Agency in Butte, Montana, is a tale of finding one's true calling beyond the confines of traditional career paths. His transition into the insurance sector was largely influenced by his desire to help others navigate their financial lives, a passion ignited by a book on financial literacy he received upon graduating from Carroll College. This newfound purpose led him to leave a budding career in engineering to join the family legacy at State Farm, driven by the dream of making a tangible difference in people’s lives through financial services. Eventually, this led him to take over a State Farm agency, where he utilizes his engineering skills in systematic planning and problem-solving to assist his clients through their toughest days. His dedication and impact in the field were recognized when he became a 2023 Advisor Today 4 under 40 award winner which highlighted his contributions to the industry and his community. 

Beyond the professional success Paffhausen's commitment to financial literacy didn't stop with his clients. Paffhausen is actively involved with NAIFA and as the 2022 state president of NAIFA-Montana saw him spearheading a campaign to mandate a financial literacy course for high school students in Montana. This initiative, borne from his own realization of the lack of financial education in schools, showcases his commitment to empowering the next generation with essential financial skills. Through NAIFA, Paffhausen has been instrumental in turning this vision into law, ensuring that future high school graduates in Montana are equipped with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

Paffhausen's story is not just about a career shift but a profound journey towards making a difference in the community through financial education and literacy. His efforts highlight the importance of personal finance knowledge and the significant role professionals in our industry can play in advocating for educational reform. Read the full story of Mike Paffhausen’s journey and his impact on financial literacy education, on Insurance News Net.

NAIFA members, mark your calendars for April 11th at 12 pm Eastern for the Q2 State of NAIFA webinar. Learn about the latest on NAIFA’s progress, advocacy efforts, and how you can get the most out of your membership.

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 encourages all insurance and financial professionals to vote in local, state, and federal elections and to encourage others to follow their example. Approximately 63 million Americans who are eligible are not even registered to vote. Encouraging your colleagues, team, and clients to register is a great first step and a way to show your dedication to participating in the democratic process.

NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, is one of eight newly named association executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100, also known as the C100. Mayeux will represent the interests of NAIFA members within the C100 by building partnerships and seeking common ground with other associations facing similar public policy issues. The C100 works together to "enhance the U.S. Chamber's pro-business advocacy and coalition work and strengthen Chamber efforts to fight for American business," according to a press release issued by the organization.

NAIFA is the only association for insurance and financial professionals with a strong political advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., and every state capital.

On May 17, NAIFA members in Connecticut amplified NAIFA's advocacy message in Hartford. NAIFA-Connecticut's Legislative Day created great momentum heading into the Congressional Conference, May 22-23, in Washington, D.C.

Andrew Holt is the Government Relations and Grassroots Manager at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). NAIFA works on behalf of its members to promote a favorable regulatory environment, provide professional education services, and ensure ethical professional conduct for insurance and financial advisors.

Andrew spent several years of his career in the political arena, getting his start as an intern for a senate race in South Carolina, where he found his passion for connecting voters with elected officials. This eventually led to his current position at NAIFA, where he influences public and elected officials on legislative priorities, engages volunteers in grassroots efforts, and leads grassroots lobbying efforts at the state level.

Cody Schoonover is a PAC Manager for NAIFA. Before NAIFA, he was the Sr. Associate at PLUS Communications, a Beltway-based consulting firm specializing in coalition building, grassroots mobilization, advertising, digital engagement, message development, and media relations. Cody earned his BA in political science from The Ohio State University.

More Examples from Our Code of Ethics to Collaboratively Close the Coverage Gap

We may be taken aback when we fully realize that NAIFA is seriously working through LL Global to raise the life insurance coverage gap among professionals and their companies regarding life insurance in our country. LIMRA research indicates that 60 million American families lack life insurance or are underinsured. The Help Protect Our Families campaign is focused on improving Americans’ future financial security by increasing life insurance coverage among our families and is participated in by 76 life insurance carriers and distributors, focusing each month on an underserved market.