NAIFA is pleased to announce the 2026 winners of its annual 4 Under 40 awards: Blake Gillies, MBA, LUTCF, of NAIFA-Louisiana; Thomas Krawczyk, FSCP, of NAIFA-Washington; Melanie Kunze, CFP, of NAIFA-Wisconsin; and Derek True, DIA, DHP, of NAIFA-Texas.

The Committee on Governance of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has nominated Andrew J. Rinn, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC, Assistant Vice President-Advanced Strategies with Sammons Financial in West Des Moines, Iowa, to be NAIFA’s 2027 Secretary. Rinn, who currently serves on NAIFA’s National Professional Development Committee and Political Action Committee, is a NAIFA-National Trustee and member of the FSP Foundation Board. He has been a NAIFA member since 2000. He previously served as the Chapter President of the Des Moines Society of Financial Service Professionals and was the President Elect of the National Board for the Society of Financial Service Professionals at the time of FSP’s merger with NAIFA. As incoming NAIFA Secretary, Rinn would be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2028 and President in 2029.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is thrilled to announce that Joshua O’Gara, CLU, ChFC, CFP, has been named the 2026 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.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce four new inductees into the NAIFA Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame to recognizes and celebrates NAIFA members whose extraordinary service and contributions represent the legacy of the most accomplished, impactful, and inspirational members of the NAIFA family.

Once again this September, the National Association of Insurance Advisors (NAIFA), Life Happens, and the entire insurance and financial service community recognize and celebrate Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM).

Robert M. Nelson, CLU, LUTCF, FSS, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been selected as the 2026 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 and will be presented to Nelson at NAIFA’s Belong Awards Celebration on November 9 in Las Vegas.

Do you know a student pursuing a degree in insurance or financial services? Or do you have connections with a college or university? If so, please help NAIFA spread the word that the deadline for the Paul S. Mills Scholarship program is March 31. The program, administered by NAIFA's Foundation for Financial Service Professionals, offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in finance, accounting, insurance or risk management, actuarial sciences, personal financial planning, and related fields. 

The NAIFA Governance Committee is accepting applications from members who wish to be considered as candidates for the 2027 NAIFA Board of Trustees and Secretary.

The Omaha, Nebraska financial professional has served as an inspirational leader within NAIFA and the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

NAIFA 100% Agencies ensure that every eligible producer within their ranks is a current and active NAIFA member.

NAIFA is proud to recognize KHI Solutions of Fort Dodge, Iowa, as the recipient of the 2025 NAIFA 100% Agency of the Year Award.

KHI Solutions, led by owners Brenda Eckard and Lynn Schreder and VP of Finance & Operations Misty Bethel, exemplifies the values and professionalism that define NAIFA’s membership. With over 30 NAIFA members across their team, KHI’s ongoing commitment to excellence, ethical service, and full participation makes them a standout example of what it means to be #NAIFAProud.