The First Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award Goes to Robert Roach of Ohio R

obert M. Roach, CLU, ChFC, AEP, Partner at Roach McIntyre & Associates in Columbus, Ohio, and a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual since 1968, is renowned for his dedication to NAIFA’s political advocacy mission. He is personally acquainted with numerous elected officials from Ohio and serves as a NAIFA contact for each of them. He is also a strong supporter of IFAPAC.

In December at the NAIFA Belong event, Roach was the worthy recipient of the inaugural Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award. NAIFA will present the award annually to recognize a current NAIFA member who shows exemplary service to their profession, colleagues and clients through their political advocacy and contributions to IFAPAC.

Roach, a loyal NAIFA member since 1970, is a Past President of NAIFA’s Ohio chapter and has served on NAIFA’s national Board of Trustees. He has chaired NAIFA’s national Political Involvement Committee and Policy Formation Subcommittee. He is a Capitol Club IFAPAC contributor with a lifetime IFAPAC rank of 4-Star General. He actively participates in NAIFA grassroots programs and events, including the Congressional Conference.

“Bob Roach is an extraordinary NAIFA citizen,” said NAIFA’s 2021 President Tom Michel, LACP. “We can all learn from his example as an advocacy leader and unselfish IFAPAC donor. He understands the importance of political advocacy and IFAPAC to ensure that NAIFA’s voice is heard in Washington, D.C., and on the state level in Columbus. He shows us all how NAIFA members can make a real difference through their political involvement and giving. I am very pleased to congratulate Bob as the first-ever recipient of the Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.”

Honoring A Naifa Legend

The award is named for NAIFA Past President Terry Headley, LUTCF, LIC, FSS, who has a long, distinguished record of service to NAIFA. He is recognized as a key NAIFA contact for multiple members of both the Nebraska congressional delegation and the state legislators over the years. Headley has served in leadership roles at the local, state and national levels. He is also an IFAPAC Capitol Defender. Headley and his fellow NAIFA Past President Robert Miller, M.A., M.S., are known as “IFAPAC Co-commanders in Chief” because their IFAPAC lifetime giving totals.

Miller was on hand to present the award to Roach and spoke glowingly of what Terry Headley has meant to NAIFA’s political advocacy.

“What really makes a normal, regular guy be so extraordinary at certain things?” asked Miller. “I think it all comes down to: you have to feel it in your bones. You have to believe it. It has to really infect your soul. To have that kind of belief, you have to think deeply about where you are and what you want to do. Terry had that when it came to IFAPAC. And he had that when it came to speaking to legislators, and nothing stopped him.”

“The thing that compels somebody to be so extraordinary is undefinable in many ways,” Miller added. “Terry reached for the stars, and he achieved what he wanted. He would travel anywhere in nation to speak about the PAC, and he probably brought more new members into this association by talking about political action than anyone. Terry is and always will be the king of IFAPAC at NAIFA.”

Like Terry Headley, Bob Roach “is another person that is exceptional in what he has stood for,” Miller said. “Robert Roach has also been a giant. He follows in the mold of Terry Headley. He is a champion on the Hill.”

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