NAIFA Award Recipients Stand Out from the Crowd

It is award season across NAIFA Nation, and our members are encouraged to apply or nominate a fellow member for one of our many awards. These awards are one of the many ways that NAIFA allows our members to differentiate themselves from their peers. NAIFA is currently accepting applications and nominations until September 30, 2022, for the following awards: NAIFA Quality Award, John Newton Russell Memorial Award, Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award, YAT Leader of the Year, Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40, and Diversity Champion. Visit tdc.naifa.org and go to the awards menu to apply today.

NAIFA Quality Award

The NAIFA Quality Award, also called NQA, provides advisors at any career stage the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Advisors specializing in Life & Annuities, Financial Advising & Investments, Health & Employee Benefits, Multiline Sales, or any combination of these specialties have the opportunity to demonstrate the quality that is the mark of a true professional and by applying for the 2022 NAIFA Quality Award. Individuals receiving this award will also be noted with a badge in NAIFA’s Consumer Directory for advisors and agents.

John Newton Russell Memorial Award

In 1945, John Henry Russell provided the original endowment to establish this prestigious award to honor his father, John Newton Russell. A staunch proponent of informed, ethical marketing practices, Russell served as president of

NALU (now NAIFA) during World War I and was one of the incorporators of The American College of Life Underwriters. His high standards are perpetuated in this award, which seeks to recognize someone with outstanding personal qualities, unstinting loyalty to the business, and exemplary leadership. The award program recognizes a member who exhibits the character, leadership qualities, contributions to the profession, and American families exemplified by John Newton Russell. The characteristics of past recipients have included unwavering loyalty and a high level of professional accomplishment and community service.

Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award

First awarded in 2021, the Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award recognizes a current NAIFA member who shows exemplary service to their profession, colleagues, and clients through their political advocacy and contributions to IFAPAC. The award is named after former NAIFA President Terry Headley, LUTCF, LIC, FSS, who has a long, distinguished record of service to NAIFA. He has been recognized as a key NAIFA contact for multiple members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation and state legislators over the years. Headley has served in leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels and as an IFAPAC Capitol Defender. Headley and former NAIFA President Robert Miller, M.A., M.S., are known as “IFAPAC Co-Commanders in Chief” based on their IFAPAC lifetime giving. Nominees for NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime

Defender Award should be current NAIFA members who exhibit Headley’s commitment to advancing the legislative agendas of agents, advisors, and their clients.

YAT Leader of the Year

The YAT Leader of the Year Award recognizes an advisor’s commitment to NAIFA, including service on local, state, and national committees and participation in the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI); involvement with state or federal legislative efforts; participation in external service work such as charities; and an ability to inspire others. Past YAT Leaders of the Year are also known as the “Red Coats” from the red jackets worn by the recipients.

Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40

Each year, Advisor Today magazine recognizes four financial advisors with Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40 Award, who achieve excellence in their profession by the age of 40. Past winners have a proven track record of continued success through industry leadership roles, speaking engagements, and increased peer recognition.

Diversity Champion

The Diversity Champion Award recognizes exceptional efforts to promote the full and equal participation of diverse people within the insurance and financial advising profession. A champion of diversity recognizes the value of our differences and advocates for all members of our community, including those who experience discrimination or under-representation.