The NAIFA Governance Committee consists of 12 NAIFA members and is chaired by NAIFA Past President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, Brokerage Director at Coastal Wealth in Boynton Beach, FL, a loyal member since 1990.

“The NAIFA Governance Committee has nominated a very strong group of candidates for NAIFA’s Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustee positions,” Holzberg said. “The large number and extraordinary quality of the applicants this year made the nominating decisions particularly difficult. It is a testament to the strength of NAIFA that so many highly talented members want to volunteer their time and talents to ensure the continued success of our association. I sincerely hope they all continue their dedicated support of NAIFA and will continue to offer their leadership and services when occasions arise. On behalf of the Governance Committee, I would like to whole-heartedly congratulate Secretary candidate John Wheeler, Treasurer candidate Paul Dougherty, and Trustee candidates R. Jan Pinney and John D. Richardson. You have the complete confidence and full support of the committee, and we look forward to your strong leadership.”

Douglas B. Massey, LUTCF, FSS, CLU, ChFC, Owner of Doug Massey Financial Services in San Angelo, TX, a loyal member since 1987, will serve as NAIFA’s 2025 President. 

Douglas Massey is a registered representative with OFG Financial Services, Inc., where he has been since 1992. His practice specialties include retirement planning and life insurance. His company’s focus is on near-retirees and retirees. It also does a significant amount of business in the non-profit and 403(b) market.

A NAIFA member since 1987, Massey has served as Chair of the IFAPAC Committee, was on the NAIFA-TX board of directors from 2008-2014 and was President of NAIFA-TX from 2012-2013.

He has attended every NAIFA Congressional Conference since the meeting’s inception and has attended every NAIFA-TX Legislative Day since 1991. He is one of the key contacts for Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Rep. Michael Conaway.

Massey is an IFAPAC Defender (monthly contributor), as well as a contributor at several events each year. Over the years, he has recruited and sponsored many NAIFA members and has encouraged past members. He has moderated LUTCF and FSS classes and is a Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) graduate.

NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated John Wheeler, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, LACP, CLTC, LUTCF, Executive Senior Partner at Totus Wealth Management LLC in Houston, Texas, to be the 2025 NAIFA Secretary. Wheeler, who currently serves on NAIFA’s National Government Relations and IFAPAC Committees, is a past NAIFA-National Trustee and Past President of NAIFA-Illinois. He has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1973. As incoming Secretary, Wheeler will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2026 and President in 2027.

The Committee has also nominated R. Jan Pinney, CLU, ChFC, CPCU, Chairman & CEO of the Pinney Insurance Center in Roseville, CA, and John D. Richardson, RICP, LACP, a Financial Planner with Capital Planning Group in Brentwood, TN, to each serve a two-year term on the NAIFA Board of Trustees. Pinney, a loyal NAIFA member since 1971, is a Past President of NAIFA-California and a Past Board Member of Life Happens. Richardson, a loyal member since 2003, was NAIFA’s Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year for 2018 and is Past President of NAIFA-Tennessee.

Paul Dougherty, LUTCF, FSS, LACP, HIA, an Agent with State Farm in Hyattsville, MD, is nominated to serve as NAIFA’s National Treasurer. He has been a loyal member since 1999 and is a NAIFA-National Past President and past member of Life Happens Board of Trustees.

Returning to serve the second year of their two-year terms as Trustee are Dennis Cuccinelli, LACP, a Financial Representative of Certified Financial Services in Edison, NJ, a loyal member since 1986, and Stephen Kagawa, FSS, LUTCF, Founder and CEO of the Pacific Bridge Companies in Monrovia, CA, a loyal member since 1986.

Also returning as Trustees in 2025 are Jesse Dogillo, CFP, CLU, ChFC, AEP, Founder of Bay Area Financial Advisers in Sunnyvale, CA, a loyal member since 2022; Ernest Guerriero, CLU, ChFC, CEBS, CPCU, CPC, CMS, AIF, RICP, CPFA, Head of Business Sponsored Retirement Plans at Guardian Life Insurance Company in New York, NY, a loyal member since 2022; Barb Pietrangelo, CFP, CLU, ChFC, a Financial Planner with Prudential Financial in Ada, MI, a loyal member since 1992; and Andrew Rinn, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC, Assistant Vice President-Advanced Strategies with Sammons Financial in Lincoln. NE, a loyal member since 2018.

Douglas B. Massey, LUTCF, FSS, CLU, ChFC, Owner of Doug Massey Financial Services in San Angelo, TX, a loyal member since 1987, will serve as NAIFA’s 2025 President. Christopher Gandy, LACP, Founder of Midwest Legacy Group in Lisle, IL, will be the 2025 President-Elect. Both Massey and Gandy have served the association in multiple roles including national Trustee, State President, and specialty committee roles throughout their leadership tenure.

Thomas M. Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, Agency Manager at Southern Farm Bureau Insurance in Ocala, FL, a loyal member since 1981, will serve as Immediate Past President beginning January 1, 2025.

The NAIFA Governance Committee consists of 12 NAIFA members and is chaired by NAIFA Past President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, Brokerage Director at Coastal Wealth in Boynton Beach, FL, a loyal member since 1990.

“The NAIFA Governance Committee has nominated a very strong group of candidates for NAIFA’s Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustee positions,” Holzberg said. “The large number and extraordinary quality of the applicants this year made the nominating decisions particularly difficult. It is a testament to the strength of NAIFA that so many highly talented members want to volunteer their time and talents to ensure the continued success of our association. I sincerely hope they all continue their dedicated support of NAIFA and will continue to offer their leadership and services when occasions arise. On behalf of the Governance Committee, I would like to whole-heartedly congratulate Secretary candidate John Wheeler, Treasurer candidate Paul Dougherty, and Trustee candidates R. Jan Pinney and John D. Richardson. You have the complete confidence and full support of the committee, and we look forward to your strong leadership.”

On July 25, 2024, a federal court in the Eastern District of Texas issued a stay barring the enforcement of the DOL fiduciary-only rule (and amendments to PTE 84-24) while the case in FACC v. DOL is pending. An appeal of the stay to the 5th Circuit is likely.  

Meanwhile, NAIFA’s challenge to the fiduciary-only rule, brought with ACLI and other industry groups, is under review in the Northern District of Texas, where we seek a preliminary injunction and stay against enforcement of the fiduciary-only rule and amendments to PTE 84-24 and 2020-02.

Update: A Federal Court has granted a stay in the case brought by NAIFA, ACLI, and others.

The court in the FACC case ruled that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits because the fiduciary-only rule conflicts with ERISA, and with the 5th Circuit’s decision in Chamber, by impermissibly expanding the definition of fiduciary and exceeding the DOL’s authority.

The court in the FACC case found the following:

• The fiduciary-only rule improperly treats one-time rollover recommendations as fiduciary relationships, by improperly redefining fiduciary relationships to include non-trust-and-confidence relationships.
• The fiduciary-only rule improperly (i) eliminates the requirements that fiduciary advice be given on a regular basis, pursuant to mutual agreement, and as primary basis for investment decisions, (ii) ignores the requirement that fiduciary advice be given for a fee, and (iii) ignores the distinction between the DOL’s authority under ERISA Titles I and II.
• The amendments to PTE 84-24 are arbitrary and capricious by imposing fiduciary duty requirements and liabilities on all agents and brokers who interact with retirement investors.
• The FACC plaintiffs demonstrated a substantial threat of irreparable harm if the fiduciary-only rule goes into effect, including compliance burdens and potential liability.

The court gave its stay nationwide effect, not limited to the parties in the FACC case, because the fiduciary-only rule affects all similarly situated financial professionals; because investment rules should be uniform; and because the rule impacts various parts of the financial services industry.

"NAIFA is very pleased that a federal court has halted enforcement of the Department of Labor's fiduciary-only rule," said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. "While we await a decision in the case NAIFA filed with NAIFA Chapters, ACLI, and other industry groups in opposition to the DOL rule, this is an important step forward towards protecting the businesses of NAIFA members and consumers who rely on them for financial products and services. The decision means that the DOL's rule will not go into effect September 24, and the courts will have time to fully consider the merits of our lawsuit. We are encouraged by this decision and are confident that we have put forward a strong argument to have the DOL's rule vacated in its entirety."

The NAIFA chapters that are parties to our lawsuit are NAIFA-Texas, NAIFA-Dallas, NAIFA-Fort Worth, and NAIFA-Pineywoods of East Texas. NAIFA will keep you posted on important developments in these cases.

Join us for a deep dive webinar on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Eastern. Two Humana experts, with nearly 45 years of combined experience, will delve into the benefits and opportunities of Medicare Supplement products.

WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS:

The Importance of Medicare Supplement in Today's Market:

Discover why now is the perfect time to include Medicare Supplement in your offerings. We’ll discuss the current market landscape and how Medicare Supplement plans can significantly benefit your clients.

Insights into Underwriting Practices:

Get a closer look at the underwriting process, including real-time underwriting techniques. Learn how these practices can help you provide swift and efficient solutions for your clients.

Humana's Market Edge and Rate Stability:

Understand what makes Humana a strong player in the Medicare Supplement market. We will explore their competitive positioning and the stability of their rates, ensuring you can confidently recommend their products.

Maximizing Earnings with Medicare Supplement:

Explore the potential earnings that come with Medicare Supplement products. We will outline the financial advantages of these products and how they can contribute to the growth of your business.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Enhance Client Support: Develop strategies to better support your clients with Humana’s Medicare Supplement offerings.
• Master Underwriting: Gain a thorough understanding of the underwriting process, including real-time practices that streamline operations.
• Leverage Market Insights: Equip yourself with knowledge about Humana’s market strengths and rate stability, providing dependable solutions to your clients.
• Boost Revenue: Discover the financial benefits of Medicare Supplement products and how they can diversify and enhance your income streams.

Sponsored by Humana, this webinar is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Medicare Supplement products and explore new ways to support your clients.

Register today!

Join your friends and colleagues at the Arizona Biltmore, September 19-21, for NAIFA's combined signature events, Apex and the National Leadership Conference. You can see who will be there on our Apex Who's Coming? page. Add your name to the list by registering today!

Members from Texas registered to attend include: 

Lena Allouche, NAIFA Houston President
Erni Davis, NAIFA Employee
Renae Davies, NAIFA-Texas Executive Director
Rick Demko, NAIFA-Texas President-Elect
Karen Easterling, NAIFA Austin Board Member
Susan Faykus, NAIFA Austin President
Keith Forster, San Antonio Member
Hollie Gandy Donohue, NAIFA Amarillo Area Leadership Team Member
Robin Johnston, Austin Member
Chuck Laubach, San Antonio Member
Douglas Massey, NAIFA National President-Elect
Shane Minks, NAIFA Houston Board Member
Michael Steadman, San Antonio Member
Jason Talley, NAIFA-Texas Industry Relations Task Force Chair & LILI Chair
James Thompson, NAIFA-Texas Board Member
Joey Ussery, Houston Member
John W Wheeler Jr., NAIFA-Texas Board Member

NAIFA's Apex and National Leadership Conference has what you need to take your business to the next level and boost your bottom line. 

• Breakout workshops on the hottest topics in insurance and financial services.
  • Mastering AI to bolster your insurance or financial business. 
  • Discovering knockout networking techniques.
  • Exploring the digitalization of life insurance.
  • Using CRMs, SOPs, social media, and other tools to build a high-performing agency.
  • Providing business owner clients with advanced-planning solutions.
• Keynote speakers to entertain, education, and inspire.
  • Morris Morrison
  • Marques Ogden
  • Amy Florian
  • David McKnight
  • Nathan Gonzales
• Ample networking with the best professionals in the industry at a world-class resort facility.

NAIFA-Texas 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. John will receive the award at the celebration on September 21. Learn more about this prestigious honor here: NAIFA-Texas Member John Ruckel to Receive NAIFA Terry Headley Award.

NAIFA's room block and conference rate at the Arizona Biltmore is reserved through August 12, so act now to avoid missing out.

NAIFA and NAIFA-Texas are 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.

Ruckel, a loyal member since 1969, was NAIFA’s National President in 1999-2000. He had previously served on NAIFA’s National Board of Trustees and as NAIFA-Texas’s President in 1987-1988. He was also President of NAIFA-Pineywoods of East Texas and a member of the LIFE Foundation (Life Happens) Board of Directors.

Message From the CEO

One hundred and thirty-four years ago today, a group of life insurance agents from different parts of the United States gathered at the Parker House in Boston to create the National Association of Life Underwriters. This organization, which grew into the NAIFA we cherish and celebrate today, was formed to promote the success of the life insurance industry and encourage laws prohibiting life insurance agents from engaging in questionable or unethical practices.

NAIFA was born as an advocacy association and continues in that tradition today. NAIFA’s membership now consists of professionals from communities across the country, representing every congressional district, and engaging in various financial services practices. With firm roots in NAIFA’s life insurance origins, NAIFA members today offer the entire gamut of financial services products and services: from health, disability, and long-term care insurance to wealth management and estate planning; from college funding preparation to retirement planning; from employee benefits to buy-sell agreements; and much more.

NAIFA’s recent merger with the Society of Financial Service Professionals and joining with Life Happens has expanded the breadth of our membership and the reach of our influence. NAIFA’s volunteer leaders, executive team, and association management experts have embarked on an effort to build a new strategic plan to carry our success through the year 2030 and beyond. We look to our future with excitement as we reflect on our past with pride.

Congratulations on being a member of the largest and most esteemed association of financial professionals in the United States

Carson Porter is an experienced financial advisor providing specialized life insurance, annuities, and financial services across the United States. His journey from owning auto repair shops to excelling in the financial industry is marked by a passion for education, innovation, and business development. Carson founded a mastermind group dedicated to empowering insurance agents and advisors through unbiased education, collaboration, and accountability. With a decade of industry experience, he has built and sold multiple brokerage businesses and shares his insights at live events, including NAIFA's APEX conference.

IN THIS EPISODE…

As an advisor, do you feel like you're working tirelessly without seeing the growth you desire? While success is a continuous endeavor, you can elevate your business and personal satisfaction. How can embracing openness and learning from diverse thought leaders catalyze transformation?

Experienced financial services professional Carson Porter pivoted from the automotive industry to financial services, creating multiple income streams and a mastermind group to boost his and other agents’ success. He emphasizes the power of mastermind groups and other organizations to offer education and accountability. These valuable associations foster professional development and expand your network, allowing you to build trust with clients, cultivate industry relationships, and build a sustainable business and career path. 

In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan chat with Carson Porter, an experienced financial advisor, about mastering the craft of financial advising. Carson dispels common industry myths, encourages joining supportive organizations like NAIFA, and proposes innovative perspectives on building sustainable business models in the financial services industry.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Chris Gandy on LinkedIn
• Suzanne Carawan on LinkedIn
• NAIFA
• Carson Porter on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• "Give value without expectations; just give value and the money will come." 
• "If you really care about NAIFA, go find three agents today that aren't members of NAIFA and get them to join."
• "It's not lonely at the top; go find some folks and bring them here."
• "The only real million-dollar ideas are the ones you're making a million dollars on."
• "My first job was to be an expert marketer."

Action Steps:

1. Embrace continuous education: Engage in self-study and professional courses to deepen industry expertise. Carson Porter's educational journey underlines how continuous learning can redefine your career path.
2. Leverage technology: Integrate technology for better client management and compliance. Carson's experience shows that a tech-forward approach can enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
3. Build systems and processes: Systemize your advisory practice for sustainable growth. Carson's transition from auto repair to financial services teaches us the importance of creating value through systems.
4. Join supportive organizations: Carson's story emphasizes the importance of joining organizations like NAIFA for networking and education.
5. Examine your role: Assess whether entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship suits you best. Understanding your natural inclination can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career in financial services.

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE...

This episode is brought to you by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, or NAIFA, the #1 association for producers in financial services.

At NAIFA, we enhance professional skills, promote ethical conduct, and advocate for legislative and regulatory environments.

By joining NAIFA, you gain access to a partnership that elevates your performance while providing greater purpose to your professional work. NAIFA members are happier, make more money, and stay in the business longer.

Get in touch with NAIFA and learn more about how to join NAIFA by visiting NAIFA.org.