The Power of One: Highlights from the 2026 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference

From March 1–3, NAIFA-Texas members gathered in San Antonio for the 2026 Annual State Conference, centered on this year’s theme: “The Power of One.” The event brought together advisors, leaders, and industry partners from across the state to learn, celebrate achievements, strengthen advocacy, and connect with the NAIFA community.

Held at the historic Gunter Hotel, the conference delivered three days of meaningful conversations, leadership development, and recognition of the individuals who continue to elevate our profession.

2026 NAIFA-Texas Conference Program

San Antonio Riverwalk	This painting is actually a door to Bar 414, where we held one of our evening happy hour events!
Members enjoying happy hour in Bar 414	The Gunter Hotel has a vinyl library available for guests to utilize during their stay
Kansas City Life remarks during Welcome Reception	Members enjoying happy hour in Bar 414

A Strong Start: Leadership and Connection

The conference opened with leadership training and a welcome reception that set the tone for the event—collaboration, growth, and community. Attendees reconnected with colleagues from across Texas and welcomed first-time participants into the NAIFA family.

Leadership development remained a key focus throughout the conference, particularly through the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) program. LILI participants and alumni gathered for fellowship and concluded the program with a commencement ceremony recognizing the newest graduates.

Kristin Draxler being presented with LILI certificate	Carrie Sayre being presented with LILI certificate
Susan Faykus being presented with LILI certificate	Cristian Yanez being presented with LILI Certificate
Kimberly Rodriguez presented with LILI certificate	LILI Commencement Ceremony

Honoring Leadership: 2026 Board Swearing-In

A highlight of the conference was the Annual Business Meeting and Swearing-In Ceremony, where the 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors and officers were formally installed.

Led by NAIFA National Immediate Past President President Doug Massey, the ceremony celebrated the leaders who will guide the association in the coming year.

The 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors includes:

• Joe Neal Kerr – President
• Karen Easterling – President-Elect
• Joseph P. Hernandez – Secretary-Treasurer
• Richard “Rick” Demko, CLU, ChFC, RICP, AEP, LUCTF, LACP – Immediate Past President
• Andrea Ames - Director
• Ian J. Escalante - Director
• Dereck Blair - Director
• Carrie D. Sayre - Director
• David W. Webb, CSA, LUTCF - Director

Members applauded the dedication of these leaders and the many volunteers who serve the association across Texas.

NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors Swearing in Ceremony	NAIFA-Texas Past President's
Leadership Training led by NAIFA National Immediate Past President, Doug Massey

Industry Insights from Dynamic Speakers

Educational sessions throughout the conference delivered actionable strategies advisors can bring back to their practices.

Highlights included:

Garrett Gunderson

“The Rockefeller Method: How to Create a Lasting Legacy for Your Clients”

Gunderson shared how financial professionals can apply legacy-planning strategies inspired by the Rockefeller family to help clients build generational wealth while strengthening advisor relationships.

Bill Cates

“Relationship Marketing: 3 Strategies to Create Exponential Growth”

Cates provided practical tools for attracting ideal clients, creating compelling messaging, and leveraging referrals to grow advisory practices.

Zachary Wiewel

“Death and Taxes: An Estate Planner’s Guide to Navigating a Changing World”

Wiewel explored the growing complexity of estate planning and highlighted opportunities for advisors to collaborate with attorneys and planners to better serve clients.

Capitol Update

Attendees also received an insider’s look at Texas politics and legislation from Michelle Wittenburg and Harvey Kronberg, reinforcing how advocacy continues to shape the future of our profession.

Featured Speaker, Garrett Gunderson	Featured Speaker, Bill Cates
Featured Speakers, Harvey Kronberg and Michelle Wittenburg	Featured Speaker, Zach Weiwel

Celebrating Excellence: Annual Awards Dinner

The Annual Awards Dinner honored NAIFA members whose leadership, service, and advocacy exemplify the spirit of the association.

Among the distinguished honorees:

John M. Ruckel Lifetime Achievement Award

Jason B. Talley, LUTCF

Jason Talley was recognized for decades of leadership, advocacy, and service to NAIFA and the insurance profession. A NAIFA member since 1995, Talley has served at both the state and national levels and continues to champion the voice of advisors through legislative engagement.

Bruce Murray Tall Texan Award

A. Andra Grava, CLU, RHU

This award recognizes exceptional advocacy and political engagement within the profession. Grava has long supported industry advocacy through PAC contributions and leadership across multiple professional associations.

Young Advisor Team (YAT) Leader of the Year

Bailey Baker, ChFC

Baker was honored as a rising leader shaping the future of NAIFA through service, mentorship, and involvement in the Leadership in Life Institute.

Tom Currey Local Leader of the Year

Carrie D. Sayre

Sayre was recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to strengthening NAIFA chapters and advancing financial literacy in communities across Texas.

Bailey Baker receiving her 'Blue Coat' along with previous YAT Leader of the Year Award recipients	2026 NAIFA-Texas Award Program Honorees
John M. Ruckel Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Jason Talley (right)	Bruce Murray Tall Texan Award Recipient, Andra Grava (right)
Tom Currey Local Leader of the Year Award Recipient, Carrie Sayre (right)	YAT Leader of the Year Award Recipient, Bailey Baker (right)

Advocacy in Action: Supporting NAIFA-Texas PAC

Advocacy remains a cornerstone of NAIFA’s mission. Throughout the conference, members were reminded of the critical role the NAIFA-Texas PAC plays in protecting the profession and ensuring the voices of advisors are heard at the state capitol.

By building relationships with legislators and supporting advocacy efforts, members help preserve the ability to serve clients and strengthen the financial security of Texans.

NAIFA-Texas Defender Award Recipients	NAIFA-Texas IFAPAC Table & Silent Auctoin

Networking, Sponsors, and Silent Auction Fun

Beyond the education and awards, the conference created countless opportunities for networking and connection.

Members visited with sponsors, shared ideas during happy hours and receptions, and participated in a silent auction that added excitement while supporting the association’s initiatives.

The strong presence of industry partners and exhibitors helped make the event both educational and engaging.

NAIFA-Texas Silent Auction & PAC Fundraiser	Beverages & Snacks
Coverage2Care Booth	The Brokerage, Inc. Booth
2026 NAIFA-Texas President, Joe Neal Kerr shakes hands with NAIFA National Immediate Past President, Doug Massey	Rick Demko receives NAIFA-Texas Past President plaque for commitment to service

The Power of One

The theme “The Power of One” resonated throughout the conference: one advisor making a difference for a client, one volunteer stepping into leadership, one advocate speaking up for the profession.

Together, those individual contributions create the strength of NAIFA-Texas.

As attendees left San Antonio energized and inspired, one message remained clear: the future of the profession is bright when dedicated professionals come together to lead, advocate, and serve.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year - for now save the dates - 2027 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference: February 17-19, 2027 at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown!