This year the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors combined two signature events, Apex and the National Leadership Conference (NLC). Apex focuses on growing your business, encouraging leadership skills, and developing your personal brand. It appeals to a wide range of professionals and helps you reach your highest level of success. The National Leadership Conference (NLC) optimizes how we work together as NAIFA leaders to bring us continued success as the number one association for financial services professionals in the United States. NLC and the associated Belong Awards Gala inspire and recognize servant leaders who are called to serve a greater purpose and understand that they are working for the success of something bigger than themselves.
NAIFA-Texas was well represented during the event with 20 members in attendance from across the state of Texas including*:
Devon Darden, NAIFA Austin Member
Erni Davis
Renae Davies, NAIFA-Texas Executive Director
Tahitta Diaz, NAIFA-Dallas Member
Karen Easterling
Susan Faykus, NAIFA Austin President
Keith Forster, NAIFA San Antonio Member
Hollie Gandy Donohue
Robin Johnston, NAIFA Austin Member
Chuck Laubach, NAIFA San Antonio Member
Douglas Massey
Shane Minks, NAIFA Houston Board Member
Cynthia Mook, NAIFA-Dallas Member
Joseph Orr
John Ruckel
Michael Steadman, NAIFA San Antonio Member
Jason Talley
James Thompson, NAIFA-Texas President
Joey Ussery
John W Wheeler Jr.
*Please note that this list of attendees was pulled directly from NAIFA's Apex "Who's Coming?" list at https://apex.naifa.org/whos-coming on 9/23/2024. If you see an error, please contact the NAIFA-Texas office directly to report a correction.
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. Learn more about this prestigious honor here: NAIFA-Texas Member John Ruckel to Receive NAIFA Terry Headley Award.
The 2024 NAIFA-Texas President, Jim Thompson represented the state of Texas during the flag ceremony and proudly walked onto the staged with his head and fist held high. Also honored at the event, NAIFA-Dallas and NAIFA Houston were recognized for receiving the 2024 NAIFA Chapter Excellence Award for providing a quality member experience to their members and achieved organizational excellence. They were two of a collective 9 Local Chapters nationwide to receive this recognition.
2025 is an exciting year for NAIFA-Texas as the National Board of Trustees has selected San Antonio native and loyal NAIFA-Texas member since 1987, Douglas B. Massey as the 2025 NAIFA National President. We were thrilled to see Doug be sworn in and earn this amazing honor. Learn more about this appointment here: NAIFA-Texas Member Doug Massey Appointed 2025 NAIFA President.
In addition, John W. Wheeler, Jr. of Houston, Texas has been appointed the 2025 NAIFA Secretary position. John currently serves on NAIFA's National Government Relations and IFAPAC Committees and is a NAIFA-Texas Board member. Learn more about the 2025 NAIFA National Board of Trustees here: NAIFA Announces Candidates Nominated for 2025 National Leadership Roles.
Please enjoy some of the photos captured during the event.
Left to Right: Doug Massey, Kevin Mayeux, Karen Easterling |
Doug Massey being sworn in as the 2025 NAIFA National President by 2024 NAIFA National President, Tom Cothron |
Left to Right: Darla Ussery, Joey Ussery, Doug Massey, Karen Easterling |
Left to Right: Erni Davis, Darla Ussery, Joey Ussery, Doug Massey, Karen Easterling, Michelle Talley, Jason Talley, and Robin Johnston |
Doug Massey performing the swearing in ceremony of the 2025 NAIFA National Board of Trustees |
John Ruckel receiving the Terry Headley Award |
John Ruckel's remarks after receiving the Terry Headley Award |
Doug Massey and John Wheeler conducting a Leadership Session on IFAPAC |
John Wheeler (with John D. Richardson) after being recognized as incoming NAIFA National Secretary |
John Ruckel with NAIFA National President, Tom Cothron and NAIFA National CEO, Kevin Mayeux |
Left to Right: Karen Easterling, Joseph Orr, Mary Martinez (standing), Michelle Talley (sitting), Jason Talley, Robin Johnston, and Renae Davies |
NAIFA-Texas members enjoying Apex and NLC. Left to Right: Jason Talley, Michelle Talley, Darla Ussery, Karen Easterling, Robin Johnston, Joey Ussery, Doug Massey, Hollie Gandy Donohue, Deborah Ruckel, John Wheeler, John Ruckel, Jim Thompson, Renae Davies, and Erni Davis. |
NAIFA-Texas Members at Apex and NLC including Doug Massey, Jason Talley, Michelle Talley, Renae Davies, Darla Ussery, Joey Ussery, Robin Johnston, Karen Easterling, Mary Martinez, Joseph Orr, and Jim Thompson. |
Left to Right: Doug Massey, Darla Ussery, Joey Ussery, Karen Easterling, Joseph Orr, Mary Martinez, Michelle Talley, Jason Talley, Robin Johnston, and Renae Davies |