NAIFA Dallas is a 2024 Bronze  Chapter Excellence Award Winner

The accomplishment recognizes the Chapter’s commitment to delivering a quality member experience.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce that NAIFA’s Dallas Chapter has achieved the association’s Bronze Chapter Excellence Award. NAIFA Dallas is one of 9 Local Chapters to achieve a 2024 Chapter Excellence Award.

NAIFA established the Chapter Excellence Award in 2023 to recognize the success of those Chapters that have excelled in providing a quality member experience to their members and achieved organizational excellence.

The Gold Award indicates that NAIFA Dallas is in full compliance with its Chapter Agreement and has met Chapter Health Rating and membership benchmarks through August 31.

"Congratulations on qualifying for the NAIFA Chapter Excellence Award," said NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. "The experiences our members gain at the Chapter level play a crucial role in shaping their perception of our association. It is a great pleasure to recognize your leaders, members, and executive team for their contributions in making the Chapter experience a success. Your efforts are vital to our continued success."

NAIFA Dallas will be recognized for its achievement at the Apex/National Leadership Conference and Belong Awards Celebration, September 19-21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.

ABOUT NAIFA: Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is the preeminent association for financial service professionals in the United States of America. NAIFA members, in every Congressional district and every state house, subscribe to a strong Code of Ethics and represent a full spectrum of practice specialties to promote financial security for all Americans. Complimented by its professional development and consumer divisions, the Society of Financial Service Professionals and Life Happens, the association delivers value through advocacy, service, and education.

NAIFA Houston is a 2024 Gold Chapter Excellence Award Winner

The accomplishment recognizes the Chapter’s commitment to delivering a quality member experience.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce that NAIFA’s Houston Chapter has achieved the association’s Gold Chapter Excellence Award. NAIFA Houston is one of 9 Local Chapters to achieve a 2024 Chapter Excellence Award.

NAIFA established the Chapter Excellence Award in 2023 to recognize the success of those Chapters that have excelled in providing a quality member experience to their members and achieved organizational excellence.

The Gold Award indicates that NAIFA Houston is in full compliance with its Chapter Agreement and has met Chapter Health Rating and membership benchmarks through August 31.

"Congratulations on qualifying for the NAIFA Chapter Excellence Award," said NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. "The experiences our members gain at the Chapter level play a crucial role in shaping their perception of our association. It is a great pleasure to recognize your leaders, members, and executive team for their contributions in making the Chapter experience a success. Your efforts are vital to our continued success."

NAIFA Houston will be recognized for its achievement at the Apex/National Leadership Conference and Belong Awards Celebration, September 19-21, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.

ABOUT NAIFA: Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is the preeminent association for financial service professionals in the United States of America. NAIFA members, in every Congressional district and every state house, subscribe to a strong Code of Ethics and represent a full spectrum of practice specialties to promote financial security for all Americans. Complimented by its professional development and consumer divisions, the Society of Financial Service Professionals and Life Happens, the association delivers value through advocacy, service, and education.

NAIFA is pleased to announce the inaugural class of the NAIFA Hall of Fame to recognize and celebrate members whose extraordinary service and contributions represent the legacy of the most accomplished, impactful, and inspirational members of the NAIFA family. The NAIFA Board of Trustees authorized the creation of the Hall of Fame earlier this year.

“The inaugural members of NAIFA's Hall of Fame not only exemplified leadership within the financial services industry but also steadfast support for NAIFA's mission,” said NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP. “Their unwavering dedication and commitment to NAIFA and the industry were instrumental in advancing policies and shaping the landscape of financial security in America. Their contributions have played significant roles ensuring that families across the nation can achieve their financial goals with confidence.”

Inductees to the Hall of Fame must be members of NAIFA at the time of nomination and induction except in the case of former members who have reached the age of 65 and are retired. Posthumous nominations and inductions are considered.

Members of the inaugural class are:

• C. Robert Brown, CLU, LUTCF
• Norman G. Levine*
• Ellen M. Putnam, CLU*
• Colonel Chauncey Munroe Ransom*
• Edward A. Woods*

*posthumous inductee

The inaugural Hall of Fame class will be recognized at NAIFA’s Apex 2024 and Belong Awards Gala Sept. 21 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.

“The creation of the NAIFA Hall of Fame underscores NAIFA’s dedication to acknowledging the accomplishments of extraordinary leaders in our industry,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “The Hall of Fame provides a permanent platform to recognize those who have played pivotal roles in promoting financial security and advancing the mission of NAIFA. By celebrating their legacy, we aim to inspire future generations of NAIFA members to follow in their footsteps.”

To ensure that the most deserving candidates are recognized, a Hall of Fame Selection Committee has been established. This committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and selecting up to five members each year. The criteria for selection are:

• Service to NAIFA
• Professional achievements
• Tenure of membership and years of experience
• Leadership
• Association and industry recognition
• Ethical conduct

Members of the 2024 inaugural Hall of Fame Formation Committee are: 

• Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP (Committee Chair)
• Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP
• Tom Currey, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF
• John Davidson, LUTCF, FSS
• Keith Gillies, CFP, CLU, ChFC
• Brock Jolly, CFP, CLU, LACP, ChFC, CLTC, CASL, RICP
• Tom Michel, LACP, CLTC
• Kathleen Owings, LACP

Learn more at belong.naifa.org/hall-of-fame-winners

Doug Massey has 40 years of experience in the financial industry, specializing in retirement planning and life insurance. A dedicated NAIFA member since 1987, he has served as president of his local association and NAIFA Texas. Doug actively participated in the IFAPAC committee and recently played a crucial role in NAIFA's stand against the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule proposal. As NAIFA's President-Elect for 2025, he is committed to advancing the organization's influence and protecting advisors' interests.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [2:45] Doug Massey discusses how the DOL fiduciary rule may reshape the financial services landscape
• [4:47] Why NAIFA opposes the DOL's proposal 
• [9:04] The potential implications of the DOL rule on financial advisors' practices 
• [13:28] The broader context and sources pushing for regulatory changes 
• [21:28] Why NAIFA members must share their voices and engage politically 
• [22:09] Doug's personal involvement and observations during the DOL lawsuit proceedings
• [30:33] What is Doug’s vision for the future of NAIFA and its membership?
• [37:27] Exciting plans for NAIFA Texas' 100-year anniversary and what to expect from the event
• [45:33] Doug's career accomplishments and what inspires him

In this episode…

Regulations aim to protect, but there comes a point when they may encroach on professional autonomy and service delivery. When proposed changes to the fiduciary rule jeopardize an entire industry, what are the next steps? How can associations make a difference and safeguard their members’ interests against regulatory overreach? 

Seasoned financial advisor Doug Massey delves into NAIFA's proactive measures to confront the Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary rule — a move that could transform the landscape of financial advising. The rule can significantly impact advisors' practices, particularly within retirement planning and life insurance. With a steadfast commitment to the industry and a strong belief in NAIFA's advocacy, Doug recounts the internal workings of the legal challenge, highlighting the need for advisors to advocate and contribute to the industry's defense against restrictive regulations.

In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Doug Massey, a financial services expert and NAIFA's President-Elect, to talk about protecting financial advisors from overreaching regulations. Doug discusses how the DOL fiduciary rule may reshape the financial service landscape, NAIFA's opposition to the DOL's proposal, and why NAIFA members need to share their voices and engage politically.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Chris Gandy on LinkedIn
• Suzanne Carawan on LinkedIn
• NAIFA
• Doug Massey on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments:

• "NAIFA is there to protect your business; it's a labor of love." 
• "NAIFA's involvement is like the 800-pound gorilla. When we speak, the industry pays attention." 
• "Anything that the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve."
• "Every NAIFA member knows they're a member; they've voluntarily put their hand up saying, I'll ascribe to that code of ethics."
• "The value proposition of being a NAIFA member is better than it's ever been." 

Action Steps:

1. Join your local NAIFA chapter to actively participate in advocacy for the industry: Members' collective voice is crucial in influencing policy decisions at the state and federal levels.
2. Stay informed on regulatory proposals like the DOL fiduciary rule that can affect your practice: Keeping abreast of policy changes allows you to adjust and defend your practices proactively.
3. Educate clients on the importance of political engagement in protecting their access to financial services: Informed clients can be powerful advocates for maintaining reasonable regulations that enable effective financial advising.
4. Consider becoming an influencer within NAIFA to galvanize others toward active membership: Influencers can inspire colleagues and peers to understand NAIFA's instrumental role in industry advocacy.
5. Attend NAIFA's Apex event to share ideas, learn from industry leaders, and influence the organization's direction: Participating in flagship events links you directly to the industry's pulse and provides networking opportunities.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors' Advocacy program. NAIFA provides a newsletter open to the industry that reports on government activities at the state and federal levels. Sign up now

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.

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.”