NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg and CEO Kevin Mayeux joined NAIFA-Greater Washington, D.C., members Brock Jolly (NAIFA Treasurer), Ryan Buck (chapter President), Paul Dougherty (NAIFA Past President), Randy Scritchfield (NAIFA Past Trustee), Brian Haney (NAIFA Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year) and others at this year’s NAIFA-GWDC Success Summit. Joining in from outside of NAIFA-GWDC were NAIFA Trustee Dennis Cuccinelli and past YAT Leader of the Year Carina Hatfield.
Mayeux spoke about how NAIFA is executing on its NAIFA 2025 strategic plan to grow membership, amplify the NAIFA brand, and enhance the membership experience. He also previewed the NAIFA Foundation for Financial Security focused on improving financial literacy in the United States by building a broader base of financial professionals by bringing more quality people into the profession. “We’re going to reach into diverse communities all across this country and bring more people who look like the broad tapestry of America into the profession,” he said.
Holzberg held a Q&A session with NAIFA members. He spoke of the advantages that NAIFA members have when it comes to surviving and thriving in the industry. NAIFA advocates on behalf of members and helps differentiate them from others in the industry, he said. The association also provides important connections that help NAIFA members enhance their careers and grow personally. “I’ve been honored to be in NAIFA for over 30 years,” Holzberg said. “If not for this association, I would not know as much as I have learned. Better yet, I wouldn’t have a network of people I can reach out to. In this area, Paul Dougherty, Keith Gillies in Louisiana, my good friend Tom Michel in California. I’ve developed a range of people and a network of friends who, one, are there for you because that’s what we do in our industry, and two, have helped educate me.”
Keynote speakers for the morning session were Dave Resseguie, the Founder and Chief Shepherd of The Resseguie Group and a contributing columnist for Advisor Today, and Megan Carpenter, CEO and Co-Founder of FiComm Partners, and Candice Carlton, the firm's Head of Advisor Education.
Afternoon keynote speakers were Bill Acheson, a business and body language expert, and Morris Morrison. The presentation by Morrison elevated and inspired the crowd and provided a preview of his high-energy and motivational style that will be on display at NAIFA’s Apex sales summit at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, August 17-18.