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YAT Leader of the Year Award

Applications being accepted March 15, 2026 through June 30, 2026.

About the Award

Our Young Advisor Team, affectionately known as "YATs," is a classification of all members who are 45 years of age or less and those who have been in the industry for five years or less. The group is a key demographic, and their leaders will soon shape the future of the industry.

The YAT Leader of the Year Award recognizes an advisor’s commitment to NAIFA, including service on local, state, and national committees and participation in the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI); involvement with state or federal legislative efforts; participation in external service work such as charities; and an ability to inspire others.


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Rick Demko-3

2025 YAT Leader of the Year
Rick Demko, CLU, ChFC, RICP, AEP, LUTCF, LACP

Cypress, TX

NAIFA-Texas President Rick Demko to Be Honored as YAT Leader of the Year

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is thrilled to announce that Richard “Rick” Demko, CLU, ChFC, RICP, AEP, LUTCF, LACP, has been named the 2025 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. This award celebrates outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within the financial advisory industry, recognizing individuals who exemplify the highest standards of excellence.

Demko, a NAIFA member since 2015, joined the Board of NAIFA-Houston in 2016. He became that chapter’s youngest-ever President in 2018 and served in that role through 2021. Under his leadership, NAIFA-Houston revitalized itself, came into compliance with NAIFA’s local-chapter standards, and became the largest local chapter in NAIFA. Demko has moved on to state-level leadership positions but remains active at the local level.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Past YAT Recipients
  • 2024 Kathleen Owings, LACP
  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • 2023 Joe Schreck
  • Atlanta, GA
  • 2022 Jeff Chernoff, MS, LUTCF, LACP
  • Tampa, FL
  • 2021 Brian Haney, CLTC, CFBS, CIS, CFS,CAE, LACP
  • Silver Spring, MD
  • 2020 Carina Hatfield, LUTCF, CLCS, LACP
  • Pottstown, PA
  • 2019 Cheryl Canzanell, LUTCF, LACP, CHSNCSt.
  • Augustine, FL
  • 2018 John D. Richardson, RICP, LACP
  • Brentwood, TN
  • 2017 Kevin Ross, LACP
  • Greeley, CO
  • 2015 Jennifer Alford
  • Perrysburg, OH
  • 2014 Mark Acre, LUTCF
  • Ozark, MO
  • 2013 Gabe Smith
  • 2012 Corey Anderson, DIA
  • Albertville, MN
  • 2011 Brock T. Jolly, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CLTC
  • Tysons Corner, VA
  • 2010 Adam Sachs, CLU, ChFC, CFP, CLTC, AIF
  • Needham Heights, MA