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YAT Leader of the Year Award
Honoring the Next Generation of NAIFA Leaders

Nominations for the 2026 YAT Leader of the Year Award are now closed.

 

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations recognizing the exceptional young leaders who are making a lasting impact through their leadership, service, and commitment to NAIFA.

Our selection committee is currently reviewing this year's nominees. The 2026 YAT Leader of the Year will be announced this fall and honored during Protectors Powered by NAIFA.

About the Award

Each year, NAIFA recognizes one outstanding member with the YAT Leader of the Year Award, celebrating exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the association and the profession.

NAIFA's Young Advisor Team (YAT) includes members who are age 40 or younger or have been in the insurance and financial services industry for five years or less. These emerging professionals represent the future of our industry, and this award recognizes those who are already making a meaningful difference.

The YAT Leader of the Year Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment through:

  • Leadership within NAIFA at the State, Local, and National level.
  • Participation in leadership development programs, including the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI).
  • Advocacy efforts that advance the profession.
  • Service to their communities through charitable and volunteer involvement.
  • A commitment to inspiring, mentoring, and developing others.

Past recipients have continued to make significant contributions as volunteer leaders, industry advocates, mentors, and champions for the profession. Their dedication reflects the strength of NAIFA's leadership pipeline and inspires future generations of members.

Looking Ahead

Nominations for the 2027 YAT Leader of the Year Award are expected to open in March 2027.

Now is the perfect time to begin identifying exceptional YAT members whose leadership, service, and dedication deserve national recognition. We encourage NAIFA members to celebrate those who are strengthening their Chapters, serving the profession, and inspiring others through their commitment and example.

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 Canzanella, 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