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

Nominations for the 2027 YAT Leader of the Year Award will open Spring 2027.

 

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.

The 2026 YAT Leader of the Year will be 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.

Joshua OGara (Josh)-1

2026 YAT Leader of the Year
Joshua O'Gara, CLU, ChFC, CFP

Woburn, MA

Joshua O'Gara to Be Honored as YAT Leader of the Year

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is thrilled to announce that Joshua O'Gara, CLU, ChFC, CFP has been named the 2026 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.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Past YAT Recipients
  • 2025 Rick Demko, CLU,ChFC, RICP, AEP, LUTCF, LACP
  • Cypress, TX
  • 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