Finseca Awards
Finseca’s Awards celebrate the exceptional agency leaders and individuals whose passion, talent, and expertise drive the financial security profession forward. These prestigious awards recognize those who inspire others and make significant contributions to our industry, embodying the spirit of excellence and innovation that defines our mission.
FORUM 400 Awards
The award’s purpose is to recognize members dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others and their communities through their leadership and involvement. The Humanitarian Award is presented to individuals who recognize the difference between their talents and their character. It has been said, “talents come to us as gifts and character comes to us by choice,” and this is precisely what the Humanitarian Award symbolizes.
The Fast & Furious Sales Ideas session is an open mic forum that allows participants 90 seconds to present an idea in front of their peers, two moderators and a panel of three judges. Named after industry leader and 1994 Forum President, Sidney A. Friedman, the Sid Award was launched at the 2006 Annual Meeting in order to recognize the No. 1 sales idea presented during the Fast & Furious Sales Ideas session.
LAMP Leadership Awards
Inductees to Finseca’s Management Hall of Fame are not only experts at building world-class agencies or firms, they also elevate the financial security profession by serving and educating their communities, championing professional development, and generally advancing the mission and work of the profession.
Hall of Fame Class of 2025
John Lefferts
Equitable
John has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, having held leadership roles as President/CEO of AXA Advisors and Chief Revenue Officer of a fintech/insurtech start-up. A CFP®, CLU, and ChFC professional, he has been instrumental in driving growth, innovation, and digital transformation within the industry. His expertise spans building field organizations, leading strategic change, and creating business development opportunities at Equitable Advisors. John’s passion for leadership, innovation, and delivering value to clients has made a lasting impact on the financial services industry, making him a standout candidate for the Hall of Fame.
The First in Class Award recognizes agency leaders or managers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership. Each company is responsible for determining the criteria it will use to select its nominee. Multiple nominees may be eligible for companies that segment distribution by market size or use a benchmark value proposition for their distribution systems.
Highlighted 2025 First in Class Awardees
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes superior managers, such as sales, unit, division, or district managers, who have direct responsibilities for a portion of an agency or firm, including recruiting, launching, and supervising new sales professionals. Each company is responsible for determining the criteria it will use to select its nominee. Nominees should stand out as role models for other managers.
Master Agency Awards are given to an agency head that is an active Finseca member at a firm with at least $7,800,000 USD in commission levels or $15,600,000 USD in premium levels during the previous year.
2025 VIP Master Agency Awardee
Scott Greenfeld | Fifth Avenue Financial
2025 Master Agency Awardees
- Barnum Financial Group
- Baystate Financial
- Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions
- Bluecrest Financial Alliances
- Capital Financial Group
- Capital Strategies
- Capstone California-Nevada
- Capstone Utah
- Center for Wealth Preservation
- Certified Financial Services, LLC
- Charter Oak Financial
- Coastal Wealth
- Commonwealth Financial Group
- Consolidated Planning
- Creative Financial Group
- Eastern Pennsylvania
- Empire City Financial Group
- Equitable Advisors South Florida Branch
- Equitable Advisors – Texas Branch
- Fifth Avenue Financial
- First Financial Group
- Forest Hills Financial Group
- Fortis Lux Financial
- Goris Financial Group Inc
- Greater Florida Financial Group
- Greater Heartland Financial Group
- Greater Midwest Financial Group
- Greater Philadelphia
- Karr Barth Associates – Equitable Advisors
- Lee,Nolan & Koroghlian LLC
- Legacy Wealth Partners
- Magnolia Wealth Strategies
- MassMutual Brooklyn
- MassMutual Central US
- MassMutual Great Lakes
- MassMutual Greater Los Angeles
- MassMutual Greater Richmond
- MassMutual Greater Washington
- MassMutual Idaho
- MassMutual Metro New York
- MassMutual Northern California
- MassMutual Northwest
- MassMutual Oregon
- MassMutual Pittsburgh
- MassMutual Puerto Rico
- MassMutual South Carolina
- MassMutual Tri State
- Mid America Financial Group
- Northeast Financial Group
- Northwestern Mutual – Dallas
- Northwestern Mutual – Pittsburgh
- Northwestern Mutual – The Kemelgor FInancial Group
- Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities
- Northwestern Mutual Utah
- Pacific Advisors
- Rethink Wealth
- Sagient
- Savage and Associates, Inc.
- Skylight Financial Group
- Southern California Financial Group
- Spectrum Financial Group
- Stellarix Group
- Strategic Financial Group
- Strategic Financial Partners
- Summit Risk Management
- Synergy Wealth Solutions
- Texas Financial Group
- The Bulfinch Group
- The Empire State Financial Group
- The Pelora Group
- The Piedmont Group
- The Southern Financial Group
- The Striano Financial Group
- Thompson Financial Group
- Touchstone Wealth
- Tri-State Wealth Advisors
- uFinancial Group
- Wealth Advisory Group LLC
- WestPoint Financial Group
The Master Multiline Award is given to an agency head that is an active Finseca member with an agency or firm that achieved at least $300,000 USD in gross life and annuity premiums and at least $10,000,000 USD in gross property and casualty premiums during the previous year.
- North Star Resource Group
NEW!
The Master Fraternal Award is given to an agency head who is a Finseca member with an agency or society that achieved at least $1,000,000 USD in gross life insurance premiums with $3,000,000 USD in total premiums during the previous year.
- Andrew Beers District
- Bennett L. Sperber District
- Blake Foote Region
- Brian Souder District
- Chad Foster Region
- Daniel Polk Region
- Fred M. Burgess, Jr. District
- Hector Alexis Romo District
- Jeremy Beck Region
- Jeremy Slone Region
- Jonathan Marsh Region
- Joseph Sztapka Region
- Kenny Jackson Region
- Knights of Columbus – Staas Agency
- Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency
- Kris L. Bosley District
- Lori Seckel Region
- M. Hunter Summar District
- Matthew Ward Region
- Scott McDonald Region
- Stark Agency
- Steven Eaton District
- Steven R. Bradley District
- Tyler J. Larson District
- Wheaton Agency
The International Management Award recognizes the achievements of first-line managers
(heads of agencies or firms). All qualifiers must be active Finseca members and must personally supervise full-time career agents, advisors, or sales representatives in the agency or firm.
2025 International Management Awardees
- Aamir Chalisa
- Brian K. Lee
- Brian K. Bortz
- Bruce W. Davison
- James G. Oppenlander CLU, ChFC
- Jason C Staas, MS, CLTC
- John W Breedlove III, CLU
- P. Shaun McDuffee
- Thomas Kuykendall
The Frontline Leader Award recognizes frontline managers, such as unit, division, or district managers who have direct responsibility for a portion of an agency or firm. All qualifiers must be current Finseca members.
2025 Frontline Leader Awardees
- Aamir Chalisa
- Andrew Beers
- Andrew L. McNeal
- Beau M. Jackson
- Bennett L. Sperber
- Brandon S. Millard
- Brian Bordic
- Brian Souder
- Clinton E. Koen
- Corey Greene
- David K. Schwartz
- Davin Bell
- Dakota Brizendine
- Fred M. Burgess, Jr.
- Hector Alexis Romo
- Jackson Hauser
- James E. Schoeck
- Jason B. Page
- Jeanie A. Miller
- John P. Chafin II
- Joseph R. Soucy
- Kevin Callison
- Kraigg Knary
- Kris L. Bosley
- Kristina L. Ribali
- M. Hunter Summar
- Mike Truly
- Nathan Grendahl
- Nicholas A Sztapka
- Nick Gonzales
- Nicholas Roop
- Sam Philbrook
- Scott W. Thistle
- Stephanie Tsang
- Steven Eaton
- Steven R. Bradley
- Taylor P. Hawkins
- Timothy J. Eaton
- Tyler J. Larson
- Walter T. Bowden Jr.
- Zachary T. McDowell
The Community Impact Leadership Award honors financial security firms/ agencies that are having a tangible, measurable effect on their clients and their communities. That impact might be the result of a number of activities, such as lives secured, charitable efforts or DE&I initiatives that promote doing well by doing good.
2025 Community Impact Winner
Wealth Strategies is committed to making a positive and lasting impact on its community by embodying its core value of “Elevate Community.” In 2024, the firm secured over 2,000 new lives and families, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life have access to the financial knowledge and protection they need to thrive. Their efforts extend to underserved communities through financial education, wellness seminars, and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By actively recruiting financial professionals from diverse backgrounds, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, Wealth Strategies enhances its ability to connect with a broad client base.
The firm’s charitable initiatives, organized through their “Giving Back” committee, further exemplify their commitment to community. In 2024, they participated in events like the Alzheimer’s Awareness Bike Ride and Walk, raising over $20,000 for research and support services. Additionally, their partnership with Savio House, supporting at-risk youth and families, and creative fundraising events such as “Chili for Charity” Cookoff, illustrate Wealth Strategies’ deep-rooted culture of giving back. By strengthening financial security, supporting research, and fostering community engagement, Wealth Strategies continues to make a meaningful impact, demonstrating that they are not just a financial services firm, but a force for positive change.
2025 Community Impact Finalists
- Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities
- Coastal Wealth
When you ask the iconic leaders of the financial security profession about how they grew successful businesses and teams, almost all mention the help of mentors and peers. The Finseca Futures program is designed to provide access to networks and training that leaders need to thrive in the early years (0-5 years in leadership) of their career. (This program requires a fee.)
Leadership Award Sponsors
Advanced Markets Award
Peter W. Mullin, a co-founder of the M Financial Group, was a visionary leader who reimagined our entire industry with thoughtful guidance and commitment to innovation and excellence while steadfastly remaining faithful to his core principles.
To honor his legacy, the annual Peter W. Mullin Visionary Leadership Award will be granted to an individual who: demonstrates exemplary and courageous leadership skills, inspires others, embraces philanthropy, and demonstrates loyalty, integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
2025 Award Winner
Mark Murphy
Northeast Private Client Group
Mark Murphy is an accomplished CEO, author, speaker, motivator, and podcast host, transforming the financial planning and wealth management industry with his innovative and forward-thinking approach. As the CEO of Northeast Sequoia Private Client Group, a national financial planning and wealth management firm, he is a highly sought-after business strategist and critical thinker. His passion lies in empowering entrepreneurs to achieve multigenerational wealth by offering personalized strategies focused on emotional fitness, wealth accumulation, and planning for all circumstances.
His expertise in strategic planning and financial engineering has benefited a wide range of clients, including closely held businesses, mid-size companies, celebrities, athletes, hedge fund managers, doctors, dentists, and other high net worth individuals. An unwavering commitment to delivering a “wow” experience has earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in the industry.
He holds a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University, along with the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations from the American College. Additionally, he is recognized as an NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor—designations that demand rigorous training and testing. His ongoing dedication to education ensures he remains current with financial planning news, trends, and innovations.
A charter member of the Guardian Chairman’s Council, he has qualified every year since its inception and has earned twenty-eight consecutive President’s Council honors. His leadership includes serving on thirteen Executive Committees and various Guardian committees such as the Field Product Committee, Park Avenue Securities (PAS), and the Action Committee. He also serves on the National Board of Directors for the Indiana University Varsity Club—a testament to his commitment to excellence and deep connection to his alma mater.
In 2023, he was ranked #1 in New Jersey and #3 nationally on Forbes’ list of America’s Top Financial Security Professionals. He is also a #1 best-selling author on Amazon, with his third book, The Ultimate Investment: A Roadmap to Grow Your Business and Build Multigenerational Wealth, reaching the top spot for new releases and being featured in major airports nationwide. His podcast, The Hero of The Hour, has earned a spot in the Top 40 U.S. podcasts in the competitive Business and Entrepreneurship categories.
Beyond his business achievements, he serves on several corporate boards, including Edulence Corporation, Dentist Select, Investors Bank, HR for Health, Runway of Dreams, and Fortune Management. He is a frequent guest speaker on topics such as practice mergers/acquisitions, estate planning, charitable giving, and multigenerational wealth strategies. His service also includes leadership roles such as President of AALU, President of the American Lung Association of New Jersey, Vice-President of the Indiana University Alumni Association, Finance Chairman for Senator Thomas Kean, Jr., member of Governor Christopher Christie’s Election Transition Team, and delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention.
Independent Distribution Awards
NAILBA’s “ID Twenty” Awards recognize 20 insurance professionals annually who have made important contributions to the insurance community. Honoring independent distribution’s most courageous innovators and visionaries, the 2024 ID Twenty award ceremony will take place at NAILBA 43. Anyone from the independent distribution community is eligible: business leaders, techies, marketers, or operations professionals within BGAs, carriers, or vendor companies. Nominate an exceptional peer or colleague today!
2024 Award Winners
- Chuck Anderson, Diversified Brokerage Services
- Michael Babikian, First Financial Resources
- Toni Sova-Corfee, GRAIL
- Michelle Dauphinais, John Hancock
- Mike Driscoll, Coastal Insurance
- Chad Druvenga, CBS Brokerage
- Mitchell Fisher, The Marketing Alliance
- Susan Ghalili, Pacific Life
- David Grant, InsMark
- Rob Haynie, Life Insurance Settlement
- Amy Kniseley, Highland Capital Brokerage
- Gary Kuchera, Coventry
- Mike Martini, Crump
- Laura Murach, LIMRA
- Ramona Neal, Living Benefit Review
- Ashley Paulsen, Simplicity
- Delphine Soucie, MassMutual
- Lori Walker, Diversified Brokerage Services
- Jason Wellman, Allianz
- Tony Wilson, One Resource Group
The Douglas Mooers Award for Excellence is NAILBA’s’ most coveted and prestigious award. Named after NAILBA’s Founding Chairman, H. Douglas Mooers, the Mooers Award was established in May of 1986. This annual award honors excellence in brokerage and is bestowed upon the individual most committed to furthering brokerage and independent life brokerage as a distribution system.
Nominees may include present or former NAILBA member principals, exhibitor company executives, members of NAILBA peer groups or other insurance industry groups, and concerned members of the insurance press. Nominees are dedicated insurance professionals with superior career accomplishments as well as outstanding records of service to the community. Mooers Award recipients are this country’s peer-recognized leaders of brokerage.
2024 Award Winner
Steven J. Katz
Premier Brokerage Services, a Gallagher Company
Steve Katz has over 45 years of experience in life insurance brokerage, his career has been marked by entrepreneurial vision and a passion for innovation. He began as a career agent before transitioning to the wholesale sector, where he built a brokerage division from the ground up. His expertise in impaired risk and the affluent marketplace set the stage for him to establish his own agency, which thrived for 25 years before being successfully acquired.
Known as one of the most “exceptional motivators on the planet,” Steve has shared his wealth of knowledge with countless professionals, inspiring collaboration and mentorship. His public speaking engagements and hands-on guidance have empowered aspiring entrepreneurs and young insurance professionals, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
The Kathy Deren Excellence in Life Insurance Underwriting Award is to celebrate exceptional talent within our industry for underwriting. By recognizing those who meet high standards of performance and integrity, we reinforce the importance of our collective commitment to quality underwriting practices.
