In order to recognize the work of YATs across the federation and their commitment to the industry, NAIFA and the Young Advisors Team (YAT) Subcommittee has established the YAT Leader of the Year Award.  This award will recognize a YAT that is the epitome of the profession: a committed NAIFA volunteer, successful in his or her career and active in his or her community.

Click here for the YAT Leader of the Year Award flyer

Click here for the online application

How is a person nominated for YAT Leader of the Year?
A YAT must be nominated by a current NAIFA member, however the nominee will be responsible for filling out the online application that outlines his or her qualifications.  All applications MUST be made online.  No faxed or mailed applications will be considered.

What are the minimum qualifications for a YAT Leader of the Year nominee?
A nominee must meet the following qualifications:

• Have a minimum of four years in the profession;
• Have at least one recognized designation (LUTCF, FSS, CLU, ChFC, CFP, CPCU, other.);
• Have served in at least two out of three levels of NAIFA leadership (local, state and national), with a preference for all three;
• Strongly encouraged to be a LILI graduate or currently enrolled in the LILI program;
• The nominee will select a job focus on the application (Producer, Recruiter or Manager) and meet the requirements of that job focus.  See below for Job Focus Performance requirements;
• Contribute to YATPAC for at least two years and currently participate at the “Statesman” level - $300-499 ($25.00/month) and higher;
• Meet with federal and/or state legislator(s) at least twice during the calendar year by participating in one or more of the following: [Provide date of meeting, attendees and issue areas discussed.]
  • State association’s Day at the Capitol or state legislative event
  • District meeting with other NAIFA members
  • One-on-one district meeting
• Recruit at least 3 new members to NAIFA during the membership year that the application for the award is received (ex. application deadline of April 30, 2010 would reflect period of July 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010);
• Participate in National Membership Weeks at local, state or national level;
• Participate in external service work such as charities, college, or other entities;
• Provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation; at least one should be from outside the industry.

What are the requirements for each job focus:
Producer: Must be MDRT qualifying level or above or achieved a production award such as MART or NQA (for more information on NAIFA Industry Awards, click here)
Recruiter: Member of GAMA International. Qualified for a GAMA Award in the year previous to the award deadline (ex. application deadline of April 30, 2010 would reflect period of May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.)
Manager: Member of GAMA International. Qualified for a GAMA Award in the year previous to the award deadline (ex. application deadline of April 30, 2010 would reflect period of May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.)

What is the deadline for the application?
All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 30, 2010.  Any application received after this time will not be considered.

How will the award be judged?
Each nominee will be considered on whether or not he or she has met the minimum requirements and any additional qualifications they may have.  The nominations will be reviewed by a committee of NAIFA volunteers, leaders and staff who will determine the achiever.

What recognition will the YAT Leader of the Year Award recipient receive?
The YAT Leader of the Year recipient will receive:

• Complimentary registration to the NAIFA Career Conference and Annual Meeting;
• Airfare to the annual Convention, up to $500*;
• Three nights complimentary hotel at the headquarters hotel;
• A commemorative award;
• Notice of the award in NAIFA publications.
• Award is non-transferable

The YAT Leader of the Year is expected to attend NAIFA’s Career Conference and Annual Meeting and participate in YAT programming at the Convention.

What if I have questions regarding the requirements or online application?
Email us at yatleader@naifa.org.

*NAIFA will reimburse the lowest roundtrip coachfare, not to exceed $500.