Bo Johnson Spirit Award for Lifetime Achievement

Geographic Scope: United States

Award Description: An annual recognition award honoring individuals who exemplify courage, spirit, and determination in the fixed annuity industry.

Award Criteria

The award recognizes individuals who:

• Challenge the status quo
• Inspire others to achieve
• Contribute unselfishly to others
• Work ethically and conscientiously to improve the fixed annuity marketplace

Eligibility

Eligible Recipients:

• Active NAFA members (or posthumous nominations accepted for non-members with credible record of supporting the industry)
• Must have continuing record of supporting the fixed annuity industry
• Must have achieved positive outcomes for professionals in the industry
• Industry leaders, executives, and professionals in fixed annuities and financial services

Award History

The award was established by NAFA's Insurance Marketing Advisory Council (IMAC) in honor of Bo Johnson, a former NAFA board member and original IMAC chair who passed away in 2009 from cancer. Bo Johnson was known for his energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the fixed annuity industry.

Past Recipients:

• 2012: Wendy Waugaman (late President & CEO of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company) — inaugural recipient
• 2013: Bill Cain (CEO of Financial Independence Group)
• 2014: Samuel R. Lane (Founder of Fairlane Financial Corporation)
• 2015: Eric Thomes (SVP of Sales and Head of FMO Distribution, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America)
• 2016: Dr. Jack Marrion (President of Advantage Compendium and Director of Research for NAFA)
• 2017: David J. Noble (Founder of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company) — posthumous
• 2018: Mike Tripses (Partner and Co-Founder of CreativeOne)
• 2019: Brian Williams (Co-CEO of Financial Independence Group)
• 2020: Malott Nyhart (Former CMO and SVP of Great American Insurance Group, Annuities)
• 2025: Heather Kane

Contact Information

Nomination Contact: Theresa Meyer, NAFA Membership Director

• Phone: 414-332-9306, ext. 3

Organization Contact:

• NAFA Headquarters: 1717 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 1025, Washington, D.C. 20006
• Phone: 414.332.9306
• Website: nafa.com

Presentation

The award is typically presented at NAFA's annual Annuity Distribution Summit (held in fall).

How to Nominate

1. Prepare Nomination: Submit nomination materials highlighting the candidate's contributions to the fixed annuity industry and alignment with award criteria
2. Submit to NAFA: Send nomination to NAFA Membership Director
   • Contact: Theresa Meyer
   • Phone: 414-332-9306, ext. 3
   • Address: NAFA, 1717 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 1025, Washington, D.C. 20006
3. Selection Process: NAFA board of directors reviews nominations and votes to determine the honoree
4. Award Presentation: Winner is announced and recognized at NAFA's annual Annuity Distribution Summit

Nomination Requirements

• Nominee must be (or have been) an active NAFA member
• Nominee must have credible and continuing record of supporting the fixed annuity industry
• Nominee must have achieved positive outcomes for professionals in the industry
• Posthumous nominations are accepted
• Include specific examples of courage, spirit, determination, and ethical conduct
• Document contributions to improving the fixed annuity marketplace

Timeline

Deadline for nominations typically announced in summer months (historically around August), with awards presented at fall Annuity Distribution Summit (October/November).