NAAIA National

09/29/2026

NAAIA is proud to announce its 2027–2029 National Board leadership as the association prepares to enter its 30th anniversary year.

Susan Johnson, Chief Culture Officer at The Hartford, will become NAAIA National Board Chair, succeeding Ricky C. Jones. Joining her on the Executive Committee will be Rebekah Ratliff as Vice Chair, Owie Lei Agbontaen as Treasurer and Liz Walker as Secretary.

Juanesha Greenhill will serve as NAAIA National Board Emerging Leader, while NAAIA members elected Jenelle Holmes and Diauntae Morrow to the National Board of Directors.

As NAAIA approaches 30 years, we look forward to this next chapter of leadership and the continued work ahead.

Read the full announcement:https://naaia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/092926-National-Board-Elections-FINAL.pdf

09/14/2026

Episode 3 of From Promise to Power: The NAAIA Story is now available.

Visions for the Future brings together 11 voices from across NAAIA’s nearly 30 year journey to reflect on where the organization has been and what they envision for its future.

Featuring Susan Johnson, Omar Powell, Jephtha Snow, Dwight Geddes, Denise Campbell, Ngozi Nnaji, Aubrey Branch, Quincy Branch, Ricky Jones, Krista Scott and Omari Aarons-Martin.

Watch Episode 3 now on the NAAIA YouTube channel. While you’re there, catch up on Episodes 1 and 2 and explore more conversations and programs from across NAAIA.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/K7XORf_Ys8E

09/09/2026

The way we work is changing. So is what it takes to build a career that can evolve with it.

At the 2026 NAAIA National Conference, NAAIA President & CEO Omari Aarons-Martin will moderate a fireside conversation with Jeff Nelson, Co-Founder and COO of Blavity & AfroTech, and Aaliyah Haqq, Chief Operating Officer of the Academy of Advancing Excellence.

Together, they’ll explore the future of work, how leaders recognize opportunity in periods of change and what professionals can do now to remain relevant as technology continues to reshape industries and careers.

Join us for Plenary II: Futureproof: Strategies for Leaders in a Rapidly Changing World on Wednesday, September 23 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Registration closes today, September 9. We want YOU in the room.

Register now: bit.ly/NAAIA26

09/07/2026

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize the people whose work keeps our industries, businesses and communities moving forward.

At NAAIA, we especially recognize the insurance professionals whose expertise and commitment make a difference every day. Today, we celebrate your contributions and the work you continue to do across our industry.

In observance of Labor Day, the NAAIA National Office is closed today and will reopen tomorrow.

We hope you take time today to rest and recharge. Happy Labor Day from NAAIA. We’ll see you soon in Charlotte!

09/04/2026

The future of insurance will be shaped by the professionals who are challenging what leadership and career success can look like.

At the 2026 NAAIA National Conference, the Voices of the Future panel brings together emerging industry leaders for a conversation about the forces changing how the next generation works and leads. From AI and digital innovation to entrepreneurship and changing career paths, this conversation looks beyond where the industry is today to where it could go next.

Kyle Matthews, Managing Director at The Hartford, will moderate the conversation featuring Bri Allen, Broker Director at AIG; Dr. James Areago, Vice President, Product Strategy & Performance at Liberty Mutual Insurance; and Alexander van Hatter, Major Accounts Segment Leader at Chubb.

Join us for Plenary III: RISE Together: Looking Beyond the Moment on Thursday, September 24 in Charlotte.

Registration closes September 9.

Register today: bit.ly/NAAIA26

09/02/2026

Understanding change is one thing. Leading people through it is another.

During Plenary II: Futureproof, senior insurance executives will come together for Leading Through Change, a panel discussion about what leadership looks like when organizations and careers are constantly evolving.

Moderated by Travis Bethune, SVP, Customer and Broker Engagement at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and NAAIA National Board Member At-Large, the panel features Dr. Jhan D. Doughty, Vice President & Head of Global Belonging & Engagement at Everest; Doug Melton, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Aon; and Megan McClellan, Managing Director & Southeast Zone Leader at Marsh Risk.

This discussion will examine how leaders navigate uncertainty while supporting their teams and making decisions about what comes next.

Join us Wednesday, September 23 at the 2026 NAAIA National Conference in Charlotte.

Register today: bit.ly/NAAIA26

08/31/2026

The future of work is changing in real time. The question is how we prepare ourselves to lead through it.

At the 2026 NAAIA National Conference, NAAIA President & CEO Omari Aarons-Martin will moderate a fireside conversation with Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO of Blavity, and Aaliyah Haqq, Chief Operating Officer of the Academy of Advancing Excellence.

Together, they’ll explore reinvention, emerging opportunities and what leaders should be paying attention to as technology continues to reshape careers and the workplace.

Join us for Futureproof: Strategies for Leaders in a Rapidly Changing World, Wednesday, September 23 in Charlotte.

We want YOU in the room.

Register today: bit.ly/NAAIA26

The 2026 NAAIA National Conference is the premier gathering for Black insurance professionals, allies, and leaders across the insurance ecosystem to connect, learn, and lead. Under this year’s theme, Rooted to Rise: Strengthening Leaders. Expanding Opportunity., attendees will experience three day...

08/28/2026

The lessons that shape a career often come from the people who have experienced the industry firsthand.

Omar Powell, President of the NAAIA Charlotte Chapter and Executive Underwriter at The Hartford, shares his perspective on building a career in insurance and what he has learned along the way.

Hear from Omar, then continue the conversation with insurance professionals from across the country when NAAIA comes to his home chapter for the 2026 NAAIA National Conference in Charlotte.

September 22–24

Register today: bit.ly/NAAIA26

08/26/2026

Introducing the RISE Marketplace!

This year, we’re bringing something new to the 2026 NAAIA National Conference.

The RISE Marketplace will be part of the Conference Trade Show in Charlotte, creating a dedicated space for small businesses, brands, service providers, and nonprofit organizations to showcase what they offer to the NAAIA community.

We’re looking for businesses that are ready to bring something special to the marketplace. Applications will be reviewed based on product quality, brand story, category fit, and the overall balance of the experience.

Selected vendors will receive the booth basics needed to set up, showcase their brand, and sell directly to conference attendees.

Who SHOULD apply?
Small businesses, beauty and wellness brands, service providers, and registered 501(c)(3) organizations.

Be part of the RISE Marketplace and bring your business to Charlotte during the 2026 NAAIA National Conference, September 22–24.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/2026RISEMP

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08/25/2026

As careers grow and life circumstances change, the financial protection you need may change with them.

In recognition of Life Insurance Awareness Month, join NAAIA for “Rethinking Protection: Modern Approaches to Life Insurance for the Evolving Professional” on Thursday, September 10.

Moderated by Traci May, Founder & President of Positive Paradigm Group, the conversation will feature Tony Jackson, Founder & CEO of The Real Money Coach; Scotty Hendricks, Jr., Founder & CEO, Wealth Strategist, Freedmen's Financial Group, and Anita Eboka, Financial Services Professional, New York Life.

Together, they’ll explore how professionals can think differently about life insurance as careers, income and financial responsibilities evolve. The conversation will also examine modern approaches to coverage and how life insurance can support broader financial planning.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Take the opportunity this Life Insurance Awareness Month to revisit how your financial protection fits the life you’re building.