Established in 1945, the John Newton Russell Memorial Award is the insurance and financial services industry’s highest honor. Recipients possess outstanding character, dedication to the profession, and meritorious service.
A staunch proponent of informed, ethical marketing practices, John Newton Russell was agency manager for Pacific Mutual. He served as president of NALU (now NAIFA) during World War I and was one of the incorporators of The American College of Life Underwriters. His high standards are perpetuated in this award, which seeks to recognize someone with outstanding personal qualities, unstinting loyalty to the business, and exemplary leadership.
The award program is open to anyone you believe is highly qualified and exhibits the character, leadership qualities, and contributions to the profession and American families exemplified by John Newton Russell. Any member of a NAIFA local association is eligible to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominees must be insurance and/or financial services professionals. Standards for consideration are extraordinarily high. The characteristics of past recipients have included unwavering loyalty and a high level of professional accomplishment and community service.
The recipient is chosen by a committee of industry representatives and past winners. The committee reviews bios and testimonies provided by the candidates' peers to determine who best exemplifies and lives out the spirit of John Newton Russell.
Any NAIFA member may nominate an individual whose merits meet the distinguished legacy of the award. Nominations will be accepted until May 31, 2023.
