NAIFA Congressional Conference 2026

Kim Chambers is one of the world’s top marathon open water swimmers. Kim is one of only a few people to complete the Oceans Seven swimming challenge, seven of the most challenging stretches of water across the globe. The Oceans Seven is the open water swimming equivalent to the Seven Summits of mountaineering. She thrives most when encouraging others to face their faces and push through their own barriers. Kim excels best when engaging with audiences of all sizes planting the seed of possibility in the minds of children and adults alike. Kim believes that it is never too late to discover one’s purpose and live the best version of oneself.

Jill Judd, a State Farm agent, recognized the importance of surrounding herself with successful professionals and joined NAIFA in 2001. She was immediately recruited to the board as the IFAPAC Committee Chair of NAIFA-Santa Cruz . On the state level, Jill served two terms as Membership Chair, moderated LILI, chaired the NAIFA-California Long Range Planning Task Force, the Annual Career Advancement Conference, Personnel, Government Relations and Finance Committees. In addition, Jill was President of NAIFA-California in 2012-2013. Jill became a NAIFA Trustee in 2013, and was elected as President of NAIFA in September 2018.

John J. Demboski, CFP® is a 14 Year member of MDRT® with 6 Top of the Table qualifications and is a Silver Knight of the MDRT foundation. His team of financial professionals are equipped to-the-teeth, to rip through the investment and insurance distractions that one may face as we boldly dare to convert the LIFE that COULD BE; into the LIFE that IS. John’s blurred life of financial advising, speaking, authorship, and coaching will inspire and motivate you to seize an Extra-Ordinary Life - RIGHT NOW.

Shari McHugh has over 16 years of successful experience in government affairs and public relations. She is currently a partner in the lobbying firm of McHugh, Koepke & Associates. Shari’s lead clients include the California Credit Union League, the Hartford, NAIFA-California, the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians. Shari has worked diligently over the years to develop and maintain working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, regulatory officials, administration representatives, lobbyists, media personnel and industry representatives.

Ricardo Lara is California’s 8th Insurance Commissioner since voters created the elected position in 1988. As leader of the nation’s largest state consumer protection agency he will protect Californians’ futures. Raised in East Los Angeles by immigrant parents, Commissioner Ricardo Lara made history in 2018 by becoming the first openly gay person elected to statewide office in California’s history. Commissioner Lara previously served in the California Legislature, representing Assembly District 50 from 2010 to 2012 and Senate District 33 from 2012 to 2018. Commissioner Lara earned a BA in Journalism and Spanish with a minor in Chicano Studies from San Diego State University.

Over the past 20 years David has helped put thousands of Americans on the road to the zero percent tax bracket. David was a Focus Speaker at the worldwide annual meeting of MDRT in Toronto, Canada and is a multiple Top of the Table qualifier. His bestselling book The Power of Zero has sold over 180,000 copies. This book was recently made into a full-length documentary film, also entitled The Power of Zero . As the President of David McKnight & Company, he mentors hundreds of financial advisors from across the country who specialize in The Power of Zero retirement approach. He and his wife Felice have seven children.

I joined NAIFA to expand my practice and learn from some of the best and brightest in our business. The contacts I have made over the years at the California State Conference specifically have allowed me to write some of the largest cases of my career. NAIFA’s undying pursuit in protecting the products and services we offer our clients on a daily basis is why I continue my membership.

Lessons learned and best practices from the Top of the Table and how one producer went from taking $50 apps to having opportunities in the millions during a pandemic. This session will help producers identify new opportunities, how to modify prospecting behaviors and to create an environment that helps clients buy.

When was the last time you considered your “why”? A successful financial practice starts with an audacious goal that stems from a deep sense of mission. Gib Surles has grown The Forrest Group, L.L.C., an estate management firm in Houston, Texas to almost unimaginable heights. His secret, “It’s All About the Lives”. Gib will show you how to connect with your sense of mission to prime your practice for success. Combining ancient wisdom with his Always principles Gib will reveal his activity plan and show you the magic behind 12, 8, 4.

Not getting enough referrals? Is your business where you want it to be? In this session, Stephen Mathieu will open your eyes to the simplicity of getting referrals with proven, time-tested strategies that you can implement in your business today. Learn some tips and techniques that have been mastered by many members, allowing them to rise from mediocrity to becoming an elite producer in the Insurance and Financial Services industry.

Start building the future of your practice today by understanding the factors that impact the value and sustainability of a financial services business. In this session we will discuss how transforming your firm into a comprehensive planning practice will not only help with retention of your clients and your team, but how the resulting multiple recurring revenue streams enhance the future value of your business. Learn how to assess contracts and product partners, calculate present value of compensation streams, and make the best choices today for your clients, your practice, and your team.

Have you ever considered the move to fee-based planning? Perhaps you are actively considering this right now. Join Delvin Joyce as he shares his commission to fee-based journey and provides you with practical considerations to weigh in advance.