Bo Johnson Spirit Award

Congratulations to the 2025 Bo Johnson Spirit Award winner, Heather Kane!

Known for her integrity, passion and commitment to enhancing the insurance marketplace, Heather Kane deservedly was honored with the 2025 Bo Johnson Spirit Award at the 17th annual Annuity Distribution Summit. Heather has spent the last 25+ years developing a holistic understanding of the industry, elevating the profile of annuities and independent distribution, and being a model of ethical leadership, serving as a sales professional at ING and Liberty Bankers before rising through the ranks to vice president of sales and marketing at EquiTrust. Her loyalty and unwavering support of advisors, IMO colleagues and carrier teammates has delivered immense value to NAFA, to her EquiTrust family and to the industry at large.

The Bo Johnson Spirit Award is an exceptional honor that recognizes individuals for the positive and lasting imprint they make on the fixed annuity industry. Each year, we look to the industry to nominate current or former NAFA members deserving of this coveted award who embody Bo’s generous spirit and lives by the following ideals:

  • Serves as an inspiration to others
  • Contributes to other professionals and their communities
  • Is ethical and conscientious
  • Dedicates himself or herself to improving the marketplace
  • Devotes time to the advancement of fixed annuity products

The Executive Operating Committee then brings before the board a recommended individual to be the recipient. After a board vote, the winner is announced and honored at the NAFA Annuity Distribution Summit each October.

About Bo Johnson

Bo Johnson

Bo Johnson was well known for his energy, enthusiasm and love of the fixed annuity industry. He was a proud member of NAFA and served as a board member for several years, as well as the original chair of the Insurance Marketing Advisory Committee (IMAC). His life was cut much too short when he died in 2009 after a courageous fight with cancer.

Distinguished Recipients

  • Rod Mims (2024)

  • Chuck Lucius (2023)

  • Chip Anderson (2022)

  • Dennis Brown (2021)

  • Malott Nyhart (2020)

  • Brian Williams (2019)

  • Mike Tripses (2018)

  • David Noble (2017)

  • Jack Marrion (2016)

  • Eric Thomes (2015)

  • Samuel R. Lane (2014)

  • Bill Cain (2013)

  • Wendy Waugaman (2012)