Bo Johnson Spirit Award

Congratulations to the 2026 Bo Johnson Spirit Award winner, Matt Tarkenton!

A servant leader known for his humility, transparency, integrity and genuine desire to help advisors, employees, carrier partners and industry peers succeed, Matt Tarkenton was honored with the 2026 Bo Johnson Spirit Award at the 18th annual Annuity Distribution Summit. Matt has spent the last 20+ years influencing the annuity industry by demonstrating that strong leadership is about more than production and business results — it is about how you treat people. In addition to building and leading Tarkenton Financial, Matt was formerly a personal producer who offered comprehensive wealth management services to high-net-worth families and foundations. His approachability, ethical decision-making and generosity make him an invaluable asset to the financial professionals he mentors, as well as to NAFA, the broader industry and, most importantly, his family.

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

  • Matt Tarkenton (2026)

  • Heather Kane (2025)

  • 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)