Robert A. Miller, a retired Managing Partner at Miller-Pomerantz Insurance and Financial Services in New York City and Past President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), has been named the 2025 recipient of the John Newton Russell Memorial Award. This award is regarded as the highest honor given by the life insurance industry to an individual for outstanding service. Miller will be formally recognized at NAIFA’s Belong Dinner on October 14 in Arlington, Virginia.
During his tenure as NAIFA President from 2011 to 2012, Miller advocated for significant changes to NAIFA’s structure and governance. His initiatives led to the development of a more streamlined governance model, consistent membership policies, and unified branding across all chapters. These efforts were instrumental in shaping the NAIFA 20/20 strategic plan that was launched in 2015.
“Robert Miller was a trailblazer who set the process in motion for the modernization of NAIFA,” said Lawrence Holzberg, Chair of the John Newton Russell Memorial Award Selection Committee and a past president of NAIFA. “Throughout his highly successful career, he has been an advocacy champion for the insurance and financial service industry and his fellow professionals. His influence is widespread and enduring, and on behalf of the selection committee it is my honor to congratulate him as a very worthy recipient of the John Newton Russell Memorial Award.”
Miller’s leadership extended beyond his national role; he also served as President of both NAIFA-New York state chapter and NAIFA-New York City chapter. He joined NAIFA’s National Board of Trustees in 2005, where he acted as trustee liaison to several key programs including CEO Outreach, Young Advisors Team, and Corporate Partnerships Program. He chaired the Governance Committee and participated on the Finance Committee.
As national President, Miller represented NAIFA in media interviews with major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, InvestmentNews, Think Advisor, and InsuranceNewsNet. He worked to communicate NAIFA’s mission on behalf of financial professionals and their clients. Additionally, he led opposition against restrictive Department of Labor fiduciary rules for financial professionals and provided input during Securities and Exchange Commission rulemaking processes concerning client interests. Miller has testified before congressional committees, the SEC, and other government agencies representing both NAIFA members and broader industry concerns.
“The John Newton Russell Memorial Award honoring extraordinary service and leadership in insurance and financial services is a fitting tribute to Robert Miller,” said Kevin Mayeux, CEO of NAIFA. “Very few individuals have given back as much of their time, money, and talents to elevate the profession as Robert has. He is passionate about NAIFA and the success of the industry. He understands better than most how political involvement and a strong membership association contribute to that success. On behalf of NAIFA, congratulations to Robert on this richly deserved award.”
In addition to this latest recognition, Miller received NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award in 2022 for exemplary service through political advocacy work within NAIFA’s political action committee (PAC). He remains its top lifetime contributor. Other honors include awards from both state-level organizations such as Ben Brewster Government Relations Award from NAIFA-New York along with Julian Myrick Award and Spencer L. McCarty Award for distinguished service.
Miller continues his involvement outside direct professional circles by serving as Vice Chair on Emerson College's Board of Trustees while maintaining active status with Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) along with supporting The American College of Financial Services.
"On behalf of The American College of Financial Services, I want to congratulate Robert Miller on being selected as the John Newton Russel Memorial Award recipient presented by NAIFA. What a great recognition for someone who has been a statesman and champion for NAIFA and the industry at large,” said George Nichols III, President & CEO at The American College. “Robert has had a very distinguished career and all who know him acknowledge his achievements. The greatest thing about him is his loyalty to friends and support to lift up our profession."
The John Newton Russell Memorial Award was established in 1942 by John Henry Russell in memory of his father—a leader within life insurance who served as president for what became known as NALU (now NAIFA) between 1916-1917—and helped found LIMRA International alongside contributions toward educational standards like Chartered Life Underwriter designation.
The current selection committee includes representatives from several organizations such as Society of Financial Service Professionals; Million Dollar Round Table; Life Happens; LIMRA; American Council of Life Insurers; past award recipients; immediate past presidents; among others.