Dan Scholz, a Senior Financial Advisor with Ameritas Wealth Advisors-Omaha, will be honored as the 2026 recipient of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award, according to a May 7 announcement. Scholz will receive the award on May 18 at the Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Legacy Reception during NAIFA’s Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C.
The award recognizes individuals for exemplary political advocacy and participation in NAIFA’s political action committees. It is named after industry figure Terry Headley and highlights commitment to supporting legislative efforts that impact insurance and financial services professionals.
Scholz began his career with Ameritas in 1975 and has held several leadership roles within NAIFA, including serving as President of both NAIFA-Omaha and NAIFA-Nebraska. He has also served on boards for both state and national political action committees associated with the organization. “Dan Scholz was a close, long-time friend of our award’s namesake, Terry Headley,” said Christopher Gandy, LACP, President of NAIFA. “Like Terry, Dan offers a fantastic example of how a NAIFA member can make a meaningful difference on behalf of their industry, professional practice, and clients by engaging in grassroots advocacy and being fully committed to supporting NAIFA’s political action committees. This is a richly deserved honor for a man who truly understands the importance of the work we are doing at the Congressional Conference and the role our PACs play in ensuring our voices are heard by state and federal lawmakers.”
Scholz is recognized as a Joint Chief for surpassing $100,000 in lifetime contributions to NAIFAPAC. He was also the first recipient of Nebraska’s IFAPAC Defender Award and played key roles in winning national PAC Madness Challenges for his state chapter. His engagement includes regular attendance at conferences focused on legislative issues affecting insurance professionals.
In addition to this recognition from his peers at NAIFA, Scholz has been inducted into the Ameritas Hall of Fame and received other honors such as the Lester A. Rosen Humanitarian & Achievement Award. He has qualified for membership in Million Dollar Round Table for forty-five consecutive years.
The Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award celebrates current members who demonstrate outstanding service through advocacy efforts benefiting their profession and clients via support for political action initiatives within their field.
