NAIFA-TENNESSEE 2026 CONFERENCE

Kathleen serves as Counsel for Sandberg, Phoenix & von Gontard, P.C., a national law firm based in St. Louis, Missouri. She specializes in wealth transfer planning, business succession, and executive benefits. Prior to returning to private practice in 2005, she was a member of the Advanced Markets Group at General American Life Insurance and subsequently, MetLife. A nationally recognized speaker and author, she has presented to AALU, the Society of FSP, NAIFA, the Top of the Table for the Million Dollar Roundtable, the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, and various for profit and non-profit organizations around the country. She currently serves as a Trustee for the National Board of NAIFA, a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Planned Giving Committee for the St. Louis Zoo Association, and a member of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation Planned Giving Committee.

Special YAT Lunch with Panos

Young Advisor Team (YAT) members are invited to join Panos for an informal lunch discussion on AI, the future of the financial services profession, industry trends, career development, and an open Q&A.

Panos has an extensive 25 years of experience in insurance and financial planning since 1999, as a top-awarded insurance consultant and a TOT MDRT member. A pioneer in the insurance industry and an insurance futurist, he is an expert in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, internet marketing strategies, automation, CRM, virtual and augmented reality, and cutting-edge technologies in the insurance sector.

He is the inventor of two innovative software solutions for insurance needs analysis and financial planning, implementing the science of risk management, artificial intelligence, and extensive neuroscience and behavioral economics research on risk perception and decision-making. His work has earned him 11 global innovation awards from organizations like MIT.

He holds a certification in “AI for Business” from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and is furthering his expertise in artificial intelligence through ongoing studies at MIT. He also holds certifications in LUTCF, IRMA, BRMA, and is pursuing additional studies with PRMIA (Professional Risk Management Association).

In 2020, he was honored with the esteemed global award for “Top 25 InsurTech CEOs of 2020.” A dynamic public speaker, he has inspired audiences in over 45 countries with his motivational and engaging style. Originally from Greece, he relocated to the USA, living in New York and Miami, after 2020.

Connor brings over 10 years of sales and leadership experience grounded in hard work, integrity, and honoring God. Raised in grain farming in Northwest Ohio, Connor learned early the value of discipline, stewardship, and doing the right thing when no one is watching – principles that continue to shape how he lives and leads.

With a decade of experience in automotive sales and leadership, notably a Top Producer earning four Award of Excellence Awards, Connor has poured into sales professionals through challenging the status quo and helping break the traditional car sales mold. His focus has always been on developing people, building trust, and driving results the right way. For nearly a decade, Connor has also personally invested in having a sales coach, believing that real growth requires humility, outside perspective, and continual improvement.

Connor lives in Middle Tennessee with his beautiful wife and two amazing children. He is passionate about building businesses that serve people well, honor God, and create lasting impact. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him playing with his kids, enjoying board games with his wife, or sipping a glass of bourbon while strumming his guitar.