NAIFA names Gillies, True to 4 Under 40 awards list

NAIFA has named Blake Gillies, United Wealth Advisors Group-LaPlace, and Derek True, Dallas DI Center, 2026 recipients of the 4 Under 40 Award. Both Gillies and True are affiliated with Ameritas and will receive their award at the Belong Award Celebration on Nov. 9, as part of the NAIFA National Leadership Conference at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

The annual recognition from NAIFA honors four financial professionals who have demonstrated remarkable career achievement by age 40. The 4 Under 40 Awards celebrate rising leaders who have made a meaningful impact through professional excellence, leadership, and service. These advisors are committed not only to growing successful businesses but also to serving their clients, supporting their communities, investing in their families, and advancing the profession according to NAIFA.

About Blake Gillies

Blake Gillies is managing principal and chief operating officer of United Wealth Advisors Group in LaPlace, Louisiana. Under his leadership, the firm has posted three consecutive years of record-setting production across multiple business lines. A two-time Ameritas Inner Circle Green Jacket recipient as well as six-time qualifier of Presidents Club, Gillies was named Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year by NAIFA-Louisiana and currently serves as president of NAIFA-Louisiana after previously leading NAIFA-Greater New Orleans and chairing NAIFA’s national Young Advisor Team.

About Derek True

Derek True is director of operations for The DI Center in Allen, Texas, where he has helped the brokerage general agency maintain a placement rate of more than 90% of applications. He serves as president of NAIFA-Dallas and sits on the NAIFA-Texas Member Value and Programs Committee after previously chairing the state’s Young Advisor Team Committee. True has participated in NAIFA’s Congressional Conference and state advocacy efforts and was named the 2024 NAIFA-Texas Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year.