To recognize individuals who have given meritorious service to the insurance and financial services industry, the agency system, and the community in ways that enhance the image of the agent. These individuals have provided exceptional service to NAIFA.
Tom Sunny, CFP, CLU, RICP
Tom Sunny is a second-generation financial professional who entered the industry right out of college in 2016, following the path set by his father who began his career in 1993. Since then, Tom has built his independent practice in the Chicago suburbs working with clients in 32 states, Sunny Financial Strategies, driven by a passion for helping clients organize, grow, and protect their wealth through personalized planning.
A Forbes Best-in-State Financial Security Professional in both 2024 and 2025, Tom has achieved Top of the Table honors with MDRT for two consecutive years, following three years at Court of the Table. He is currently a Chairman’s Cabinet Advisor at New York Life, a distinction awarded to the top 75 advisors in the country, and has been in the top 1-3% of the New York Life field force since 2020.
Beyond his financial planning expertise, Tom is also known for innovative marketing strategies and a strong social media presence, using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to build brand credibility, educate the public, and attract qualified leads at scale. Through campaigns like The Brighter Future Blueprint™, branded financial content, and engaging community sponsorships, Tom has developed a marketing engine that turns trust into traction—and content into clients.
His ability to blend relationship-based advising with digital-first marketing has positioned him as a go-to resource for agents and advisors looking to modernize their practice. Whether it’s automating workflows with AI and various software, using video to build trust, or converting attention into appointments, Tom brings real-world strategies that work in today’s competitive landscape.
Recently married in September 2024, Tom resides in the Chicago suburbs and operates out of the New York Life Illinois General Office in Schaumburg. He believes in legacy, leadership, and building a business that makes an impact.
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P.O. Box 13365
Springfield, IL 62791
Phone: 217-529-0126
sara@naifa-il.com
