WoodmenLife Celebrates 135 Years of Serving Families and Communities

Today marks a big milestone for WoodmenLife as we celebrate our 135th birthday. Since our founding in 1890 in downtown Omaha, we’ve remained committed to our goal of protecting families’ financial futures, while supporting our communities and promoting patriotism.

We asked associates from throughout our organization what this milestone means to them. Here’s what they said:

Denise McCauley, President & Chief Executive Officer

“As the President & CEO, I am filled with pride and gratitude as we reach WoodmenLife’s 135-year milestone. This achievement demonstrates the enduring values and commitment of our members and associates who have consistently supported our mission. This milestone reinforces my confidence in the strength and resilience of our organization and motivates me to continue leading with integrity and vision toward a promising future.

“For WoodmenLife, this milestone signifies more than just longevity; it represents our unwavering dedication to supporting hardworking families and communities across the nation. It highlights our ability to adapt and grow while staying true to our core values. As we celebrate this achievement, we are also looking ahead, ensuring that we remain relevant and impactful for the next 135 years and beyond.”

Kyle McMahan, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

“Celebrating WoodmenLife’s 135th anniversary is a significant milestone for me, personally. It symbolizes a legacy of community, support, and shared values that have shaped my life and the lives of countless others. For the organization, this milestone is a testament to its enduring commitment to service, innovation, and the unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of our members and communities.”

Jon Aerni, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

“Reaching the 135-year milestone is a testament to WoodmenLife’s resilience, dedication, and success in providing financial security to our members. This anniversary underscores the vital role of community support, which has always been a cornerstone of WoodmenLife’s mission. For me, personally, it highlights the importance of making thoughtful, long-term decisions. I am committed to continuing this tradition to ensure that our remarkable mission thrives well into the future.”

Shawn Bengtson, Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer

“It’s amazing how energizing a milestone like 135 years can be. WoodmenLife has such a rich history and a time-honored heritage, and our organization continues to support those who have trusted us to rise and meet them in the moment when needs are the greatest. I’m honored to serve our members in any capacity — and to have fun while doing so. Who knew I’d be here at this moment in time? It doesn’t feel like work when you can be passionate about what WoodmenLife represents and delivers for our communities.

“This is a milestone many other life insurance companies have not yet achieved. WoodmenLife has been meeting the needs of our members for a LONG time — there every day, paying the benefits for those who have trusted us to do so. It’s an honor to be stewards for them. Regardless of your needs, social standing, or location, WoodmenLife is here, walking with you through life.”

Wilbur Jenkins, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

“WoodmenLife has supported families for generations. I’m humbled to be a part of an organization with such a profound legacy of service and commitment to others. I’m also inspired to enable WoodmenLife to continue to help families secure their financial future and support communities for many generations to come.

“Surviving and thriving for 135 years demonstrates that our commitment to family, community, and country remains relevant and valued. Achieving this major milestone is a celebration of our proud heritage, a reflection of our ongoing impact, and a call to action to continue to build a strong organization for our members’ future.”

This year, WoodmenLife is celebrating 135 years. Since our founding in 1890 in downtown Omaha, we’ve remained committed to our goal of protecting families’ financial futures, while supporting our communities and promoting patriotism.

Chuck Driffill, Senior Vice President & National Sales Manager

“Celebrating 135 years is a powerful reminder of the legacy we’ve inherited. After 20 years with WoodmenLife, I’m proud to be part of a mission that helps families protect what matters most. This milestone honors many people: leadership, Sales Representatives, Home Office associates, and members who have built and shaped this organization over the years. Reaching our 135th anniversary is a testament to the strength of our values and the trust we’ve earned through generations.”

Robby Molony, Vice President, Fraternal

“Our 135th year means we have prospered through many difficult times, and our commitment to serving our members is as strong today as it ever was. Our mission of serving families, communities, and our country is as important today as it was when we were founded. I am proud to be a WoodmenLife member for over 30 years and am grateful that I can be involved in our plans for the future.”

Lori Howard, Vice President, Marketing

“WoodmenLife’s 135-year milestone is a powerful reminder of the strength of our mission and the impact we’ve had on generations of families. Personally, it fills me with pride to be part of an organization with such deep roots in service, community, and financial security. It’s also a moment to look forward — to build on that legacy and continue evolving to meet the needs of our members for the next 135 years.”

Marsha Graesser, Director, Culture & Talent Development

“WoodmenLife’s 135-year anniversary milestone provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection on our organization’s steadfast commitment to community service. As we celebrate 135 years of making our communities better, I feel deeply honored to be part of WoodmenLife. Under the guidance of our President & CEO Denise McCauley, we continue to pave the way for our future, leading by example and always considering the well-being of everyone involved. Denise’s leadership ensures that we can look back another 135 years from now, proud of our ongoing mission to reinvest in communities, provide support, and make a real difference.”

Kaysi Bell, Community Outreach Advisor, Texas Southeast

“WoodmenLife’s 135-year milestone means so much to me because it reflects the deep-rooted commitment we’ve made to protecting families and supporting our communities. As a Community Outreach Advisor, I see firsthand how our values and shared commitments come to life through service, connection, and giving back. It’s a celebration of generations of people coming together to make a lasting difference in their communities. Personally, it inspires me to keep building connections, supporting families, and helping our organization’s legacy grow even stronger for the future.

“For WoodmenLife, reaching 135 years is a powerful testament to our mission, values, and impact. This milestone is proof of the positive impact we’ve made and a promise to keep building stronger families and communities together. It shows that our commitment to protecting families, supporting communities, and giving back has stood the test of time — and that WoodmenLife is built to continue making a difference for generations to come.”

Dana Dyer, WoodmenLife Representative, Kentucky West

“A strong foundation is necessary for anything to thrive and stand the test of time. WoodmenLife’s 135-year milestone gives me peace of mind personally for the financial security of my family in the products I own as well as in a career that allows me to provide for my family and help others in my community.”

Looking Forward

In 2024, we organized 2,881 community projects with the help of 19,738 volunteers, who gave 141,114 hours of their time and $1.64 million to make our communities better.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just learning about WoodmenLife, we invite you to join our celebration and be part of our continuing story. To learn more about our history and the journey that has brought us to our 135th birthday, visit WoodmenLife.org/About/History.

Compiled by: Diana Henry, Senior Digital Copywriter

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