WoodmenLife President & CEO Patrick L. Dees Bids Farewell

After serving WoodmenLife for more than 35 years, President & CEO Patrick L. Dees retired on Oct. 1. His time at WoodmenLife has left a lasting impact on both the organization and the communities it serves. Through dedication and hard work, Dees transformed his passion for serving others into a meaningful purpose that has touched the lives of countless individuals.

WoodmenLife Journey

From a young age, Dees exhibited a passion for helping others. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he witnessed the power of lending a helping hand and the positive impact it had on people.

Dees became a WoodmenLife member at age 4 when his father, William Dees, became a Sales Representative. Dees saw firsthand the value of life insurance protection.

In 1988, at age 24, Dees started his career with WoodmenLife as a Sales Representative in Angleton, TX. His ability to inspire and motivate others, coupled with his passion for the organization’s mission, propelled him forward. He was promoted to a Recruiting Sales Manager, and later to a Regional Director in California, Florida and then Georgia. In 2009, Dees joined the Home Office as the National Sales Manager.

In 2012, he became the Executive Vice President of the Fraternal division, where he oversaw WoodmenLife’s nationwide community service strategy. Dees has served as President & CEO since 2017. He has overseen WoodmenLife’s current activity and results, while strategically planning for the organization to continue to grow and thrive.

Accomplishments

Throughout his tenure at WoodmenLife, Dees has been involved in numerous accomplishments that have left an indelible mark on the organization and its members.

He oversaw the successful implementation of new products, such as My Choice IUL^® and Medicare Supplement, which align with WoodmenLife’s mission of helping families protect their financial futures. He led the effort to cease dues collection from each member, resulting in more than $20 million of premium savings for members since 2020. Dees also drove an initiative to introduce new WoodmenLife Extras, such as LawAssure™, and he helped develop new community service programs, such as Giving Together.

Throughout his career, Dees never wavered in his commitment to his purpose. When challenges arose, like navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, he used those as opportunities for growth and learning, emerging stronger and more determined than before.

Looking Forward

After retirement, Dees plans to continue serving on the WoodmenLife Board of Directors and looks forward to attending conventions and community events. He and his wife, Michele, will relocate to Texas, where he will be able to spend more time with his five children and 13 grandchildren.

The future of WoodmenLife is in good hands, he said. “Denise McCauley is a remarkably effective leader and has an excellent track record of accomplishments in her 15 years with WoodmenLife,” he said. “She cares about people and will lead the organization to further growth.”

A Parting Message

Dees would like to extend a special thanks to the National Board of Directors, Regional Directors and Executive Vice Presidents for sharing the responsibility to deliver on WoodmenLife’s mission. “Each Sales and Home Office associate is dedicated to serving our members and the communities they call home,” he said.

And to all WoodmenLife members: “I have always enjoyed the time I get to spend with you, our members. WoodmenLife is as financially strong as it has ever been. The Board of Directors and senior leadership at WoodmenLife make decisions with you in mind. It has been an honor to serve WoodmenLife and its members for more than 35 years.”

Through his unwavering dedication and commitment to service, Dees has touched the lives of countless individuals and made a lasting impact on the communities WoodmenLife serves. We wish him the best in retirement and thank him for his years of service.

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