CNO Financial Group Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

CNO Financial Group has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, marketing, human resources, operations, legal, and project management.

Driven by a commitment to serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees, CNO Financial Group provides essential insurance and financial services through its established brands, focusing on Medicare coverage, life insurance, and annuities to enhance financial security.

Leadership Roles at CNO Financial Group

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Archie Brown
  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul McDonough
  • Group President, Women's Business Resource - Vanessa Wright
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Mead
  • Chief Technology Officer - Patricia Kolodziejczyk
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Rocco Tarasi
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Yvonne Franzese
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Director & Projects Executive - Lisa Dandridge
  • Chief Operations Officer - Jeanne Linnenbringer
  • Executive VP & General Counsel - Matthew Zimpfer
  • Archie Brown - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Archie Brown, the President & Chief Executive Officer at CNO Financial Group, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding the company's mission to serve middle-income pre-retirees and retirees with essential insurance and financial services. Brown oversees the integration of various brands, including Bankers Life, Washington National, and Colonial Penn, ensuring a cohesive approach to product development and market penetration. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of innovation and client-centricity across all distribution channels, from agents and telesales to virtual and online platforms. Archie Brown drives the company's financial performance and long-term growth objectives, ensuring CNO Financial Group maintains its strong market position in providing Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage, supplemental health, long-term care, and life insurance solutions.

    Paul McDonough - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul McDonough, the Chief Financial Officer at CNO Financial Group, directs the company's financial planning, reporting, and capital management strategies. This executive position is central to maintaining the financial health and stability of CNO, which serves middle-income pre-retirees and retirees through its insurance and financial services offerings. McDonough oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, investor relations, and risk management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across its brands such as Colonial Penn and Washington National. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in capital allocation decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and driving profitable growth. Paul McDonough's financial acumen is vital for supporting the company's expansion and its commitment to providing Medicare, life insurance, and annuity products.
    Paul McDonough

    Vanessa Wright - Group President, Women's Business Resource

    Vanessa Wright, the Group President, Women's Business Resource at CNO Financial Group, leads initiatives focused on empowering women within the organization and among its client base, aligning with CNO's commitment to serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. This executive role involves developing strategies and programs that support women's professional growth and financial independence, particularly in the context of insurance and financial planning services. Wright oversees the development of resources and partnerships that enhance CNO's outreach and service delivery to women, ensuring their specific needs are met regarding Medicare, life insurance, and retirement planning. The Group President, Women's Business Resource's focus is on fostering inclusivity and providing tailored solutions that contribute to the financial security of women. Vanessa Wright's leadership champions CNO Financial Group's dedication to a diverse and supportive marketplace.

    Michael Mead - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Mead, the Chief Information Officer at CNO Financial Group, architects and executes the company's technology strategy, ensuring robust and scalable IT infrastructure. This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and digital transformation initiatives that support CNO's mission of serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. Mead directs the development and implementation of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience across brands like Bankers Life and Washington National. The Chief Information Officer's focus includes leveraging technology to optimize distribution channels, whether through agents, telesales, or online platforms, and ensuring the secure handling of sensitive financial and health information. Michael Mead's leadership ensures that CNO Financial Group remains at the forefront of technological innovation within the insurance and financial services sector.

    Patricia Kolodziejczyk - Chief Technology Officer

    Patricia Kolodziejczyk, the Chief Technology Officer at CNO Financial Group, drives the company's technological innovation and infrastructure development, focusing on enhancing the delivery of insurance and financial services to middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. This role involves leading the engineering and architecture teams to build and maintain scalable, secure, and efficient technology platforms that support CNO's diverse product portfolio, including Medicare supplement, life insurance, and annuities. Kolodziejczyk's responsibilities encompass overseeing the technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and fostering a culture of technical excellence. The Chief Technology Officer's work is crucial for optimizing digital channels and agent-facing tools, thereby improving customer engagement and operational effectiveness across brands like Bankers Life. Patricia Kolodziejczyk's expertise is fundamental to CNO Financial Group's digital transformation and its ability to adapt to evolving market demands.
    Patricia Kolodziejczyk

    Rocco Tarasi - Chief Marketing Officer

    Rocco Tarasi, the Chief Marketing Officer at CNO Financial Group, directs the company's comprehensive marketing and brand strategy, focusing on reaching and serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. This executive leads efforts to enhance brand awareness and customer acquisition across CNO's portfolio of insurance and financial services, including Medicare Advantage, supplemental health, and life insurance products. Tarasi oversees all marketing functions, encompassing advertising, digital marketing, content strategy, and market research, ensuring consistent messaging and value proposition delivery through various channels. The Chief Marketing Officer's role is pivotal in driving customer engagement and loyalty by understanding and addressing the unique needs of the target demographic. Rocco Tarasi's leadership ensures that CNO Financial Group's brands, such as Washington National and Colonial Penn, effectively communicate their commitment to financial security and well-being.
    Rocco Tarasi

    Yvonne Franzese - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Yvonne Franzese, the Chief Human Resources Officer at CNO Financial Group, leads the company's human capital strategy, focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining talent to support CNO's mission of serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. This executive oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, organizational development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Franzese is instrumental in cultivating a positive and productive work environment that aligns with CNO's values and business objectives across its various brands. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a crucial role in shaping the company culture, ensuring that employees are equipped with the skills and resources needed to deliver exceptional service in insurance and financial planning. Yvonne Franzese's strategic approach to HR is vital for CNO Financial Group's continued success and its commitment to its workforce.
    Yvonne Franzese

    Lisa Dandridge - Chief of Staff & Senior Director & Projects Executive

    Lisa Dandridge, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director & Projects Executive at CNO Financial Group, provides strategic support and drives key initiatives across the organization, ensuring alignment with CNO's mission to serve middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. This multifaceted role involves managing critical projects, facilitating executive communications, and enhancing operational efficiency throughout the company's insurance and financial services operations. Dandridge works closely with senior leadership to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, overseeing project execution from inception to completion. The Chief of Staff & Senior Director & Projects Executive's responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and ensuring seamless execution of strategic priorities. Lisa Dandridge's project management expertise and strategic oversight are essential for CNO Financial Group's effective operations and its commitment to client financial well-being.

    Jeanne Linnenbringer - Chief Operations Officer

    Jeanne Linnenbringer, the Chief Operations Officer at CNO Financial Group, directs the company's operational strategies and execution, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of insurance and financial services to middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. This leadership position oversees critical functions such as policy administration, claims processing, customer service, and operational risk management across CNO's brands, including Bankers Life and Washington National. Linnenbringer focuses on optimizing operational workflows, enhancing service quality, and leveraging technology to improve the customer experience. The Chief Operations Officer plays a vital role in managing the day-to-day business activities, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and driving operational excellence. Jeanne Linnenbringer's commitment to operational efficiency is fundamental to CNO Financial Group's ability to provide reliable Medicare, life insurance, and annuity products.
    Jeanne Linnenbringer

    Matthew Zimpfer - Executive VP & General Counsel

    Matthew Zimpfer, the Executive VP & General Counsel at CNO Financial Group, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the company, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing insurance and financial services. This senior role is critical for navigating the complex regulatory landscape CNO operates within, serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees. Zimpfer directs the legal team in matters of corporate governance, litigation, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation, safeguarding the interests of CNO Financial Group and its subsidiaries like Bankers Life and Colonial Penn. The Executive VP & General Counsel's responsibilities include advising senior management and the Board of Directors on legal risks and strategies related to product development, market conduct, and corporate transactions. Matthew Zimpfer's legal expertise is essential for maintaining CNO's integrity and its commitment to providing secure financial solutions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CNO Financial Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CNO Financial Group?
    CNO Financial Group is led by Archie Brown (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul McDonough (Chief Financial Officer) and Vanessa Wright (Group President, Women's Business Resource).
    Who is part of CNO Financial Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of CNO Financial Group includes leaders such as Archie Brown (President & Chief Executive Officer), Paul McDonough (Chief Financial Officer), Vanessa Wright (Group President, Women's Business Resource) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CNO Financial Group have?
    CNO Financial Group has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CNO Financial Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CNO Financial Group includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group President, Women's Business Resource, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer.