WoodmenLife Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

WoodmenLife has 6 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational management, marketing initiatives, information technology, financial oversight, and financial services.

Committed to providing financial security through life insurance and disability products, WoodmenLife empowers families across the United States by delivering reliable protection and community-focused insurance solutions.

Leadership Roles at WoodmenLife

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Denise McCauley
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Jon Aerni
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Wilbur Jenkins
  • President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc - Timothy Buderus
  • Executive, Chief Marketing Officer - Kyle McMahan
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Ken Knaub
  • Denise McCauley - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Denise McCauley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. McCauley manages the alignment of insurance product offerings with the long-term financial stability of the society. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments maintain focus on member-centric values and sustainable growth. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while expanding the reach of life insurance and disability coverage across the United States. Denise McCauley drives the mission of providing security to families through disciplined management and forward-thinking policy development. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the firm, ensuring that the organization remains a pillar of support for policyholders nationwide.
    Denise McCauley

    Jon Aerni - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Jon Aerni, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WoodmenLife, manages the fiscal health and investment strategies of the society. Aerni oversees the financial reporting, capital allocation, and risk management functions essential for maintaining the solvency of life insurance and disability portfolios. By directing the finance team, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards and provides the necessary financial insights to support executive decision-making. This role involves monitoring market fluctuations and adjusting investment strategies to protect the long-term interests of policyholders. Jon Aerni drives financial stability by optimizing asset management and maintaining a strong balance sheet. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation of the firm, enabling the continued delivery of reliable insurance products and services to members.
    Jon Aerni

    Wilbur Jenkins - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Wilbur Jenkins, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WoodmenLife, manages the daily operational infrastructure required to deliver life insurance and disability products. Jenkins oversees the internal processes that support policy administration and claims processing, ensuring efficiency across all regional service centers. By coordinating with department heads, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer optimizes workflows to enhance member experiences. This role involves implementing scalable systems that support the diverse insurance portfolio, including personal disability income and critical illness coverage. Wilbur Jenkins drives operational excellence by refining service delivery models and maintaining rigorous quality standards. Through the management of cross-functional teams, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer secures the operational integrity of the society, allowing the organization to meet the evolving needs of policyholders with precision and reliability.
    Wilbur Jenkins

    Timothy Buderus - President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc

    Timothy Buderus, the President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc at WoodmenLife, directs the specialized financial services division that complements the core insurance offerings. Buderus manages the strategic expansion of investment and financial planning services provided to members. By overseeing the operations of the subsidiary, the President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc ensures that clients receive comprehensive support for their long-term financial goals. This role involves coordinating with the broader leadership team to integrate financial planning tools with existing life insurance and disability products. Timothy Buderus drives the growth of the financial services arm by identifying new investment opportunities and enhancing the advisory capabilities of the firm. Through the management of this division, the President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc strengthens the overall value proposition of the organization, providing members with a holistic approach to financial security and wealth management.
    Timothy Buderus

    Kyle McMahan - Executive, Chief Marketing Officer

    Kyle McMahan, the Executive, Chief Marketing Officer at WoodmenLife, architects the brand strategy and outreach programs designed to increase awareness of life insurance and disability solutions. McMahan directs the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the value of personal disability income and business overhead disability products. By analyzing consumer behavior and market demand, the Executive, Chief Marketing Officer aligns promotional efforts with the broader goals of the society. This leadership role involves managing relationships with field representatives and ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels. Kyle McMahan drives growth by identifying new market opportunities and strengthening the presence of the organization in the insurance sector. Through strategic brand positioning, the Executive, Chief Marketing Officer fosters trust and engagement, ensuring that the mission of the firm resonates with individuals and business owners seeking financial protection.
    Kyle McMahan

    Ken Knaub - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Ken Knaub, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the technological transformation and digital security initiatives of the firm. Knaub manages the enterprise architecture that supports policy management systems and data analytics for life insurance and critical illness products. By overseeing the IT department, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital platforms remain secure, scalable, and accessible for members and staff. This role involves integrating advanced software solutions to streamline administrative tasks and improve data accuracy. Ken Knaub drives innovation by implementing robust cybersecurity protocols and modernizing legacy systems to meet contemporary business requirements. Through the strategic deployment of technology, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer supports the overall efficiency of the organization, enabling seamless operations and protecting sensitive member information across all digital touchpoints.
    Ken Knaub

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WoodmenLife Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WoodmenLife?
    WoodmenLife is led by Denise McCauley (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jon Aerni (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Wilbur Jenkins (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of WoodmenLife’s executive team?
    The executive team of WoodmenLife includes leaders such as Denise McCauley (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jon Aerni (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Wilbur Jenkins (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WoodmenLife have?
    WoodmenLife has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WoodmenLife’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WoodmenLife includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc, Executive, Chief Marketing Officer.