WoodmenLife Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

WoodmenLife has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to member security, WoodmenLife provides essential life insurance and financial services, safeguarding families and communities through dedicated service and robust financial planning.

Leadership Roles at WoodmenLife

  • Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Dees
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Larry King
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Denise McCauley
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Maher
  • 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 - Kenneth Knaub
  • Patrick Dees - Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Dees, the Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. Dees guides the company's mission to provide life insurance and financial services, ensuring alignment with market demands and member needs. Overseeing all major corporate initiatives, Dees focuses on sustainable growth and financial stability. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of integrity and service excellence across all departments. By championing innovation in product development and service delivery, Patrick Dees ensures WoodmenLife maintains its competitive edge in the insurance sector. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to strategic partnerships and long-term planning, solidifying the company's position as a trusted provider.
    Patrick Dees

    Larry King - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Larry King, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, drives the strategic vision and operational leadership for the entire enterprise. King's mandate includes overseeing all facets of the company's insurance and financial services offerings, ensuring robust delivery to members. This executive position involves setting corporate objectives and managing cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious growth targets. By focusing on member-centric solutions, Larry King enhances the company's market presence and reputation. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass strategic planning, risk management, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. Through dedicated leadership, King ensures the continued success and expansion of WoodmenLife's services.

    Denise McCauley - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Denise McCauley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the organization. McCauley's leadership encompasses the full spectrum of insurance and financial services, ensuring the company meets its commitments to policyholders. This executive role involves guiding operational efficiency and fostering a forward-thinking approach to market challenges. By prioritizing member value and service quality, Denise McCauley strengthens WoodmenLife's standing in the industry. The President & Chief Executive Officer's duties include overseeing strategic growth initiatives and ensuring regulatory compliance. McCauley's focus remains on driving long-term sustainability and enhancing the company's impact.
    Denise McCauley

    Robert Maher - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Maher, the Chief Financial Officer at WoodmenLife, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Maher oversees budgeting, financial reporting, investment management, and capital allocation, ensuring the company's fiscal health and solvency. This critical role involves managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for enhanced profitability and operational efficiency. By maintaining stringent financial controls, Robert Maher supports the company's long-term growth objectives and its ability to meet member obligations. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to advising executive leadership on financial strategies and market trends. Maher's expertise is vital for sustaining WoodmenLife's financial integrity and expanding its service capabilities.

    Jon Aerni - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Jon Aerni, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WoodmenLife, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Aerni oversees financial reporting, investment portfolio management, and capital structure optimization, ensuring robust financial performance. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to inform executive decisions and mitigate risks. By maintaining strong financial discipline, Jon Aerni supports WoodmenLife's long-term sustainability and its capacity to deliver value to members. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's duties include developing financial forecasts and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Aerni's strategic financial oversight is critical for the company's continued growth and stability.
    Jon Aerni

    Wilbur Jenkins - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Wilbur Jenkins, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WoodmenLife, manages the day-to-day operational functions and drives efficiency across the enterprise. Jenkins oversees claims processing, policy administration, and customer service operations, ensuring seamless delivery of insurance products and support. This executive position involves optimizing operational workflows and implementing best practices to enhance service quality and member satisfaction. By focusing on operational excellence, Wilbur Jenkins strengthens WoodmenLife's capacity to serve its growing membership. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing technology infrastructure and driving process improvements. Jenkins' leadership ensures the smooth execution of the company's strategic initiatives.
    Wilbur Jenkins

    Timothy Buderus - President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc

    Timothy Buderus, the President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc at WoodmenLife, leads the strategic development and operational management of the financial services division. Buderus oversees the offering of investment products, retirement planning services, and wealth management solutions to members. This executive position involves driving business growth and ensuring compliance with financial industry regulations. By fostering strong client relationships and expanding service offerings, Timothy Buderus enhances the value provided by Woodmen Financial Services. The President's responsibilities include managing sales teams and developing strategic partnerships to broaden market penetration. Buderus's leadership is key to the division's success and its contribution to WoodmenLife's overall mission.
    Timothy Buderus

    Kyle McMahan - Executive, Chief Marketing Officer

    Kyle McMahan, the Executive, Chief Marketing Officer at WoodmenLife, leads all marketing strategies and brand development initiatives for the organization. McMahan oversees advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and product promotion, aiming to expand market reach and enhance brand recognition. This role involves identifying target audiences and developing compelling campaigns that resonate with potential and existing members. By driving innovative marketing approaches, Kyle McMahan strengthens WoodmenLife's connection with its community and increases member engagement. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include market research and analyzing campaign performance to optimize future strategies. McMahan's efforts are crucial for driving membership growth and reinforcing the company's mission.
    Kyle McMahan

    Kenneth Knaub - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Kenneth Knaub, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the company's technology strategy and information systems management. Knaub oversees the development and implementation of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and digital transformation initiatives to support business operations. This executive position involves ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of all technology platforms. By leveraging advanced technology solutions, Kenneth Knaub enhances operational efficiency and data integrity across the organization. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets and leading the technology team to drive innovation. Knaub's expertise is essential for maintaining WoodmenLife's technological advantage and safeguarding member data.
    Kenneth Knaub

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WoodmenLife Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WoodmenLife?
    WoodmenLife is led by Patrick Dees (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Larry King (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Denise McCauley (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of WoodmenLife’s executive team?
    The executive team of WoodmenLife includes leaders such as Patrick Dees (Chief Executive Officer), Larry King (President & Chief Executive Officer), Denise McCauley (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WoodmenLife have?
    WoodmenLife has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WoodmenLife’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WoodmenLife includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.