WoodmenLife Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to financial security, WoodmenLife provides essential life insurance and financial services, upholding a legacy of member support and community impact since its inception.

Leadership Roles at WoodmenLife

  • Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Dees
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Denise McCauley
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Larry King
  • 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
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Kenneth Knaub
  • Executive, Chief Marketing Officer - Kyle McMahan
  • Patrick Dees - Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Dees, the Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. Dees guides the company's mission to provide financial security through life insurance and related products, ensuring alignment with market demands and member needs. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of integrity and service, critical to WoodmenLife's long-standing reputation. Patrick Dees oversees the integration of innovative financial solutions that support policyholders' long-term well-being. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to driving sustainable growth and enhancing the company's competitive position within the insurance sector. Dees ensures that all business activities adhere to regulatory standards and ethical practices, safeguarding the interests of members and stakeholders.
    Patrick Dees

    Denise McCauley - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Denise McCauley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, spearheads the company's strategic direction and executive leadership. McCauley drives the organization's commitment to delivering robust life insurance products and financial services, ensuring member prosperity and security. This executive position involves cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders and guiding the company's expansion into new markets. Denise McCauley oversees the development and implementation of policies that uphold WoodmenLife's core values and mission. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus includes enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation across all departments. McCauley ensures that WoodmenLife remains a trusted provider of financial solutions, adapting to evolving industry landscapes while maintaining a steadfast dedication to policyholder support.
    Denise McCauley

    Larry King - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Larry King, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, leads the organization's strategic initiatives and overall corporate governance. King is responsible for setting the company's long-term vision, focusing on delivering comprehensive life insurance and financial planning services to members. This executive role involves driving operational excellence and ensuring the financial stability of WoodmenLife. Larry King oversees the integration of new technologies and strategies to enhance member value and market reach. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of integrity and service, crucial for maintaining trust within the insurance industry. King ensures that WoodmenLife's operations consistently meet the highest standards of performance and ethical conduct.

    Robert Maher - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Maher, the Chief Financial Officer at WoodmenLife, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Maher oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the company's fiscal health and compliance with regulatory requirements. This critical role involves managing investment portfolios and optimizing capital allocation to support WoodmenLife's growth objectives. Robert Maher provides essential financial insights to the executive team, guiding decisions related to product development and market expansion. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and auditors. Maher ensures that WoodmenLife's financial strategies effectively support its mission of providing security and value to its members.

    Jon Aerni - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Jon Aerni, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the company's comprehensive financial strategy and management. Aerni oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, treasury, and investment operations, ensuring the fiscal integrity and long-term sustainability of the organization. This senior leadership role involves providing critical financial analysis and guidance to support strategic decision-making across WoodmenLife. Jon Aerni is instrumental in managing the company's capital structure and optimizing financial performance to enhance member value. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's purview includes ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and reporting standards. Aerni's leadership ensures WoodmenLife maintains a strong financial foundation to fulfill its commitments to policyholders.
    Jon Aerni

    Wilbur Jenkins - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Wilbur Jenkins, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WoodmenLife, directs the company's day-to-day operational activities and process optimization. Jenkins oversees the efficient delivery of insurance products and services, ensuring high standards of quality and member satisfaction. This senior leadership role involves managing key operational departments, including underwriting, claims processing, and customer service, to support WoodmenLife's strategic goals. Wilbur Jenkins drives initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and implement best practices across the organization. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing resources effectively and ensuring seamless execution of business processes. Jenkins ensures that WoodmenLife's operations consistently support its mission of providing financial security and value to its members.
    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 company's financial services arm. Buderus oversees the provision of investment and financial planning solutions designed to complement WoodmenLife's core insurance offerings, ensuring comprehensive support for member financial goals. This executive position involves driving growth and innovation within the financial services sector, aligning with the broader organizational mission. Timothy Buderus is responsible for cultivating client relationships and expanding the service portfolio to meet evolving market needs. The President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc's focus includes ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility. Buderus ensures that Woodmen Financial Services effectively contributes to members' long-term financial security and prosperity.
    Timothy Buderus

    Kenneth Knaub - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Kenneth Knaub, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at WoodmenLife, leads the company's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Knaub oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring data security, system reliability, and operational efficiency. This executive position involves leveraging technology to enhance member services, streamline internal processes, and support WoodmenLife's overall business objectives. Kenneth Knaub guides the integration of innovative digital solutions that improve customer experience and operational performance. The Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing technology investments and fostering a culture of technological advancement. Knaub ensures that WoodmenLife's technology ecosystem effectively supports its mission of providing financial security.
    Kenneth Knaub

    Kyle McMahan - Executive, Chief Marketing Officer

    Kyle McMahan, the Executive, Chief Marketing Officer at WoodmenLife, leads the development and execution of comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and member engagement. McMahan oversees all marketing functions, including advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and product promotion, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and business objectives. This executive position involves identifying market opportunities and crafting compelling campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Kyle McMahan drives initiatives to strengthen WoodmenLife's market presence and communicate the value of its life insurance and financial services. The Executive, Chief Marketing Officer's focus includes fostering customer loyalty and expanding the company's reach. McMahan ensures that marketing efforts effectively support WoodmenLife's commitment to financial security and member well-being.
    Kyle McMahan

    Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance

    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 Denise McCauley (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Larry King (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), Denise McCauley (President & Chief Executive Officer), Larry King (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.