WoodmenLife Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to member security, WoodmenLife provides essential financial protection through life insurance and related products, fostering a legacy of service and community support.

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 the founding principles of service and member well-being. Overseeing all major corporate initiatives, Dees focuses on sustainable growth and market expansion within the insurance sector. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of integrity and member-centricity across all departments. By driving innovation in product development and service delivery, Patrick Dees ensures WoodmenLife maintains its competitive edge and continues to meet the evolving needs of its policyholders.
    Patrick Dees

    Denise McCauley - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Denise McCauley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational management. McCauley drives the core mission of providing robust life insurance solutions and fostering financial security for members. This executive leadership position involves overseeing all facets of the business, from product innovation to member services, ensuring the company's continued success and adherence to its foundational values. McCauley's focus includes enhancing operational efficiency and expanding the reach of WoodmenLife's offerings across its established markets. Through strategic decision-making, Denise McCauley ensures the organization remains a trusted provider of insurance products and a strong community partner.
    Denise McCauley

    Larry King - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Larry King, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WoodmenLife, leads the organization's strategic planning and executive management. King is responsible for charting the course of the company, ensuring its continued provision of essential life insurance and financial protection products. This critical role involves overseeing all business operations and driving initiatives that support member well-being and long-term financial stability. King's leadership focuses on maintaining the integrity of the company's offerings and expanding its market presence. Through strategic oversight, Larry King ensures WoodmenLife upholds its commitment to serving its policyholders and communities effectively.

    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 the company's fiscal health, managing investments, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure stability and growth. This role is crucial in maintaining the solvency and profitability required to offer comprehensive life insurance and financial products. Maher's responsibilities include developing financial strategies that support the company's long-term objectives and regulatory compliance. By meticulously managing financial resources, Robert Maher ensures WoodmenLife can continue its mission of providing security and support to its members.

    Jon Aerni - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Jon Aerni, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WoodmenLife, manages the company's comprehensive financial strategy and operations. Aerni oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, treasury, and investment management, ensuring the fiscal integrity and long-term sustainability of the organization. This executive position is vital for supporting WoodmenLife's mission of providing life insurance and financial security products. Aerni's leadership ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives for capital growth and efficient resource allocation. Through diligent financial oversight, Jon Aerni safeguards the company's assets and supports its commitment to policyholder benefits and community initiatives.
    Jon Aerni

    Wilbur Jenkins - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Wilbur Jenkins, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WoodmenLife, oversees the company's day-to-day operational functions and strategic execution. Jenkins manages all aspects of business operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and alignment with the company's mission to provide life insurance and financial security. This leadership role involves optimizing processes across departments, enhancing service delivery, and driving operational excellence. Jenkins's focus includes streamlining workflows and implementing best practices to support WoodmenLife's growth and member satisfaction. Through effective operational management, Wilbur Jenkins ensures the company consistently delivers on its promises to policyholders and stakeholders.
    Wilbur Jenkins

    Timothy Buderus - President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc

    Timothy Buderus, the President, Woodmen Financial Services, Inc at WoodmenLife, directs the strategic operations of the financial services division. Buderus oversees the development and delivery of a comprehensive suite of financial products and services designed to complement the company's core life insurance offerings. This leadership position is crucial for expanding WoodmenLife's financial planning capabilities and providing members with integrated solutions for their financial well-being. Buderus focuses on driving growth within the financial services sector and ensuring alignment with the overall corporate mission. Through strategic management, Timothy Buderus enhances the value proposition for WoodmenLife members seeking holistic financial support.
    Timothy Buderus

    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. Knaub oversees the development and implementation of IT infrastructure, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data management to support WoodmenLife's insurance operations. This role is critical for enabling digital transformation and enhancing the technological capabilities that underpin the company's product offerings and member services. Knaub focuses on leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and support strategic business objectives. By driving technological innovation, Kenneth Knaub ensures WoodmenLife remains secure, agile, and responsive to the evolving needs of its policyholders.
    Kenneth Knaub

    Kyle McMahan - Executive, Chief Marketing Officer

    Kyle McMahan, the Executive, Chief Marketing Officer at WoodmenLife, leads the company's marketing and brand strategy initiatives. McMahan directs all aspects of market engagement, advertising, and communications to enhance brand visibility and drive member acquisition. This role is pivotal in articulating WoodmenLife's value proposition and connecting with target audiences for its life insurance and financial products. McMahan's responsibilities include developing innovative marketing campaigns and overseeing digital presence to support business growth. By shaping the company's market perception, Kyle McMahan ensures WoodmenLife effectively communicates its commitment to financial security and community service.
    Kyle McMahan

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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 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.