1891 Financial Life names new board after member vote

1891 Financial Life elected and installed a new Board of Directors during its Member Summit on July 18, 2026, in Schaumburg, Illinois. The member-selected board will guide the fraternal insurer’s strategy as it continues offering life insurance and annuity products tied to its faith- and community-focused mission.

Why it matters: - The board was chosen by 1891 Financial Life members, reinforcing the organization’s fraternal governance model. - The new directors will help steer strategy, oversight and mission delivery for a company focused on financial security, faith, family and community. - Staggered terms help preserve continuity while bringing in new leadership.

What happened: - 1891 Financial Life elected and installed its Board of Directors during the organization’s Member Summit on July 18, 2026. - The board members were inducted in Schaumburg, Illinois. - The election was conducted by the membership of 1891 Financial Life.

The details: - Tom Burkhard of St. Augustine, Florida, will serve as board chair on a two-year term. - Paul Kessler of Killingworth, Connecticut, will serve as board secretary on a four-year term. - Mary Rodgers of Thonotosassa, Florida, will serve as board treasurer on a four-year term. - Jeanne M. Filipp of Arlington Heights, Illinois, will serve as board director on a four-year term. - Carole Witkowski of New Berlin, Wisconsin, will serve as board director on a four-year term. - Wesley Skillett of Omaha, Nebraska, will serve as board director on a two-year term. - Greg O’Brien of Park Ridge, Illinois, will serve as board director on a two-year term. - Anne Blocker of Waukon, Iowa, will serve as board director on a two-year term. - The four candidates with the highest vote totals will serve four-year terms. - The four candidates with the next-highest vote totals will serve two-year terms. - Lisa Bickus, CEO of 1891 Financial Life, said she was delighted to welcome the new board members and looks forward to serving alongside them. - Bickus said the directors’ dedication, experience and commitment to the mission will help guide the organization as it serves members and strengthens communities.

Between the lines: - Member-elected governance gives policyholders direct influence over leadership at 1891 Financial Life. - The term structure suggests the organization is balancing fresh oversight with board continuity. - The company is presenting the board change as part of a broader effort to sustain its mission-driven identity.

What's next: - The new board will provide leadership and strategic oversight as 1891 Financial Life continues its work. - The organization will keep focusing on financial security for individuals and families. - 1891 Financial Life will continue offering life insurance and annuity solutions tied to its faith, service and member-engagement model. - More information is available through the company’s LinkedIn page, Instagram account, Facebook page, YouTube channel and TikTok account.

The bottom line: - 1891 Financial Life has a new member-elected board in place to guide the insurer’s next phase under a staggered leadership structure.