Leadership and board of directors.

Steve Shaffer is Board Chair, President and CEO for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for setting Homesteaders’ strategic direction; leading the executive team; maintaining our investment discipline; driving our core initiatives and our approach to market. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2014, Shaffer actively worked with several national funeral home operators having co-founded and served as President-CEO of Foundation Partners Group, LLC and having served as co-founder and CFO-EVP at Keystone Group. After earning his accounting degree at Indiana University Bloomington, Steve started his career as a CPA and auditor at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis. In addition, Shaffer has actively served two three-year terms as a Trustee on the Board of the Funeral Service Foundation, including leadership roles as secretary/treasurer and board chair.

Nick Gerhart is the Chief Operating Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for managing the company's operations, including activities to optimize company growth through innovation that is consistent with Homesteaders’ core values, purpose and vision. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2020, Gerhart was Chief Administrative Officer at FBL Financial. Gerhart is best known for his time as Commissioner of the Iowa Insurance Division, where he transformed that department and increased the State of Iowa’s international prominence through his thought leadership. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his JD, MHA from the Saint Louis University School of Law. In addition, Gerhart is mentor and advisor to numerous insuretech startup ventures, including Advisor to Assured Allies, Gain Compliance, Sureify, Harbor AI and others, as well as serves on the Board of Directors for Pi 515 and Childserve.

Wade Comstock is Executive VP-Operations for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for developing the solutions that provide state-of-the-art technology to manage our business and serve our funeral home customers, sales counselors and policy owners. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2011, Comstock served as Vice President, IT for Aviva Investors and Technical Project Manager for First National Information Solutions. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Iowa. In addition, Comstock is skilled in developing technical solutions that support customer and company success and brings nearly two decades of experience in the information services field.

Marla Lacey is Executive VP-General Counsel for Homesteaders Life Company. She is committed to creating long-term value and security for Homesteaders and its key stakeholders by helping the company achieve its objectives while minimizing its legal and compliance risk yet adhering to the laws and regulations that govern our industry. She oversees the company’s corporate governance matters and has more than three decades of experience in both corporate and private legal and compliance practice, including public and private company governance, product development and government relations. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2012, Lacey served as Chief Compliance Officer/Associate General Counsel for American Equity Life Insurance Company. She received her bachelor’s degree from Drake University and her Juris Doctor with Distinction from University of Iowa College of Law. She also earned her Chartered Life Underwriter designation (CLU) in 2004 and her Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 2005 from The American College. In addition, Lacey holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 securities licenses, which are currently inactive.

Lyndon Peterson is Executive VP-Sales & Marketing for Homesteaders Life Company. Focusing on our commitment to funeral home customers, he is responsible for overseeing the sales process through the account executive and third-party marketer programs, as well as all corporate marketing efforts. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2010, Peterson served in various roles with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Wellmark, Inc.) including Vice President of Product Development, Vice President of Provider Relations, Executive Director & CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Northern Plains Alliance, and Vice President of Sales & Sales Operations. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in hospital and health administration from the University of Iowa as well as an MBA from Drake University. In addition, Peterson is a fellow in the Life Management Institute (FLMI).

Steve Pick is Executive VP-Chief Financial Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for directing Homesteaders' actuarial, accounting, investment, treasury and risk management functions. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2013, Pick served in various executive finance roles in the insurance and investment industries after having started his career as a CPA with a Big Four accounting firm. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and economics from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. In addition, Pick is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and is a Fellow in the Life Management Institute (FLMI).

Justine Bell is Chief Human Resources Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for driving the company’s human resources strategy, including talent development, employee engagement, regulatory compliance and organizational growth. Bell brings more than a decade of HR leadership experience across global organizations, financial institutions and high-growth companies. She holds a bachelor's degree in organizational studies (HR) from the University of Iowa and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human resources and employment law from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. 

Will Bischoff is Senior VP-Strategic Markets for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for working with distribution partners and funeral home owners to implement preneed strategies for long-term success. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2015, Bischoff served as the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Forethought Financial Group and Operations Controller and Vice President of Corporate Development for Keystone Group Holdings. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Spring Hill College and his MBA in corporate finance from University of Tampa, John H. Sykes College of Business. In 2022, Bischoff was appointed as a trustee for the Funeral Service Foundation. 

Laurie Covington is the Senior VP-Enterprise Strategic Planning for Homesteaders Life Company. She works with the leaders at Homesteaders to translate vision into action on Homesteaders continual journey to provide more value to policy owners and funeral home customers. Laurie has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and insurance, with much of her career working in software development to support those industries. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Dordt University and her MBA from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

Tom Doruska is Senior VP-Chief Actuary for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for Homesteaders’ valuation, product development, actuarial services and long-range profitability planning, working closely with the enterprise strategy team as well as the sales, marketing and financial departments to develop new products and evaluate opportunities to support the company’s goals. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2021, Doruska served as Senior Vice President for Global Atlantic and as Vice President, Life Products with Aviva USA. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Drake University. In addition, Doruska is a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. 

Doug Earney is Senior VP-Chief Investment Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for overseeing all investment-related activities to ensure the long-term security and growth of Homesteaders' investment portfolio. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2019, Earney served as Director, Fixed Income for Miles Capital, Inc. and Portfolio Manager with Principal Global Investors. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University, and his MBA from the University of Chicago. In addition, Earney is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.

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Ryan Goins is the SVP-Finance & Accounting for Homesteaders Life Company. He plays a crucial role in helping shape the financial direction and overall strategic vision for Homesteaders, including overseeing all financial activities, guiding investment decisions and ensuring the financial wellbeing of the organization. Goins has nearly 25 years of experience in finance, accounting and capital management, with two decades spent in the insurance industry. He holds a finance degree from the Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business. In addition, Goins is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and a Fellow of LOMA’s Financial Services Institute.

Danette Kobolt is Chief Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for corporate compliance, regulatory compliance, corporate legal matters, cybersecurity compliance and enterprise risk management. In addition, she serves as Homesteaders' Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer, Head of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Chief Privacy Officer. Kobolt brings extensive experience in regulatory compliance and legal matters, having worked in both federal and state government as well as the mutual insurance industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Northern Iowa, her MBA from Drake University and her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Danielle Burmeister is VP-Marketing and Communications for Homesteaders Life Company. She leads the team responsible for all aspects of Homesteaders’ marketing and branding. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2015, Burmeister served as marketing coordinator for the Iowa State Fair and associate faculty for Ashford University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Central College and her master’s degree from Iowa State University. In addition, Burmeister is a fellow in the Life Management Institute (FLMI), has received Homesteaders’ Rising Star Award and was nominated for Outstanding Teamwork Award.

Ron Crawley is the VP-IT Application Delivery for Homesteaders Life Company. He leads the team responsible for delivering leading-edge software solutions ensuring our technology meets the growing needs of our customers. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2018, Crawley served as Director Solution Delivery with Kum & Go where he was responsible for the technology supporting data management, data analytics and customer loyalty programs. Ron brings more than 20 years of technology experience that spans the retail, financial and insurance industries.

Dan Lodermeier is VP-Field Sales for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for setting and inspecting the goals of nearly 40 sales professionals, and his team provides sales and marketing support to funeral home owners across the country. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 1991, Lodermeier was in management serving the florist industry throughout the Midwest, with much of his career spent in sales and sales management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Northern Iowa. In addition, Lodermeier is a certified preplanning consultant.

Tristan Moreland is the VP-IT Infrastructure and Operations for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for overseeing the company's IT infrastructure, driving operational excellence and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. Before joining Homesteaders in 2019, Moreland worked as a software engineer in various industries. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Iowa State University. In addition, he’s a recent alumnus of the Technology Association of Iowa’s Leadership Institute and recipient of the 2020 Homesteaders’ Heroes Rising Star award.

Scott Morris joined Homesteaders Life Company in 2018 as Regional Director of Strategic Markets. He is a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and the University of Dayton. In his current role, Scott draws upon his 23 years of sales experience, including 16 years in the funeral profession, to develop strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to drive positive change and achieve the best results.

Jill Muenich is VP-Independent Distribution for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for directing the evolution and promotion of alternative distribution which focuses on connecting more consumers with funeral homes through diverse end-of-life products. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2019, Muenich served as VP – Marketing Services for National Guardian Life Insurance Company and VP – Marketing Services for Forward Community Investments. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and an executive leadership certificate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In addition, Muenich has served on the Funeral Service Foundation Grants Committee and the ICCFA’s Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.

Judith Naanep is VP-Actuarial Services for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for helping the company uphold its commitment to financial strength, ensuring that Homesteaders can continue to honor the promises made to stakeholders. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2017, Naanep held actuarial roles in various other Iowa life insurance companies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from the University of Iowa. Naanep is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst of the Society of Actuaries (CERA) and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

Caitlin Proudfoot is the Vice President of Accounting for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for overseeing the daily cash and accounting functions of the organization and ensuring accurate financial and internal reporting. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2022, Proudfoot served in various roles at EMC Insurance Companies for 11 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Graceland University and has served as the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association’s Midwest Chapter President and Treasurer.

Joe Sherrard is the VP-IT Help Desk & Security for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for developing and implementing the technology security program that protects our organization's data and systems. In addition, Joe is also responsible for delivering IT help desk support to our organization, our partners and our customers. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2003, Sherrard served in a similar capacity for Interstate Assurance Company. He earned his AAS degree in computer programming from Des Moines Area Community College. In addition to his current focus, Sherrard is skilled in managing teams that create robust technology infrastructure for insurance organizations and brings more than three decades of experience in the information technology field.

Cole Waybright is the Vice President of Sales Optimization for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for working with Homesteaders’ funeral home customers and marketing organizations to implement preneed growth strategies that connect them with more consumers. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2024, Waybright held various leadership positions in both operations and sales with independent funeral homes and corporate organizations. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales Operations with Foundation Partners Group, LLC. He is a graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and Alderson Broaddus University. In addition, Waybright is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, a former chair of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association PAC, was on the West Virginia Cemetery and Funeral Home Association board and the Advisory Panel for the University of South Florida Muma School of Business – Customer Experience Program.

Current term: February 2022-February 2027

Paule is NACD Directorship Certified®. He retired as Executive Vice President of FBL Financial Group in 2009. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2009.

Current term: February 2025-February 2030

Watson is a Managing Director of UHY Advisors Inc. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2010.

Current term: February 2021-February 2026

Shaffer joined Homesteaders in 2014 and was appointed President and CEO of the company in 2018. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2018 and was named Board Chair in 2019.

Current term: February 2023-February 2028

Brown is the owner of Peter A. Brown Commercial Real Estate Services. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2003.

Current term: February 2023-February 2028

Roth is the Principal Owner of RC Search Group. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2003.

Current term: February 2021-February 2026

Chandler is a keynote speaker and consultant after retiring as Senior Vice President-Chief Marketing Officer for MassMutual Financial Group. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2018.

Current term: February 2021-February 2026

Ferrante-Schepis is NACD Directorship Certified® and President of Maddock Douglas, Inc. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2018.

Current term: February 2023-February 2026

De Dios Woodward has been active in service and technology-oriented organizations in a variety of industries, including financial services and healthcare for nearly 20 years. De Dios Woodward is currently President and CEO of De Dios Consulting. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2023.

Current term: February 2023-February 2028

Marlow spent the majority of his career at Ernst & Young, LLP providing services to many financial service organizations and insurance companies. Marlow is also the former Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of Care Initiatives. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2023.

Current term: February 2025-February 2030

Hansen is Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer of Sammons Financial Group. He was elected to the Board in August 2024. 

Current term: February 2023-February 2026

Nickel has been active in the insurance industry for more than 25 years, including serving as the insurance commissioner for the state of Wisconsin from 2010 to 2019. Nickel is currently the owner of Bodilac Strategies, LLC. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2023.