Meet Your New Board!
July 29, 2026
1891 Financial Life is proud to introduce the newly elected Board of Directors, who were officially installed during the organization's Member Summit on July 18, 2026.
As a fraternal life insurance organization, 1891 Financial Life is governed by its members. The election of the Board of Directors is an important part of that tradition, ensuring that member voices help guide the future of the organization.
The newly elected Board will provide leadership and strategic oversight as 1891 Financial Life continues its mission of helping individuals and families achieve financial security while supporting faith, family, and community. Terms are staggered: the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes will serve a four-year term; the four candidates receiving the next highest number of votes will serve a two-year term.
Please join us in welcoming our Board of Directors:
- Tom Burkhard, Board Chair (2-Year Term) - St. Augustine, Florida
- Paul Kessler, Board Secretary (4-Year Term) - Killingworth, Connecticut
- Mary Rodgers, Board Treasurer (4-Year Term) - Thonotosassa, Florida
- Jeanne M. Filipp, Board Director (4-Year Term) - Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Carole Witkowski, Board Director (4-Year Term) - New Berlin, Wisconsin
- Wesley Skillett, Board Director (2-Year Term) - Omaha, Nebraska
- Greg O'Brien, Board Director (2-Year Term) - Park Ridge, Illinois
- Anne Blocker, Board Director (2-Year Term) - Waukon, Iowa
“I am personally delighted to welcome our new Board members and look forward to serving alongside each of them,” said Lisa Bickus, CEO of 1891 Financial Life. “Their dedication, experience, and commitment to our mission will help guide our organization as we continue to serve our members and strengthen communities.”
We are grateful to these leaders for their willingness to serve and share their time, talents, and passion with our organization. Their leadership will help carry 1891 Financial Life’s legacy forward while positioning us for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our new Board of Directors. To read the Board members’ bios, click here.
About 1891 Financial Life
Our culture is about looking out for you, for others, for families, for communities. That is how we go “Beyond Life Insurance.”
At 1891 Financial Life, we don’t just sell policies, we offer possibilities. We take pride in giving back to the communities we serve by providing quality and comprehensive insurance solutions. We are a not-for-profit life insurance Society, which means the sales from these financial service products help fund member benefits, along with social, educational, and volunteer programs designed to respond to community needs. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by Forbes, naming 1891 Financial Life among “The World’s Best Life Insurance Companies” in 2023 - and as one of “America’s Best Life Insurance Companies,” ranking #1 in Term Life Insurance for 2026.
Our portfolio is extensive, ranging from various life insurance policies to our annuities to support your financial needs, no matter what stage of life you’re in.