President and Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

A life insurer is seeking a President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will lead a mission-driven organization, shaping its strategic direction while preserving the values and traditions that define its unique fraternal culture. In this highly visible executive leadership role, the CEO will oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations, financial performance, membership growth, product strategy and long-term sustainability, while serving as the primary ambassador across the insurance industry. The CEO will partner closely with the Board of Directors, executive leadership team, and external advisors to drive strategic initiatives, evaluate growth opportunities, guide investments and governance, and ensure operational excellence across the organization. At the same time, the CEO will play a meaningful role in fostering member engagement and community connection through events, communications, charitable initiatives, and cultural programming, balancing business leadership with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and heritage. This is a retained search.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic direction and day-to-day management of the organization, ensuring operational efficiency, long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance and execution of the organization’s mission. Oversee organizational performance, strategic planning initiatives, budgeting, policy development, and leadership team effectiveness while identifying opportunities for growth, acquisitions and operational improvement.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors, executive committee, and key leadership stakeholders to support governance, strategic decision-making and organizational transparency. Oversee preparation and presentation of reports on financial performance, operations, risk management, investments, HR, and strategic progress while ensuring adherence to the Society’s constitution, bylaws and governance standards.
• Serve as the public face of the organization, promoting the organization through media appearances, community engagement, industry events and fraternal functions. Drive membership growth and engagement through marketing oversight, public relations efforts, strategic communications, and relationship-building across local, regional and national constituencies.
• Oversee the organization’s financial health in partnership with the secretary/treasurer/CFO, including budget development, resource allocation, investment oversight and fiscal management. Work collaboratively with the investment committee, asset management partners, and advisors to ensure prudent financial stewardship and long-term organizational stability.
• Champion the organization’s fraternal mission by supporting cultural, charitable, educational, and member-focused initiatives that strengthen community connection and preserve heritage. Provide leadership for member communications, publications, conventions, regional activities and community events while fostering strong engagement across the organization’s membership network.

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior executive leadership experience, ideally within a member-based, nonprofit, fraternal or insurance-related organization.
• Strong understanding of life insurance, annuity products and insurance distribution channels.
• Experience partnering with Boards of Directors and navigating governance structures.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, financial management and operational leadership.
• Knowledge of federal and state insurance/financial regulations and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, engage members/volunteers and serve as a public-facing organizational leader.
• Understanding of fraternal benefit societies and commitment to mission-driven, community-focused leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, non-profit management or related field; advanced degree (preferred); Fraternal Insurance Counselor designation (preferred).