About Us
Who We Are
Catholic Life Insurance is more than an insurance and retirement provider — we are a not-for-profit, member-focused organization dedicated to serving all people for the long term. Our members and home office team are dedicated to living our values with compassion, integrity, and service. We focus on helping our members protect what matters most, while meeting needs in the communities where we live and work. Our goal is to build hope, security, and stronger communities for generations to come.
Our Corporate Governance
Catholic Life Insurance, a 501(c)(8) member-owned fraternal benefit society, provides life insurance, retirement products, and membership benefits rooted in Catholic values of compassion, care, and community. Operating for purpose, not profit, we unite members of all backgrounds around shared values to promote financial security, community service, and faith-based initiatives. Governed by our Board of Directors and supported by our Branch system, members actively shape our mission, elect leadership, and help oversee our Bylaws—keeping our focus on Main Street, not Wall Street.
MISSION
Catholic Life Insurance empowers our member-owners to have a strong balance between faith, family and financial well-being.
We do this by:
- Offering Competitive life insurance and retirement products:
- Providing outstanding service;
- Supporting our faith-based community; and
- Serving communities where our members live and work.
VISION
Catholic Life Insurance aspires to be the most trusted member-owned, faith-based life insurer in the United States.
Catholic Life Insurance is licensed to operate in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. Not all products are available in all states. Products issued by Catholic Life Insurance are available to applicants who meet membership, insurability, U.S. citizenship, and residency requirements.
Financial Strength
We are proud to be a company you can count on. As of November 2025:
AM Best Rating
A-
EXCELLENT
Assets
$1.22
BILLION
Surplus
$117
MILLION
Insurance in Force
$2.11
BILLION
Solvency Ratio
110.61%
These numbers reflect more than just a strong balance sheet—they reflect trust, stability, consistency, and long-term security for over 78,000 member-owners who rely on us for their future financial well-being.
Catholic Life Insurance Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets policy and direction for our organization and monitor the organization’s performance.
- Roland DeWinne, Jr., Chair
- John Raabe, Vice Chair
- Dianne Shimek Cerny, Secretary
- Tara Durbin
- Danny Nortman, MBA
- Eva Martinez
- Dennis Matthiesen
- Allen Strickland, JD
- Christopher M. Belz, President/CEO
Front row: Vice Chair John Raabe, President/CEO Christopher M. Belz, Chair Roland DeWinne, Jr., and Secretary Dianne Shimek Cerny.
Back row: Danny Nortman, Eva Martinez, Dennis Matthiesen, Tara Durbin and Allen Strickland.
Catholic Life Insurance Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets policy and direction for our organization and monitor the organization’s performance.
- Roland DeWinne, Jr., Chair
- John Raabe, Vice Chair
- Dianne Shimek Cerny, Secretary
- Tara Durbin
- Danny Nortman, MBA
- Eva Martinez
- Dennis Matthiesen
- Allen Strickland, JD
- Christopher M. Belz, President/CEO
Front row: Vice Chair John Raabe, President/CEO Christopher M. Belz, Chair Roland DeWinne, Jr., and Secretary Dianne Shimek Cerny.
Back row: Danny Nortman, Eva Martinez, Dennis Matthiesen, Tara Durbin and Allen Strickland.
Leadership
Christopher M. Belz
President / CEO
J. Michael Belz
President Emeritus
Former Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio,
Michael J. Boulette, D. Min.
Spiritual Advisor
Colleen Berger
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Brant
Information Technologies
Frank Gentile
Senior Vice President
Chief Underwriter
Compliance Officer
Joy Burditt
Vice President
Operations
Dawn Fanfelle
Vice President
Human Resources
Janet Friesenhahn
VP/Director of Agencies
Shanna Smith
Vice President
Member Engagement & Comm.
Corporate Secretary
Peggy von Kaufman
Vice President
Operations
Honorary Spiritual Advisors
Most Reverend
Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS
Honorary Spiritual Advisor
Most Reverend
José H. Gomez
Honorary Spiritual Advisor
Monsignor
Larry J. Droll
Honorary Spiritual Advisor
Join a Community That Cares
Catholic Life Insurance is here for you, whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting your loved ones, or looking to make a difference.
Join a company where your money works for your family and community. You don’t have to be Catholic to join. You just have to care.
