About Us

Since 1883, Modern Woodmen of America has brought people together, supported families and strengthened communities.

About Us
Member stories

Hear from Modern Woodmen members

From financial planning to member programs to community involvement, we help members and their families through life.

Financial Planning

We can help you meet your current needs, achieve your future dreams and plan for all stages of life.

Planning for Life
Stories of strength from our history
An old black-and-white photo from Modern Woodmen's Tuberculosis Sanatorium.

Persevering Through Uncertain Times

Our Products

Modern Woodmen maintains a portfolio of high-quality financial products that can help you meet a wide range of life needs.

Our Products
Don't know where to start?
A computer screen with Modern Woodmen's life insurance calculator displayed.

Try our life insurance calculator

Each family is unique, with different needs and goals for the future. Taking a few minutes to answer some quick questions will give you an estimate of how much insurance is right for you.

Resource Hub

Visit our Resource Hub to learn more about life insurance and potential solutions to protect you and your loved ones. It’s a great place to find the answers to your questions and some hints from professionals.

Visit Resource Hub
Our guide to applying for life insurance

What to expect from the life insurance application process

From commonly used terms to hints for the medical exam and more, our handy guide helps you understand the application process.

 

My Membership

When you join Modern Woodmen, you become a member of the organization. You trust us with your financial needs. And you have the opportunity to access fraternal member programs and impact your community.

My Membership
Member Website
A father holding his daughter in the air with her arms out.

Member Website Overview

Make a payment, update your address, and access account information, online forms and fraternal programs from the member website.

Who We Are

Who We Are

Modern Woodmen is about people. Created for our members. Owned and operated by them, too. We’ve been protecting families and helping communities since 1883. 

Members

As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen doesn’t have stockholders. We exist for the benefit of nearly 700,000 members. They’re real people just like you. They're people who:

  • Live, work and play in big and small towns throughout the U.S.
  • Have chosen to protect their families and futures with the help of Modern Woodmen products.
  • Have the opportunity to enjoy member programs and make an impact in their local communities.
  • Are connected by common bonds: financial security, quality family life and community impact.

See real-life stories from Modern Woodmen members

Financial representatives

Nearly 1,000 representatives in 46 regions throughout 46 states proudly call themselves Modern Woodmen representatives.

Our financial representatives are here to help you meet your individual financial goals, not to push products you don't need. From protection to saving to retirement planning and more, they're here for you throughout life. To listen. To provide advice. To lend a hand in times of need. To be a friend.

Find a representative near you  

Fraternal volunteer leaders

Modern Woodmen members are organized into a system of local chapters. Chapter boards, made up of member volunteers, plan and coordinate local activities.

  • Nearly 2,300 chapters nationwide provide opportunities for members to take part in educational, social and volunteer activities. 
  • Nearly 250 Summit chapters offer activities for members age 55 and over.
  • Modern Woodmen’s youngest members are part of nearly 450 youth service clubs, which are led by adult member volunteers. 

Hear from a fraternal volunteer leader

Home office employees

At our headquarters in Rock Island, Illinois, we like to talk about “the Modern Woodmen way.” Our culture is based on courtesy, professionalism and personalized service.

After all, our more than 500 headquarters employees are members, too. They take pride in helping people – from answering member questions in our Service Center to offering support to our financial representatives to maintaining the building and grounds.

Board of directors

Modern Woodmen has a member-focused, representative form of government. When in session, our National Convention acts as the governing body of the organization. Modern Woodmen’s 44th National Convention took place June 20-22, 2022, in Aurora, Colorado. 

Day to day, our board of directors ensures the organization runs smoothly and makes decisions that are in the best interest of members. The board consists of Modern Woodmen members of various professional and financial-related backgrounds.

The board members are:

  • President and CEO Jerald J. Lyphout, East Moline, Illinois
  • National Secretary Shea E. Doyle, Bettendorf, Iowa
  • Lori A. Newberg, Lenexa, Kansas
  • Joseph A. Sztapka, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • James E. Temperley, Bonita Springs, Florida
  • Lester L. Bohnert, East Moline, Illinois
  • Brett M. Van, Coal Valley, Illinois 
  • Sandra L. Stosz, Falmouth, Massachusetts
  • Jackie R. Zachmeyer, Milan, Illinois