WoodmenLife taps new chief risk officer

WoodmenLife has announced the appointment of Shawn Bengston (pictured above) as executive vice president and chief risk officer.

In her new role, Bengston will lead WoodmenLife’s expanded risk management efforts in cybersecurity, investment underwriting, physical property security, business continuity, corporate insurance retention, and current and forecasted business risks. She will also lead the enterprise risk, security, and property and facility divisions.

“Risk reaches into many areas of the business world and is constantly evolving,” said Patrick L. Dees, president and CEO of WoodmenLife. “By ensuring our risk management efforts have a strong leader, WoodmenLife will be well positioned to not only handle the current risk environment, but also be prepared for the future.”

Bengston joined WoodmenLife in 2001, and most recently led its investment division as vice president. She holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the interdepartmental area of business, with a focus on corporate finance, investments and banking. She has held the Chartered Financial Analyst designation since 2004 and the Chartered Insurance Operations Professional designation since 2009.

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Bengston served as president of Fontanelle Forest’s board of directors in 2010 and maintains a steward level of involvement with the forest. She is also a member of the York College board of trustees. She is a member of the Chicago Quantitative Alliance, continuing her path with research and publications in environmental, social and governance investing.