WoodmenLife’s Enduring Impact on Omaha
Its white tower is an iconic part of the Omaha skyline, but WoodmenLife is far more important than a simple building.
WoodmenLife, celebrating its 135th anniversary in 2025, stands as a cornerstone of Omaha’s business community with its workforce of more than 600 employees, deep commitment to community service through extensive volunteer programs, significant investment in the Greater Omaha Chamber and enduring presence in downtown Omaha, where it continues to play a vital role in keeping our city’s core vibrant.
A life insurance and retirement planning organization focused on hardworking people and their families, WoodmenLife employs more than 600 people out of their home office in Omaha.
“We are committed to helping our members secure their financial futures,” said Denise McCauley, WoodmenLife Chair, President & CEO. “We were founded on that mission, and it continues to drive the company today.”
Though the organization was founded in 1890, it is continually working on new initiatives including constant enhancement of its customer experience for both its members and sales force. This includes a focus on new technology to improve its processes and efficiency. In addition, WoodmenLife is continually developing new products and services for the benefit of its members.
As a not-for-profit organization, WoodmenLife reinvests its profits back into its mission, supporting members and communities rather than earning money for shareholders.
WoodmenLife is also committed to its community, which is exemplified by its commitment to service and volunteerism.
“We give back to the communities our members call home,” McCauley said. “It’s a key part of our DNA. We are equally committed to doing so in our hometown of Omaha.”
Teams focus on specific volunteer opportunities or areas of service, and everyone from interns to the CEO is engaged in volunteer efforts. (McCauley regularly makes deliveries with a colleague for Meals on Wheels and is an active volunteer at Open Door Mission.)
That commitment to the community also extends to Omaha and the city’s urban core, where WoodmenLife’s iconic 30-story tower has stood since 1969.
“It’s important for us to have a vibrant community so that we can attract talent and retain talent and serve our members,” McCauley said. “I don’t think people understand what happens to a city if their downtown is desolate.”
WoodmenLife’s deep involvement with the Chamber of Commerce underscores its commitment to fostering a thriving business community.
By networking, pooling resources and simply putting their heads together, WoodmenLife and other Chamber members can more effectively tackle unique local challenges.
It’s unrealistic to think businesses can solve problems in isolation, said McCauley, who also serves on the Chamber board. Being part of a community like the Chamber provides invaluable strategic positioning and opportunities for collaboration. This collective effort not only strengthens individual businesses but also enhances the overall economic landscape, benefiting everyone involved.
“There’s so much value to being a part of a community,” McCauley said. “It raises everybody.”
