A career of service that resonates with our core markets
ALEXANDRIA, Va – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company, announced today the appointment of Major General Augustus L. “Leon” Collins, USA (Ret.) to the 5Star Life Board of Directors, effective December 1, 2020.
“It is our pleasure to welcome Leon Collins to the 5Star Life Board of Directors. His proven leadership and decades of service to this great nation make him an outstanding addition to our Board”, said General Ed Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chair of AFBA and 5Star Life.
General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.) President of AFBA and 5Star Life, added, “The service and protection we provide for our military members, first responders, and civilians who serve our country will be enhanced with General Collins as a member of the Board.”
General Collins retired after more than 30 years of military service as the Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard in 2016. His Army career included command of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, a force of more than 4,500 servicemembers in The Iraqi Theater of Operations. Collins currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MICACT, Inc, a job training, development, and management company in Jackson, MS.
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has over 650,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies. In addition, it extends the enterprise’s mission to civilians serving our country in the workplace. As a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products, 5Star Life serves a diverse clientele as an insurance provider to individuals and organizations and as a trusted advisor to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Wong to consolidate the enterprise distribution
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and the 5Star Life Insurance Company boards of directors have named Michael K. “Kimo” Wong as Chief Distribution Officer effective immediately, consolidating the sales organizations for both entities.
“Kimo Wong’s appointment as Chief Distribution Officer further unifies the enterprise’s strategic direction. Both boards of directors have confidence in his leadership and proven record of success as we continue to fulfill our mission – to serve those who serve this great nation,” said AFBA and 5Star Life Chair General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.).
“I am delighted to have the sales organizations of both AFBA and 5Star Life now under Kimo Wong’s direction. In his new role, he will lead the sales strategy in the worksite market, in addition to his current responsibilities in the active duty, first responder, and National Guard markets. This appointment enables the AFBA / 5Star enterprise to better carry out its important mission by further coordinating its distribution efforts,” said AFBA and 5Star Life President General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.).
Kimo Wong is a 1975 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and an Air Force commission. He is a former Air Force reservist and a 44-year veteran of the insurance industry. He joined AFBA in 1997 and is responsible for setting strategic direction for AFBA’s membership enrollments for the active duty, first responder, and National Guard markets. Wong holds both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve our country’s military service members and first responders, and now, civilian customers of 5Star Life who work every day to ensure our country’s economic strength,” said Kimo Wong. “I look forward to building on the success of the worksite team to increase sales in 5Star Life and membership in AFBA.”
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of survivor benefits in force and $2 billion paid since inception. AFBA survivor benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life Insurance Company
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
General Spencer to hold dual presidency of AFBA and 5Star Life
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and the 5Star Life Insurance Company Boards of Directors have named General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.), as President of 5Star Life effective June 1, 2020.
“General Spencer was appointed AFBA President earlier this year and his superb leadership has proven invaluable as we dealt with the Covid-19 crisis. His appointment as President of 5Star Life will help us achieve our strategic objectives under one leadership banner. Both boards of directors have confidence in his steady and decisive leadership as we continue to fulfill our mission – to serve those who serve this great nation,” said AFBA and 5Star Life Chair General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.).
General Spencer spent more than 40 years in the Air Force, beginning his career in the enlisted ranks and rising to become a four-star general. General Spencer’s last assignment was as the Vice Chief of Staff of the US Air Force where he assisted the Chief of Staff in organizing, training, and equipping 690,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces. After retiring from the Air Force in 2015, General Spencer served as President of the Air Force Association until 2019. He currently serves on the boards of Whirlpool Corporation, Triumph Group, Inc., and Haynes International, Inc.
“It is an honor to serve our country’s military service members and first responders, and now, civilian customers of 5Star Life who work every day to ensure our country’s economic strength, said General Spencer. “With the support of General Eberhart and both boards of directors, I am optimistic about the future and confident the joint enterprise – AFBA and 5Star Life – can support members and customers even better than before.”
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of life insurance benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of life insurance benefits since inception. AFBA life insurance benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life Insurance Company
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.) to remain as Chair
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) Board of Directors has named General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.) as its new President (effective March 9, 2020) and member of the Board (effective February 26, 2020). Also, AFBA’s affiliate 5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) Board of Directors has appointed General Spencer as a member of its board (effective February 26, 2020). Current AFBA Chair and President General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), will remain the chair of the 650,000 member-strong association. He will also remain Chair of 5Star Life.
“It has been an honor to serve our country’s military service members, first responders, and customers of 5Star Life over the past 15 years as President of this association,” said General Ed Eberhart, Chair and outgoing President of AFBA. “We are pleased to welcome General Spencer as our new President and are confident that, with our board’s continuing dedicated leadership, he will direct AFBA operations with purpose and resolve as we continue to fulfill our mission – to serve those who serve this great nation”.
General Spencer spent more than 40 years in the Air Force, beginning his career in the enlisted ranks and rising to become a four-star general. General Spencer’s last assignment was as the Vice Chief of Staff of the US Air Force where he assisted the Chief of Staff in organizing, training and equipping 690,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces. After retiring from the Air Force in 2015, General Spencer served as President of the Air Force Association until 2019. General Spencer received his Bachelor of Science Degree in industrial engineering technology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and has two Master of Science degrees. He currently serves on the boards of Whirlpool Corporation, Triumph Group, Inc., and Haynes International, Inc.
“I am pleased to join AFBA and look forward to working with the leadership team to proudly serve our service members, first responders, and their families,” said General Spencer. “The Association has a tremendous legacy and I am humbled by the honor of being named President and the opportunity to advance its mission.”
General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.), AFBA’s lead independent director, stated, “With exceptional leadership and vision, General Eberhart has been instrumental in making AFBA what it is today. He has led the organization in a strategic growth plan that has revitalized our relevance and mission to those who go in harm’s way on behalf of our country. We thank him for his countless contributions as President and all he has done for our members, field representatives, and employees. As Chair, his vision will continue to guide our efforts to protect future generations of service members and first responders. We know that General Spencer’s experience and leadership will further those efforts, and we look forward to working with him.”
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
McKinley’s career of service speaks to the enterprise’s key markets
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company, announced today the appointment of Gen. Craig R. McKinley, USAF (Ret.) to the 5Star Life board of directors, effective December 1, 2019.
“We are pleased to welcome Craig McKinley to the 5Star Life board of directors. His commitment to our country’s military servicemembers and first responders is unparalleled, and he will help guide our efforts to serve all those who serve this great nation,” said General Ed Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman and President of AFBA and Chairman of 5Star Life.
Mark Singleton, President of 5Star Life, added, “We never lose sight of our goal – to ensure we remain relevant as an organization, so we can serve and protect future generations of servicemembers, first responders, and civilians serving our country. With General McKinley on the board, that focus will continue.”
McKinley retired as a four-star general in 2012 after a long and honorable 38-year career in the Air Force. His last assignment was as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, where he also served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he was a military adviser to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council and was the Department of Defense’s official channel of communication to the Governors and to State Adjutants General on all matters pertaining to the National Guard. After his distinguished military career, McKinley served for more than two years as President of the Air Force Association, and later went on to serve for a two-year term as President and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). On July 1, 2017 he was appointed, and still serves, as National Chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife Cheryl.
“I am pleased to join the 5Star Life Board of Directors and look forward to working with the leadership team to proudly serve our servicemembers, first responders, civilians, and their families,” said General McKinley.
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies. In addition, it extends the enterprise’s mission to civilians serving our country in the workplace. As a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products, 5Star Life serves a diverse clientele as an insurance provider to individuals and organizations and as a trusted advisor to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
In new role, Abebe will continue focusing on digital transformation efforts
ALEXANDRIA, Va – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company, announced today the promotion of Birye Abebe to Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective January 1, 2020. This announcement comes as Madeline Delahan will retire at the end of the year after serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer since 2012.
“Madeline’s vision, expertise, and leadership have made for a better AFBA / 5Star Life enterprise, and she will be greatly missed,” said General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman and President of AFBA.
As CIO, she aligned IT initiatives to meet the objectives outlined in the 2014-2018 strategic plan and established a high-performing team with the necessary technology skills and certifications to deliver modern solutions. She defined a cloud-first strategy that was instrumental in replacing legacy applications with cloud-based flexibility and established a cyber security program built around the NIST framework and successfully demonstrated compliance with standards like NAIC Model Law and the NY Department of Financial Services regulations. In her prior role as Deputy CIO, she led the transformational effort to modernize two legacy policy administration systems. Her background in software product development and government consulting served our organization well.
“As we looked for a new leader, we were pleased to leverage our deep bench of talent within the organization. Birye’s technical expertise and thorough knowledge of our enterprise will be an asset in his new role. By supporting critical enterprise systems, safeguarding us from cybersecurity threats, and steering our digital efforts, Birye will enable us to continue fulfilling our mission – serving those who serve this great nation,” added General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart.
“Over the past five years, we have made a significant investment on our digital transformation efforts, acquiring new technology, re-engineering existing processes, and leveraging new tools to make us more effective and efficient,” said Mark Singleton, 5Star Life President. “We are delighted to have Birye leading those efforts as we continue to expand our digital transformation.”
Abebe brings more than 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field. Before joining AFBA / 5Star Life in 2007, Abebe worked for American University, NTT Data, and AT&T leading technology implementation projects. Since joining our enterprise, he has played an instrumental role in our digital transformation efforts, delivering business solutions that increase automation and efficiencies. Abebe holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned his master’s degree in Information and Communication Systems from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Over the next five to 10 years, we will experience the impact and pressures of new and disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics” said Abebe. “I look forward to helping the enterprise align its technology investment with organizational strategies.”
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Role shapes strategy and direction for council and its members
ALEXANDRIA, Va – 5Star Life Insurance Company announced today that Mark Singleton, President and Chief Executive Officer of 5Star Life, was named Chair of the Life Insurers Council (LIC) at its annual meeting in February in Destin, Florida.
“I’m pleased that Mark has accepted this leadership role within the industry. It underscores the fact that we have a cadre of senior leaders at 5Star Life with a high level of expertise and industry knowledge,” said General Ed Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman of 5Star Life.
“We are delighted to have Mark Singleton serve as Chair of the Council. Under his leadership, we plan to advance our mission of helping members drive performance through shared excellence,” said Jeff Shaw, Executive Director of the Life Insurers Council.
Part of LOMA and LL Global (LIMRA / LOMA), the Life Insurers Council provides a forum for senior-level life insurance executives, primarily from small-to-medium sized companies, to exchange information, ideas, and practical business solutions. Singleton has been a member of the LIC Board of Directors since 2015.
Singleton joined 5Star Life in 2012 bringing more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including executive level roles in the life and health, property and casualty, retirement services, and real estate sectors. A seasoned industry veteran with proven abilities in developing and implementing growth strategies, Singleton guides strategic initiatives for 5Star Life. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ullico, Inc., a multi-line financial services company in Washington, DC. Earlier in his career, he was CFO and a founder of Inviva, Inc., and CFO of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company.
“I’m honored to take on the role of Chair and delighted to work with my esteemed peers and Jeff Shaw to guide the council as it tackles pressing issues affecting our industry today,” said Mark Singleton
Fox’s background in the first responder market aligns with strategic growth plans
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The 5Star Life Insurance Company announced today that Joseph Fox has been appointed to its Board of Directors effective March 1, 2019.
“I am pleased to welcome Joseph Fox to the 5Star Life board of directors. As an esteemed law enforcement leader, his knowledge will be invaluable as we serve the first responders who serve this great nation,” said General Ed Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman of 5Star Life.
Mark Singleton, President of 5Star Life added, “We have experienced tremendous growth in the first responder market over the last five years, and Chief Fox will be instrumental in ensuring this growth continues.”
Fox enjoyed a long and honorable 37-year career in law enforcement. He joined the New York City Police Department in 1981, beginning as a patrol officer in Brooklyn’s 70th precinct and ascending through the ranks to become a three-star Chief. Before retiring in 2018, he served for six years as the head of the NYPD’s Transit Bureau leading the team of 2,600 men and women that secures the nation’s busiest metropolitan rail system. Currently, he is the Chief of Staff at SEAL Security, a full-service global security firm based in New York and London. He is also a renowned public speaker, translating the power of personal loss into purposeful messages that inspire others.
“I am pleased to join the 5Star Life Board of Directors and look forward to working with the management team of this organization that so proudly serves our first responders,” said Joseph Fox.
About 5Star Life
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Newly created position will play key role in driving legal strategy for growing organization
ALEXANDRIA, Va – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company, announced today the hiring of John N. Haramalis as Associate General Counsel joining the team that handles all legal and compliance matters for the enterprise.
“John’s impressive level of experience in AFBA’s core markets will be an invaluable asset to both our legal team and the organization at large,” said General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman and President of AFBA. “As an accomplished attorney, a retired military officer, and a former law enforcement officer, John will add perspective and depth to our work and our mission – to serve those who serve this great nation.”
“As the organization has grown, the demands on our legal team have also increased. In this newly created position, John’s efforts will focus on litigation, addressing legal matters pertaining to our core markets, and advocating for legal issues critical to those markets,” said Mark Singleton, 5Star Life President. “We are delighted to welcome John to our group of professionals leading this organization into the future.”
Haramalis comes to AFBA and 5Star Life with experience in insurance law, voluntary life insurance programs, and military and veteran affairs. Prior to joining AFBA and 5Star Life, Haramalis was President and CEO of the National Guard Association of California for eleven years where he was responsible for legislative affairs and member benefits for the state association representing the 21,000 members and veterans of the California National Guard, the largest in the nation.
He served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years starting as an enlisted soldier and retiring as a Colonel. A combat veteran with more than five years of deployment experience, he held senior leadership assignments at high levels in NATO, the National Guard, and the Army. In his last assignment, Haramalis came to the Washington D.C. area to serve in the Joint Intelligence Directorate of the National Guard Bureau as the Chief Liaison Officer to the Intelligence Community. His law enforcement career includes serving as Deputy Sheriff in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties in California. In addition to a law degree, Haramalis holds four master’s degrees across several disciplines and earned a doctorate degree in International Legal Studies from Golden Gate University School of Law in California.
“I am excited to join AFBA and 5Star Life,” said Haramalis. “Through my legal work, I look forward to supporting the enterprise strategies and advancing our mission.”
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Promotion fills critical role supporting growth strategies and digital transformation
ALEXANDRIA, Va – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company, announced today the promotion of Jill C. Paulin to Senior Vice President of Operations.
“Jill’s deep knowledge of our operations and enterprise will be a great asset in her new role,” said General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman and President of AFBA. “Her insights and experience will enable us to continue providing “5Star” member and customer experience, as well as advance key long-term strategic projects that help our organization fulfill its mission – serving those who serve this great nation.”
“We have developed a cadre of senior leaders at AFBA and 5Star Life who bring a high level of expertise and professionalism to the enterprise,” said Mark Singleton, 5Star Life President. “We are delighted to welcome Jill into this circle helping to lead and guide our strategic efforts.”
Paulin has 21 years of experience in Customer Operations at AFBA / 5Star Life. Hired as a Customer Service Representative in 1996, she has progressively held positions of increasing responsibility in customer service, training, and operations. Paulin was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2014 and over the past four years, has been instrumental in the implementation of key enterprise projects. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Bridgewater College.
“I am excited about the opportunity to continue serving our markets in this new capacity,” said Paulin. “I look forward to supporting our current enterprise strategies while facilitating innovative approaches.”
About Armed Forces Benefit Association
The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon with the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing access to life insurance and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has more than 600,000 members with $40 billion of life insurance in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA products are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).
About 5Star Life
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.