Company Leadership

Steve Shaffer is Board Chair, President and CEO for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for setting Homesteaders’ strategic direction; leading the executive team; maintaining our investment discipline; driving our core initiatives and our approach to market. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2014, Shaffer actively worked with several national funeral home operators having co-founded and served as President -CEO of Foundation Partners Group, LLC and having served as co-founder and CFO-EVP at Keystone Group. After earning his accounting degree at Indiana University Bloomington, Steve started his career as a CPA and auditor at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis. In addition, Shaffer has actively served two three-year terms as a Trustee on the Board of the Funeral Service Foundation, including leadership roles as secretary/treasurer and board chair.

Wade Comstock is Executive VP-Operations for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for developing the solutions that provide state-of-the-art technology to manage our business and serve our funeral home customers, sales counselors and policy owners. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2011, Comstock served as Vice President, IT for Aviva Investors and Technical Project Manager for First National Information Solutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Iowa. In addition, Comstock is skilled in developing technical solutions that support customer and company success and brings nearly two decades of experience in the information services field.

Nick Gerhart is the Executive VP-Chief Innovation Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for proactively seeking out and developing opportunities to optimize company growth through innovation that is consistent with Homesteaders’ core values, purpose and vision. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2020, Gerhart was Chief Administrative Officer at FBL Financial. Gerhart is best known for his time as Commissioner of the Iowa Insurance Division, where he transformed that department and increased the State of Iowa’s international prominence through his thought leadership. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his JD, MHA from the Saint Louis University School of Law. In addition, Gerhart is mentor and advisor to numerous insuretech startup ventures, including Advisor to Assured Allies, Gain Compliance, Sureify, Harbor AI and others, as well as serves on the Board of Directors for Pi 515 and Childserve. 

Marla Lacey is Executive VP-General Counsel for Homesteaders Life Company. She is committed to creating long-term value and security for Homesteaders and its key stakeholders by helping the company achieve its objectives while minimizing its legal and compliance risk yet adhering to the laws and regulations that govern our industry. She oversees the company’s corporate governance matters and has more than three decades of experience in both corporate and private legal and compliance practice, including public and private company governance, product development, and government relations. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2012, Lacey served as Chief Compliance Officer/Associate General Counsel for American Equity Life Insurance Company. She received her bachelor’s degree from Drake University and her Juris Doctor with Distinction from University of Iowa College of Law. She also earned her Chartered Life Underwriter designation (CLU) in 2004 and her Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 2005 from The American College. In addition, Lacey holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 securities licenses, which are currently inactive.

Lyndon Peterson is Executive VP-Sales & Marketing for Homesteaders Life Company. Focusing on our commitment to funeral home customers, he is responsible for overseeing the sales process through the account executive and third-party marketer programs, as well as all corporate marketing efforts. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2010, Peterson served in various roles with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Wellmark, Inc.) including Vice President of Product Development, Vice President of Provider Relations, Executive Director & CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Northern Plains Alliance, and Vice President of Sales & Sales Operations. He earned a B.A. in Finance and a master's degree in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Iowa as well as an MBA from Drake University. In addition, Peterson is a fellow in the Life Management Institute (FLMI).

Steve Pick is Executive VP-Chief Financial Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for directing Homesteaders' actuarial, accounting, investment, treasury and risk management functions. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2013, Pick served in various executive finance roles in the insurance and investment industries after having started his career as a CPA with a Big Four accounting firm. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and economics from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. In addition, Pick is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and is a Fellow in the Life Management Institute (FLMI).

Will Bischoff is Senior VP-Strategic Markets for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for working with distribution partners and funeral home owners to implement preneed strategies for long-term success. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2015, Bischoff served as the vice president of sales and business development for Forethought Financial Group and operations controller and vice president of corporate development for Keystone Group Holdings. He earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Spring Hill College and his MBA in corporate finance from University of Tampa, John H. Sykes College of Business. In 2022, Bischoff was appointed as a trustee for the Funeral Service Foundation. 

Laurie Covington is the Senior VP-Enterprise Strategic Planning for Homesteaders Life Company. She works with the leaders at Homesteaders to translate vision into action on Homesteaders continual journey to provide more value to policyowners and funeral home customers. Laurie has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and insurance, with much of her career working in software development to support those industries. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Dordt University and her MBA from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

Tom Doruska is Senior VP-Chief Actuary for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for Homesteaders’ valuation, product development, actuarial services and long-range profitability planning, working closely with the enterprise strategy team as well as the sales, marketing and financial departments to develop new products and evaluate opportunities to support the company’s goals. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2021, Doruska served as Senior Vice President for Global Atlantic and as Vice President, Life Products with Aviva USA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drake University. In addition, Doruska is a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. 

Doug Earney is Senior VP-Chief Investment Officer for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for overseeing all investment-related activities to ensure the long-term security and growth of Homesteaders' investment portfolio. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2019, Earney served as Director, Fixed Income for Miles Capital, Inc. and Portfolio Manager with Principal Global Investors. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University, and his MBA from the University of Chicago. In addition, Earney is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.

Krista Frank is Senior VP-Customer Service for Homesteaders Life Company. She leads the customer service and business operations teams responsible for policy issue, in-force policy administration, company stakeholder service, and claims payments. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2011, Frank held leadership roles in Sales Operations and Marketing for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and was Vice President of Marketing with Assurity Life Insurance Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree (BSBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Drake University. In addition, Frank has earned the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) professional designation as well as FLMI (Fellow, Life Management Institute). 

Luke Frieberg is the President of eFuneral Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for leading the breakout digital solutions company that helps funeral homes maximize market share through optimized digital sales tools. Prior to joining eFuneral in 2016, Frieberg performed various roles with Principal Financial Group. He earned a bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from Drake University. In addition, Frieberg is a Licensed Insurance Agent and has served on the Board of the Drake University Bulldog Club.

Wayne Huegerich is Senior VP-Accounting & Controller for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of the company’s internal financial reporting and the company’s regulatory financial statements required to be filed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and each state insurance department in which the company maintains a license to sell Homesteader’s insurance products. He is also responsible for the filing of each licensed state’s annual regulatory financial filings and Premium Tax returns. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 1984, Huegerich worked for Iowa State Travelers Mutual Insurance Company in West Des Moines. In addition to an accounting degree, he earned a designation of Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) from the Life Office Management Association, Inc. 

Tonja Clark is VP-Human Resources for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for leading all aspects of human resources and is committed to ensuring Homesteaders is a top workplace, providing necessary training and resources for employees to excel in their careers while cultivating an environment that is safe and enjoyable. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2022, Clark served as Vice President of Human Resources at Brokers International, an Integrity Company. Throughout her career she has focused on employee relations, strategic planning, recruiting, benefits administrations, compensation and performance management. She attended Upper Iowa University and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and holds the SHRM-SCP designation. 

Ron Crawley is the VP-IT Application Delivery for Homesteaders Life Company. He leads the team responsible for delivering leading edge software solutions ensuring our technology meets the growing needs of our customers. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2018, Crawley served as Director Solution Delivery with Kum & Go where he was responsible for the technology supporting data management, data analytics and customer loyalty programs. Ron brings more than 20 years of technology experience that spans the retail, financial and insurance industries.

Danielle Burmeister is VP-Marketing and Communications for Homesteaders Life Company. She leads the team responsible for all aspects of Homesteaders’ marketing and branding. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2015, Burmeister served as marketing coordinator for the Iowa State Fair and associate faculty for Ashford University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Central College and her master’s degree from Iowa State University. In addition, Burmeister is a fellow in the Life Management Institute (FLMI), has received Homesteaders’ Rising Star Award and was nominated for Outstanding Teamwork Award.

Dan Lodermeier is VP-Field Sales for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for setting and inspecting the goals of nearly 40 sales professionals, and his team provides sales and marketing support to funeral home owners across the country. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 1991, Lodermeier was in management serving the florist industry throughout the Midwest, with much of his career spent in sales and sales management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Northern Iowa. In addition, Lodermeier is a certified preplanning consultant.

Jill Muenich is VP-Independent Distribution for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for directing the evolution and promotion of alternative distribution which focuses on connecting more consumers with funeral homes through diverse end of life products. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2019, Muenich served as VP – Marketing Services for National Guardian Life Insurance Company and VP – Marketing Services for Forward Community Investments. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and an executive leadership certificate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In addition, Muenich has served on the Funeral Service Foundation Grants Committee and the ICCFA’s Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.

Judith Naanep is VP-Actuarial Services for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for helping the company uphold its commitment to financial strength, ensuring that Homesteaders can continue to honor the promises made to stakeholders. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2017, Naanep held actuarial roles in various other Iowa life insurance companies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Iowa. Naanep is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst of the Society of Actuaries (CERA) and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

Joe Sherrard is the VP-IT Help Desk & Security for Homesteaders Life Company. He is responsible for developing and implementing the technology security program that protects our organization's data and systems. In addition, Joe is also responsible for delivering IT help desk support to our organization, our partners, and our customers. Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2003, Sherrard served in a similar capacity for Interstate Assurance Company. He earned his AAS degree in Computer Programming from Des Moines Area Community College. In addition to his current focus, Sherrard is skilled in managing teams that create robust technology infrastructure for insurance organizations and brings more than three decades of experience in the information technology field.

Tracy Whitaker is VP-Associate General Counsel for Homesteaders Life Company. She is responsible for working with legislators, regulators, lobbyists and other insurance companies on legislation and proposed rules that may impact our industry, and oversees compliance, government relations, life insurance regulations, policy and form filings, privacy law, funeral and preneed law. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa, and a law degree from Drake University. In addition, Whitaker is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), and is a member of several associations including the Association of Corporate Counsel, Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP), Iowa State Bar Association and more.