West Des Moines, Iowa — Steve Shaffer, President, CEO and Board Chair of Homesteaders Life Company, has announced the addition of Justine Bell as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. In her new role, Bell will oversee all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, corporate culture, employee engagement and organizational strategy. She succeeds Tonja Clark, who retired as Homesteaders SVP-Human Resources last month after more than two decades in the profession.
“We are happy to welcome Justine to our executive leadership team. I am excited to partner with her as we invest in our people, foster innovation and drive our mission forward,” said Shaffer. "Justine’s deep expertise in human capital strategy, organizational development and leadership coaching will be instrumental as we continue to grow and strengthen our culture at Homesteaders. Her passion for building high performing, engaged teams aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.” 
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to serve the people who make Homesteaders what it is,” Bell explained. “I believe empathy and integrity are the foundation of great leadership, and I’m passionate about upholding a culture where people feel seen, heard and valued. As a servant leader, my goal is to support and elevate others so they can do their best work, grow in their careers and feel deeply connected to a shared purpose. That’s where real impact – and real fulfillment – happens.”
Bell brings more than a decade of human resources leadership and regulatory compliance expertise, spanning global organizations, financial institutions and high-growth companies. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Studies (HR) from the University of Iowa and is working toward a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. In 2015, Bell was named to the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40 list recognizing outstanding young professionals, and she was a 2024 finalist for the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Inspiring Women of Iowa Character Award.
Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual company owned by its policy holders, is a national leader providing products and services to help people design a better farewell.
