Citizens, Inc. announced in November 2023, that it was engaged in a search to find a successor to Gerald W. Shields, the Company?s Chief Executive Officer, and had extended Mr. Shields? term as Chief Executive Officer to June 30, 2024 in order to facilitate a smooth transition to a new Chief Executive Officer. On March 18, 2024, the Company announced that Jon Stenberg, age 58, has been appointed as President of the Company, reporting to Mr. Shields, until June 30, 2024, and will become the Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2024.

Mr. Stenberg comes to Citizens as an experienced growth leader in the life insurance industry. He most recently served as a Partner of Blackbird International, consulting several companies in the life insurance industry. Prior to this, Mr. Stenberg served as Executive Vice President, Individual Life Division of Symetra Life Insurance Company where he was responsible for all aspects of the life insurance division.

Prior to Symetra, Mr. Stenberg served as General Manager, Executive Vice President of Ameriprise Financial, where was also responsible for all aspects of the life insurance division. He has also served as Head of Retail Insurance, Senior Vice President, of New York Life, Head of Insurance, Executive Director ? President of UBS Insurance Agency, Life Insurance Sales VP at Lincoln Financial Group, and Regional Marketing Director at AETNA?s life division.

Mr. Stenberg is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and holds an MBA from Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University.