Homesteaders Life Company recently announced the winners of its annual Homesteaders Heroes program. The peer-nominated awards recognize employees who demonstrate the company’s mission and make an impact on the success of both the company and its funeral home customers.

Homesteaders Heroes award winners were named in five categories:

Rising Star Award

Angela Clough, account executive. This award recognizes an employee who demonstrates an eagerness to learn, a commitment to Homesteaders and engagement with the company and peers early in their career.

“Angela demonstrated early on in her employment with Homesteaders exceptional qualities, including an eagerness to learn, commitment to the company, and enthusiasm and engagement with her peers that are fitting of the award,” noted one of her nominators. “She brings her best and cares for each of her clients and prospects by getting involved on every level.”

Outstanding Teamwork Award

Jennifer Warne, director of strategic execution. This award recognizes an outstanding member of a team who demonstrates enthusiasm, cooperation, problem-solving skills, commitment to success and a consistently positive attitude.

“Jen quickly set to work to establish a much better process to lay out the path forward for our EnGauge CRM,” described one of her nominators. “She built relationships with key customers, established the product council to guide the vision and then worked with the team to determine the product vision. As a result, the team is much stronger, more aligned and excited to dig into their work.”

Innovation Award

Tracy Whitaker, vice president and associate general counsel. This award recognizes an employee for successfully implementing a new or updated product, service or program that results in a measurable improvement in the company’s performance, processes or brand strength.

“Tracy’s knowledge of the preneed compliance landscape is among the best in the industry,” said one nominator. “Her innovative approach to coalition building and lobbying over the last decade has had a tremendous impact on Homesteaders’ ability to sell our core products across the country.”

Inspiring Leadership Award

Lisa Wind, manager of customer service phone teams. This award recognizes an employee who has shown incredible leadership skills and can be described as inspiring, decisive and visionary, yet humble and willing to give credit to others.

“Lisa is a one-of-a-kind boss. She listens to you and is there to assist in any way she can,” wrote one of her nominators. “The team respects and appreciates her leadership skills, which help them become a successful member of the team and grow in their position.”

Enduring Impact Award

Wayne Huegerich, senior vice president of accounting. This award recognizes an employee for a significant, long-term contribution or body of accomplishments to Homesteaders that make a lasting impact on the company’s success.

“Wayne has an unmatched wealth of knowledge of Homesteaders and regulatory reporting requirements,” explained one of his nominators. No matter the challenge, “deadlines are always met, audits go smoothly and regulatory reports are always filed on time.” homesteaderslife.com