Teresa Rasmussen Named 2026 Chair of American Council of Life Insurers

Teresa Rasmussen, president and CEO of Thrivent, has been elected chair of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) for 2026, succeeding Rich Bielen, president and CEO of Protective Life.

Bielen will transition to the role of Immediate Past Chair for the following year. The ACLI also elected Andrew McMahon, Chairman & CEO of Guardian, as Chair-Elect, who will assume the chairmanship in October 2026. Jasmine Jirele, President & CEO of Allianz Life, was named Chair-Elect Designate and will serve as ACLI Chair from October 2027.

The ACLI Board of Directors directs the association's policy advocacy efforts focused on enhancing Americans' financial and retirement security. The life insurance industry supports approximately 90 million American families, with $8 trillion invested in the U.S. economy, underscoring its significant economic impact beyond individual policyholders.

Rasmussen emphasized the board’s commitment to protecting families, expanding access to life insurance products, promoting guaranteed lifetime income, and closing protection gaps to enhance financial confidence and ensure industry health.

These leadership transitions reflect ongoing efforts by the ACLI to strengthen the life insurance sector’s role in addressing retirement security and financial protection needs nationwide.