Board Election

GBU Financial Life’s national bylaws allow adult insured members (as defined in Article VI, Section 1 of the bylaws) the right to vote for the organization’s Board of Directors. Ballots will be mailed at the beginning of August 2026 to all eligible members. Eligible members may vote by paper ballot via mail or electronic ballot online once they receive their ballot. Cumulative voting or voting by proxy is not permitted.

The Process and Term

The Board of Directors consists of seven elected members and the Chief Executive Officer of the society, who is appointed by the board. The elected members serve a term of four years or until their successors are elected and qualified. In 2026, four elected board seats will stand for election for a four-year term. The other three seats will stand for election during the next election period taking place in 2028.

For 2026, any members of the society seeking candidacy to the board must submit their application request in

writing by email to the Office of the CEO at boardcandidates@gbu.org by May 15, 2026.

Interested applicants will receive a candidacy packet. Completed packets must be received by the GBU Life home office by May 20, 2026. All eligible applicants will constitute the slate of candidates.

Summary of Board Member Responsibilities

The Board of Directors is responsible for the effective governance of GBU Financial Life. Its primary objectives

are to provide overall governance of the society, establish and oversee policies and direction, and advise and assist management with the leadership and promotion of GBU Financial Life in support of its mission, strategy and core values.

GBU Financial Life Bylaw Requirements as per Article VI, Section 1

To be eligible to be a candidate for or serve as an elected Director, all individuals must:

a. Be an adult GBU member age 21 years or older and under the age of 75 years on January 1 of the election year;

b. Not be:

(1) a current employee, general agent, or agent of GBU;

(2) a former employee, general agent, or agent of GBU unless three years have expired from the termination date of their employment or GBU agent contract;

(3) a current corporate officer, field manager, sales agent, broker or director of any other life insurance company

or fraternal benefit society, or

(4) an immediate family member (parent, spouse, natural or adopted child, sibling) of any person who is an

Officer, or a spouse of a general agent or agent of GBU;

c. Be capable of assuming the responsibilities as outlined herein and as established by GBU from time to time and possess qualifications that reflect the complexity and magnitude of the business affairs of GBU as well as

the desire to promote and support the fraternal benefit system within GBU.

d. Not have been removed from office for cause by action of the Board of Directors;

e. Have no criminal history other than matters determined insignificant by the Nominating Committee, such as a minor traffic violation;

f. Meet all other requirements under the law or established by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Additional Qualifications of Board Candidates

A candidate for an elected Board seat must possess at least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• A currently or previously held management-level position for a minimum of 10 years.
• Ownership of a successful business for at least five years.
• Current or previous employment in the insurance industry for a minimum of 10 years, or current or previous insurance certification held for a minimum of 10 years, except as specified in the eligibility requirements.
• Current or previous board position on a professional board for a minimum of 10 years.

Expectations of Board Members

The expectations and commitments of GBU Financial Life board members include:

• Dedication to and display of values that are aligned with the mission of GBU Financial Life.
• Avoidance of any conflict of interest.
• Availability to prepare for and participate in board meetings. Currently, the board meets as an entire body five times per year. Board members are assigned to various committees of the board requiring additional participation throughout the year. Currently, the board has the following committees: Executive; Audit; Investment; Sales and Marketing; Community Engagement; Operations and Technology; and Compensation.
• Board meetings are conducted in person or via the use of any means of communication by which all participants may simultaneously communicate with each other during the meeting.
• Participation in the overall governance of the society through expertise obtained in one or more of the following areas accounting/finance, general business leadership/management, legal, investment management, sales, marketing, risk management, human resources, civic leadership or fraternal operations.
• Familiarization with GBU Financial Life’s business and fraternal mission, insurance products, policies, procedures, finances, investment practices, service platform and fraternal operation.
• Contribution to building a congenial team atmosphere with other GBU Life board members.
• Understanding of the commitment of a GBU Financial Life board member’s duties. The commitment is normally between 20–30 days annually. Board members are to be available, either in person or electronically, for any special meetings called by the chair of the board.