Exhibit 99.1
A Global Vision with Midwestern Values
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MARK OLIVER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF MIDWEST HOLDING INC.
Lincoln, Nebraska, December 15, 2015:
Midwest Holding Inc.a Lincoln, Nebraska based financial services holding company, announced today that Mark A. Oliver has been elected Chairman of the Board, effective December 15, 2015. Oliver succeeds Rick D. Meyer, who retired, effective October 1. Oliver, 57, has been with Midwest since 2009 and has served as its CEO for the past three years.He will continue to serve as CEO.Oliver's career spans more than 35 years in the life insurance industry.He spent 24 years with Citizens, Inc. (NYSE:CIA) in various capacities, the last 10 as President before leaving in 2007.
Two new members were also appointed to the Company's Board of Directors:
John T. Hompe, Managing Partner and co-founder of J.P. Charter Oak Advisors llc, a private investment firm focused on the financial services industry. Mr. Hompe has worked in the financial services sector for more than 30 years.He serves as an observer on the Board of Directors of International Planning Group,Ltd.,an international life insurance broker, and Preparis, Inc., a provider of business continuity services. He has held numerous board positions with insurance companies during his career.
Scott Morrison, Managing Partner with the Oaks, Hartline and Daly law firm in Austin, Texas. Mr. Morrison is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate. He practices estate administration and planning, probate and general businesslaw. He has been nameda "TexasRising Star" by LawandPolitics Media, Inc.andTexasMonthlymagazine.
These individuals replace Rick Meyer who retired from Midwest in October, 2015, and Les Meyer who resignedfromthe Board in December, 2015.
Inadditionthe Board changes,several individuals were appointed to key officer positions:
Joel Mathis wasappointed SeniorVice President,InvestorRelations. Mr.Mathis has morethan 40 yearsexperience in investor relations and lifeinsurancemanagement. He hasworked asaconsultant fornumerous public companiesduringhiscareer.
Debra Havranek, CPA, was appointed Vice President, Financial Reporting. Ms.HavranekjoinedMidwest in 2014.Shehasan extensivebackground in accounting managementandfinancial reporting. Previously sheservedasManager, Financial Reporting of Midwest.
Todd Boeve was appointed Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. BoevejoinedMidwest in2010andhas served asCorporate Secretary of Midwest for the past twoyears.
"Weare extremelyfortunate to beable to addthestrength andbackgroundofthe individuals who have joinedourBoard,"saidOliver."Eachbrings unique perspectiveandsignificantinsuranceexpertise.Additionally, it isexcitingto see thepromotionswithin theorganization, each of whichis richly deserved."
Midwest Holding isafinancialservicesholdingcompany headquarteredinLincoln, Nebraska. Itslong-termgrowthplan centers aroundthesaleofordinarywhole-life insurance to residents insmall communitiesin middle-America; andtheacquisitionof other U.S. life insurers.
For further information contact:
JoelMathis, Sr. Vice President
214-505-6497
jmathis@midwestholding.com
