Listed in alphabetical order, below are autobiographies of the four qualifying candidates for Gleaner Life’s Board of Directors.
Stephanie Andresen
"As an Infrastructure Product Owner at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, I bring over 20 years of experience in project management, product ownership, and strategic planning. My professional background has helped me guide initiatives, manage budgets, and ensure teams deliver meaningful results.
Over the past 5 years, I have dedicated myself to serving our Society with passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. My journey with Gleaner began in childhood, inspired by my parents’ involvement in Nebraska’s Gleoma Arbor. Over the years, I’ve proudly served as Vice Chair of the Board, Supreme Chief Gleaner, Gleaner Sales Representative, President of my local Arbor, and a member of the Fraternal Committee. I’ve worked hard, along with our other board members, to help modernize our Constitution, Bylaws, and Board Policies to support Gleaner’s mission and future.
In my career, I focus on setting clear visions, aligning priorities, and removing obstacles so teams can succeed. I act as the voice of stakeholders, track expenses through to completion, and help translate big-picture goals into practical action.
Community service has always been a big part of my life. I’ve volunteered with organizations like the Nebraska Fraternal Congress, Girl Scouts, Omaha Food Bank, Special Olympics, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross. As President of Gleoma Arbor, I led community outreach and fundraising events. In 2010, I was honored to be named Nebraska’s Fraternalist of the Year.
I remain deeply committed to Gleaner’s mission and values. As we face new challenges and opportunities, I believe my experience and strategic mindset can help guide us forward.
I encourage all Gleaner members to take time to vote in June and re-elect the current board members—William Tuttamore, Margaret Noe, Bethany Figg, and myself—so we can continue building a stronger, more vibrant Gleaner together."
Bethany Figg
"With a strong background in governance, financial management, and strategic planning, I bring experience and leadership necessary to support the continued success of our fraternal society. As Chair of the Governance Committee reporting to the Gleaner Board of Directors, I have helped update and improve policies and bylaws, ensuring ethical oversight and a solid foundation for growth. My experience leading annual budget planning at my institution, as well as managing finances for my small business and rental properties, has strengthened my ability to allocate resources effectively and make sound financial decisions. This financial expertise is critical in maintaining the Society’s long-term stability.
I also have extensive experience in strategic planning, having developed new physician training programs, led accreditation initiatives, and managed hiring and onboarding processes. Serving on the Gleaner Board of Directors, Michigan medical education associations, and my local credit union, I engage in high-level decision-making and collaboration, skills that translate directly to board leadership. My ability to align resources with organizational goals has already benefited my institution, where strategic staffing improvements led to increased efficiency and well-earned raises for all.
I envision a future where the Gleaner Life Insurance Society continues to grow while remaining true to its mission of service, financial security, and community engagement. By fostering leadership development, embracing innovation, and maintaining strong financial oversight, we can ensure long-term sustainability. Keeping me on the board ensures continuity, experienced leadership, and a commitment to driving strategic initiatives that strengthen our Society for years to come. I am dedicated to supporting our members, enhancing governance, and positioning the Society for a successful future.
It is critical that all Gleaner members take the time to vote in June and I fully endorse the other current incumbents: William Tuttamore, Margaret Noe, and Stephanie Andresen."
Margaret Noe
"I am originally from the State of Illinois. I moved to Michigan to attend college, met and married my husband Bill 48 years ago. We are the proud parents of two sons, Christopher, a Veteran who works in the automobile business, Charles, an Attorney who practices law in Michigan. We have three grandchildren.
I have been a member of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society for 25 years; a member of the Gleaner Board of Directors since 2013, currently serving as the Chair of Board of Directors. I have been a member of the Michigan Maple City Arbor, and the Adrian Arbor.
I graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree from Michigan State University (formerly Detroit College of Law) in 1983. Thereafter, I served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Lenawee County, Michigan for fourteen years. I then became the Chief Probate Judge, then Chief Circuit Court Judge from 2005 until 2019. I retired from the Bench. I currently practice law with my son and teach part time as an Adjunct Professor at Siena Heights University.
I believe in and understand the Gleaner Mission. It means as much to our members today as in 1894, our Founding year. The principles have not changed. Benevolence, protection, and fraternity continue to guide us as we work hard to achieve financial advantage through a range of products designed to give us financial security and volunteer opportunities.
Gleaner is a great organization, built to last into the future. Today you will find positive thinking and sound investments motivated by and encouraging growth in an ever-changing environment. Members have a choice to know and a voice to vote in the strength of their Leadership. Your current Board of Directors are working together. We care about Gleaner today and tomorrow, never forgetting our history. We remain insightful, resolute, and hardworking; We serve the Society.
Please exercise your vote to re-elect Margaret Noe, Stephanie Andresen, William Tuttamore and Bethany Figg."
William Tuttamore
"William Tuttamore has been a member of Gleaner for more than thirty years. He is currently on the Gleaner Board of Directors and is a member of the Portage Arbor.
Tuttamore and his wife Francisca, along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren live in Ohio. Bill worked forty-five years in the finance and insurance industry. The last thirty years at The Marblehead Bank, where he retired as President CEO/Director and received training and hands-on experience in risk management, institutional investments, accounting, and strategic planning. Throughout his career he served as a compliance officer, addressing corporate governance and regulatory issues.
Bill graduated from BGSU in 1976, then obtained post graduate certificates in finance, insurance, compliance and audit. In the 1980’s Tuttamore was a licensed life insurance agent in Ohio and President of an insurance agency.
Tuttamore served as president and/or board member on several nonprofit organizations and currently is the Chairman and a Deacon at The Church of Truth Ministries.
When asked why he is seeking to be elected to the Gleaner Society Board of Directors, Bill responded: “Gleaner is a strong legacy fraternal with an extremely skilled board of directors. This past year, the board has spent countless hours in meetings to ensure the success of the company for many years to come. The challenges have been many, but the board has worked diligently to update the company’s core documents, respond to regulatory and industry concerns, and strengthen our management team. Thanks to the support of our arbors, we have made great progress in these efforts.
However, the job is not done, and it is important that all Gleaner members take the time to vote in June and elect the current four board members on the ballot: William Tuttamore, Margaret Noe, Stephanie Andresen and Bethany Figg.”