New York Life Appoints Joanne Rodgers, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources to its Executive Management Committee

• cdawkins


• 22 Feb 2023

New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer, announced the appointment of Joanne Rodgers, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, to the company’s Executive Management Committee. Ms. Rodgers will continue to report to Sheila Davidson, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Administrative Officer.

Ms. Rodgers currently oversees New York Life’s Human Resources capabilities and organization. Most recently, she led the company’s return to on-site work approach, successfully linking the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility provided by a hybrid work environment. In addition, Ms. Rodgers has pursued new initiatives focused on personal and professional growth, diversity, equity and inclusion, and more agile ways of working.

“Joanne’s appointment to our Executive Management Committee strengthens our executive leadership team and reinforces how critically important it is that we maintain a strong culture and talented workforce as we fulfill our mission of providing financial security and peace of mind to our customers,” said Craig DeSanto, CEO and President of New York Life. “Under Joanne’s leadership, we will continue to deliver long-term value to our policy owners and further our standing as an employer of choice.”

Ms. Rodgers joined New York Life’s Corporate Compliance department in 1994. Since then, she has served on the Corporate Strategy team, as the company’s Chief Diversity Officer, as a Senior HR Business Partner, and has overseen Compensation, Benefits, HR Operations, and Employee Relations prior to being appointed head of Human Resources. She also served as chair of the Women’s Leadership Program, now known as The Women’s Initiative employee resource group.

Prior to joining New York Life, Ms. Rodgers served at the National Association of Securities Dealers, now FINRA, and Shearson Lehman Brothers. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College.