Executive Promotions Announced at National Guardian Life Insurance Company

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), a Madison-based mutual life insurance company, is pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has approved the promotions of James Boll to Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel; David Puckett to Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer; Richard Wicka to Vice President, Associate General Counsel Regulatory and Risk.

James Boll, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel

Boll has over 30 years of legal experience in both corporate and private practice where he has focused on litigation, insurance operations, and regulation. He joined NGL’s leadership team in January 2022 with a strong skillset in both corporate and insurance regulatory law. He has extensive experience negotiating contracts, resolving technical legal issues, developing budgets, supervising outside counsel, and managing legal staff.

“This is an exciting time of transition and growth at NGL. I’ve had the great opportunity to play an instrumental role as we advise internal and external partners,” says Boll. “NGL is a successful, independent mutual insurance company with more than a century of providing insurance solutions to families across the nation. I look forward to continuing to work with the NGL team as we advise the business units on legal and compliance obligations.”

Boll leads the Legal, Compliance, Information Security and Procurement departments. He is responsible for overseeing legal matters, compliance and risk management.

“Jim’s leadership and expertise in navigating complex legal and compliance regulatory obligations have been crucial. He is a leader and a collaborative team member. NGL leaders, as well as partners, seek his counsel and advice to ensure legal considerations are seamlessly integrated in strategic decisions,” says Kim Shaul, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operations Officer. “As NGL focuses on future growth and expansion, Jim’s dedication to fostering a culture of integrity and dependability will be instrumental.”

Boll is a former President of the State Bar of Wisconsin, a former Board Member of the Dane County Bar Association, and a former managing partner in private practice. His insurance experience includes positions as General Counsel for the Wisconsin Office of Commissioner of Insurance, as litigation counsel for a major insurance company, and as a consultant representing insurance companies before regulators in state and federal courts.

David Puckett, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer

Puckett joined NGL in 2020 and has over 30 years of experience managing insurance company assets. He oversees all aspects of managing NGL’s investment portfolios, and as a member of the Executive Leadership team provides support for various NGL strategic initiatives.

“I look forward to continue working alongside my colleagues as we further strengthen our position as a leader in the Preneed market and pursue intentional diversification into select markets,” explains Puckett. “NGL’s commitment to incorporating its investment portfolios into its overall financial planning process enhances strategic decisions as we aim to achieve our financial goals.” 

In his role at NGL, Puckett is responsible for the development and execution of the organization’s strategic asset allocation process, maintains oversight of and communication with all external asset managers, manages the analysis and reporting for NGL’s investment portfolios, and directs the timing and composition of investment decisions.

“NGL is a financially stable and reliable insurance carrier dedicated to serving our policyholders and partners. As an organization, we exist to pay claims and deliver on our promises across generations with collaboration and compassion,” says NGL President & CEO, Joe Celentano. “David has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in all aspects of life insurance company investment management. I’m confident that David will continue to promote initiatives that contribute to NGL’s financial goals and successfully navigate the evolving investment landscape.” 

Richard Wicka, Vice President, Associate General Counsel Regulatory and Risk

Since joining NGL in January 2023, Wicka has taken on a management role in NGL’s compliance area, as well as providing legal, business and regulatory direction to the organization. Wicka has more than 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney, primarily in the area of insurance law and has 13 years of experience in insurance regulation both on the regulator and company side.

“I’m excited to accept this new role and continue focusing on the growth and success of NGL. It has been rewarding to collaborate with a talented Legal and Compliance team and I look forward to further strengthening our legal strategies as NGL remains dedicated to growing with intent in selected markets,” shares Wicka.

Wicka serves as NGL’s primary regulatory and compliance attorney, providing legal guidance to NGL and its partners on regulatory questions, in addition to acting as NGL’s liaison with state insurance regulators. He supervises the compliance department which is responsible for answering complaints filed with regulators, reviewing NGL internal and partner practices for regulatory compliance and making all life insurance and network regulatory filings. Wicka has also recently began supervising the compliance personnel for NGL’s employee benefits products.

“We are pleased to recognize Richard for his excellent legal and regulatory contributions. His ability to take on increasing responsibilities and deliver outstanding results has been invaluable to our organization,” says Boll. “Richard will continue to drive success and lead our team to greater achievements in his new leadership role.”

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

###

PREP42025