Madison, Wis. (October 7, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in September. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.
The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.
There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:
Growth and Personal Development Award – Kyle Steensland, New Business Process Analyst
The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.
Kyle was nominated two times for the Growth and Personal Development Award and received a nomination for a different category. One person who nominated Kyle shared, “Kyle has been endlessly dedicated to the New Business team and NGL. He always goes the extra mile when approached with questions or requests. Kyle is not afraid to dive deep into the nitty gritty to find an answer when something is unresolved or unclear. On top of that, while he is generous with both his time and knowledge, his work is never short of being detailed, thorough, and timely.”
Resilience and Accountability Award – Cody Lomholt, Assistant Vice President, IT Operations
This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.
Cody received three nominations for the Resilience and Accountability Award. Nominators shared, “Cody consistently demonstrates resilience and accountability in managing the IT Software and Services budget with exceptional diligence and integrity. He holds himself and vendors to the highest standards. Cody has been instrumental in pulling together large IT initiatives and working closely with vendors to achieve good outcomes.”
Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Terry Bosky, Senior Payment Specialist
This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.
Terry received five nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award. One nomination explained, “Terry incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. Terry is not only meticulous and organized in creating clear and accurate resources for all NGL employees to utilize, but he creates an environment where people feel safe to take risks and share ideas without fear of judgment. Terry encourages team members to develop their skills and others to help them along the way. His knowledge tagged with his understanding make you feel valued and supported.”
Trust in Each Other Award – Sarah Reed, Operations Manager
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open
communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.
Sarah received five nominations for this award. “Sarah goes above and beyond for our team.
Multiple times I have gone to Sarah with any kind of issue, and she does all she can to track down the resolution and always makes me feel like I am an appreciated member of the team. She really does care about all of us and wants us all to become the best versions of ourselves.”
From left to right: Cody Lomholt, Assistant Vice President, IT Operations; Sarah Reed, Operations Manager; Terry Bosky, Senior Payment Specialist; Kyle Steensland, New Business Process Analyst; Joe Celentano, President & CEO.