Tag: 3BL

With a history stretching back to 1828, and a list of ‘firsts’ including being the debut German pension insurance and building society, the 16 companies that make up Germany’s Wüstenrot & Württembergische (W&W) Informatik Group delivers everything from investment products to risk protection to 6.5 million customers. W&W Informatik Group relies on a highly connected mobile sales force of 8,000 people spread across 2,500 service centers and offices. With contracts increasingly being signed digitally, W&W needed a new device and services strategy to ensure its team had the support required to bring new customers on board.

For W&W’s front-line salespeople, it was essential for the devices to be fast and reliable and secure for processing customer data, with security and sustainability also critical business considerations. W&W Informatik Group is committed to a sustainability strategy focused on reducing the company’s carbon footprint and lessening the environmental impact of its operations. Therefore, it was crucial that the devices used by its mobile sales force were shipped, built and recycled in a way that aligned with W&W’s sustainability strategy.

Uli Linko, Head of Client System Technology, at the group’s technology arm W&W Informatik GmbH, said, “We are always looking for ways to further improve data protection and device security. And with AI-supported tools being developed, we needed to equip our sales force with powerful devices that can handle larger amounts of data and more demanding workloads.”

W&W had been using Lenovo ThinkPad laptops at its head office for many years and relying on Lenovo server infrastructure. So the team spoke to Lenovo to find the right approach, settling on Lenovo’s ‘two-in-one’ ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 4 laptops, powerful machines which can switch from a laptop mode with a traditional keyboard, to a ‘tablet mode’ where users can write on screen, perfect for when customers need to sign contracts. To help W&W make its decision, Lenovo was able to provide rapid access to different test devices through its local European lab in Bratislava.

Across the lifecycle

W&W was looking for more than just devices. For mobile teams dealing with financial products, it was key that the solution could deliver high levels of security, alongside the flexibility for salespeople to work safely from anywhere.

The ThinkPad’s touchscreens and built-in styluses meant that W&W could keep costs down and reduce the need to carry additional external hardware. Lenovo also helped W&W find a solution that helped its salespeople stay connected on the go, including eSIM functionality for mobile connectivity and remote management of future network upgrades. For additional security, W&W also opted for a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader which could be used to verify customers using ID cards, or for staff to log in using multi-factor authentication. With the devices rolling out to a first wave of 1,400 users with Lenovo’s partner Bechtle, W&W’s experts opted for Lenovo ThinkShield Remote Supervisor Password (RSVP) service, which enables remote management of passwords on a large scale.

Linko said, “Lenovo understands what is important for us, proactively suggesting features like the new password service to increase device security. The eSIM functionality means we will no longer need to deal with faulty SIM cards and we will be able to change connectivity providers much more easily in the future.”

Delivering sustainably

Lenovo also considered sustainability impact from shipping through to end-of-life. W&W opted for Lenovo’s Maersk ECO Delivery for many of the devices, using second-generation biofuels to reduce shipping CO2 emissions by more than 80%. The ThinkPad laptops also offer real-time performance reports via Lenovo Device Intelligence (LDI) Plus, an AI-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) PC health management tool which provides detailed device analytics and real-time utilization reports to extend their life.

These measures were supplemented by Lenovo CO2 Offset Services, allowing W&W to purchase carbon credits with each device, which support a range of United Nations and Gold Standard® vetted climate action projects around the world. In addition, Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services provide secure, documented disposal and recycling of IT hardware when it has reached the end of its useful life.

John Stamer, Vice President & General Manager, Global Product Services at Lenovo said: “By optimizing the shipment of ThinkPad devices and collaborating closely with our lab in Bratislava to minimize road miles for testing, our team supported W&W in significantly reducing the carbon footprint of their devices and services. Additionally, Lenovo Device Intelligence Plus enhanced the company’s visibility into device usage, empowering W&W to make informed decisions and drive operational efficiency.”

Linko said, “At our head office, we often use ThinkPad laptops for as long as eight years without issues. With LDI Plus, we can better understand what features are important for our teams and where the bottlenecks are. Using the new metrics and data, we can proactively optimize device configurations and make much better-informed decisions about upgrades and configurations.”

Future-ready results

The W&W team have high standards for their hardware, and even the most exacting users have been happy with the Lenovo devices. The ThinkPad machines are also ready for future upgrades to NFC-based security, AI workloads and for the move to Windows 11. Lenovo’s software has enabled W&W to manage laptops more intelligently, enabling managers to see how teams are actually using them, offering insights which will be useful for choosing future upgrades.

Linko said that the initial rollout has been met with a ‘very positive’ reaction. He added, ‘The high-spec configuration gives everyone an impressive performance boost across many complex business applications, increasing staff productivity and satisfaction. Together with Lenovo, we have created a sustainable, future-focused, AI-ready workhorse for our distributed salesforce.”

LENOVO and ThinkPad are trademarks of Lenovo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 Lenovo

Learn more about Lenovo’s work with W&W Informatik 
Learn more about Lenovo CO2 Offset Services

Recently, FedEx hosted the spring edition of the Marine Corps Career Readiness Initiative webinar, an inspiring event dedicated to equipping student scholars with the tools they need to transition from college to career. The event brought together FedEx leaders and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) to celebrate the achievements of the scholars and provide them with valuable professional insights.

Honoring and Supporting Marine Corps Families Military service is deeply woven into the DNA of FedEx, tracing back to our founder, Fred Smith, who was a proud Marine Corps veteran. Through our ongoing support of MCSF, the nation’s oldest and largest provider of needs-based financial aid to military members, we strive to honor the profound sacrifices made by military families by supporting their educational aspirations. MCSF currently supports nearly 2,900 students with $12.1 million in scholarships, and these exceptional scholars boast a 91% graduation rate—far above the national average.

During the webinar, Neil Gibson, FedEx Senior VP of Global Customer Experience and a proud Air Force veteran, delivered a keynote address on the power of commitment and leadership. He shared a moving story about a FedEx team member who went above and beyond to expedite a delayed shipment of prosthetic equipment to a Marine veteran. By delivering with care and compassion, our team member helped to ensure the veteran regained his mobility and independence, demonstrating the life-changing impact of the FedEx Purple Promise.

Investing in Education and Opportunity Beyond funding, FedEx is deeply committed to ensuring MCSF scholars leave college ready to succeed in the workforce. During his keynote, Neil shared invaluable advice on building a personal brand rooted in core values like integrity, family, and a positive attitude. He reminded students that “luck equals opportunity plus preparation,” encouraging them to continuously learn and embrace flexibility as they step into their careers.

To provide practical support, Lauren Weber, Manager of Talent Acquisition at FedEx, led a comprehensive resume and interview workshop. She guided students through the nuances of crafting a tailored resume and utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to confidently answer behavioral interview questions. To further open doors, the webinar concluded by inviting the scholars to apply for FedEx internship programs, designed to create a pipeline that helps students seamlessly advance from college to a lasting career.

Connecting Communities and Possibilities At FedEx, our citizenship work is about connecting people and possibilities while supporting the local communities where we live and work. By investing in the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and offering direct mentorship to scholars, we are doing more than just funding education. We are helping to shape tomorrow’s leaders and global citizens.

To learn more about our student programs and early career opportunities, visit careers.fedex.com.

Select 2025-2026 FedEx Scholarship Recipient Profiles

View the full list of winners here. 

ZOE BROWN
East Tennessee State University
Visual and performing arts
Class of 2029
Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Daughter of veteran Corporal David A. Brown USMC

“This scholarship has supported my post-secondary education by allowing me to pursue my degree without the burden of debt. It lifts a tremendous weight off my shoulders—and off the shoulders of other scholars—by helping us avoid difficult financial challenges. I chose to pursue higher education to build a better future for myself, and I was inspired by my parents as a first-generation college student. I look forward to making my parents and the MCSF donors proud as I work toward achieving my dreams.”

MARK LEE
Southwestern Oklahoma University
Music performance
Class of 2029
Hometown: Lawton, OK
Son of veteran Lance Corporal Timothy W. Lee USMC

“Your investment in my education is not only benefiting me today, but also building the foundation for my future and my career as a teacher. I am committed to giving back what I have gained through music, and this scholarship allows me to focus fully on my studies without distraction. The impact you have made on my life is immeasurable, and I promise to honor your confidence in me by working diligently, giving back, and inspiring others just as you have inspired me. Thank you again for your tremendous kindness.”

MALIAH MCGHEE
University of Oklahoma
Social work
Class of 2029
Hometown: Yukon, OK
Daughter of veteran Corporal Melvin C. McGhee USMC

“My connection to the Marine Corps runs deep, with both my father and grandfather proudly serving as Marine veterans. I’m honored to represent them as a Marine Scholar. Because of this scholarship, my parents no longer have to worry about how they will help me pay for college, and my goal is to make their sacrifices worth it, to honor this scholarship, and to make my family proud.”

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

NEW YORK, March 27, 2026 /3BL/ – Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A), a leading sustainability consulting and research firm, has issued a new issue brief: “The Long Road to Finalization: What the CSRD and CSDDD Revisions Mean for Your Company.” The new brief, which is available here, is designed to help companies understand the most consequential changes in the European Commission’s finalized amendments to CSRD and CSDDD.

“The EU’s sustainability regulatory framework has been undergoing an evolution,” said Louis Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder at G&A Institute, “and these new revisions have significantly reshaped compliance obligations for thousands of companies operating in the EU market.” Coppola added, “Our new issue brief provides clear, practical guidance on what has changed and what it means for affected companies.”

As of March 2026, the European Commission’s finalized amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are officially in force. G&A’s issue brief includes:

• A structured, side-by-side comparison of original CSRD and CSDDD requirements against the finalized Omnibus I Package amendments, including changes to scope, timelines, assurance, and enforcement
• The most significant changes to company size threshold and reporting deadlines
• How the revisions fit within the broader EU regulatory and competitiveness agenda, including implications for companies that have already begun aligning with the original requirements
• What the revisions signal for the long-term trajectory of sustainability reporting and due diligence as a business practice

Coppola said, “G&A is available to help sustainability officers, legal and compliance teams, and corporate governance practitioners navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe. Our new issue brief supports informed strategic planning and decision making as companies assess their reporting obligations.”

G&A’s new Issue Brief is available for download on the company website.

About G&A Institute, Inc.
Founded in 2006, Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A) is a sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A’s proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives.

Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS, CONTACT
Louis D. Coppola
CEO & Co-Founder 
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. 
Tel 646.430.8230 ext 14 
Email lcoppola@ga-institute.com

NEW YORK, March 27, 2026 /3BL/ – Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A), a leading sustainability consulting and research firm, has issued a new issue brief: “The Long Road to Finalization: What the CSRD and CSDDD Revisions Mean for Your Company.” The new brief, which is available here, is designed to help companies understand the most consequential changes in the European Commission’s finalized amendments to CSRD and CSDDD.

“The EU’s sustainability regulatory framework has been undergoing an evolution,” said Louis Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder at G&A Institute, “and these new revisions have significantly reshaped compliance obligations for thousands of companies operating in the EU market.” Coppola added, “Our new issue brief provides clear, practical guidance on what has changed and what it means for affected companies.”

As of March 2026, the European Commission’s finalized amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are officially in force. G&A’s issue brief includes:

• A structured, side-by-side comparison of original CSRD and CSDDD requirements against the finalized Omnibus I Package amendments, including changes to scope, timelines, assurance, and enforcement
• The most significant changes to company size threshold and reporting deadlines
• How the revisions fit within the broader EU regulatory and competitiveness agenda, including implications for companies that have already begun aligning with the original requirements
• What the revisions signal for the long-term trajectory of sustainability reporting and due diligence as a business practice

Coppola said, “G&A is available to help sustainability officers, legal and compliance teams, and corporate governance practitioners navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe. Our new issue brief supports informed strategic planning and decision making as companies assess their reporting obligations.”

G&A’s new Issue Brief is available for download on the company website.

About G&A Institute, Inc.
Founded in 2006, Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A) is a sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A’s proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives.

Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS, CONTACT
Louis D. Coppola
CEO & Co-Founder 
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. 
Tel 646.430.8230 ext 14 
Email lcoppola@ga-institute.com

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I’m Athira, a Software Developer based in Kirkland, Washington. I’m originally from Kerala, a small state in India, and I moved to the U.S. to pursue my master’s at Arizona State University. Today, I work on the Front of Site team, focusing on Add to Cart and Pricing.

I recently completed five years at GoDaddy, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted challenges, learning, exposure, and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. GoDaddy has given me exactly that. I have learned new technologies, worked with teams across the company, understood how our Add to Cart flow works end‑to‑end, and gotten hands‑on experience with the pricing logic and rules that shape customer experience.

A big part of my growth at GoDaddy has come from our Employee Resource Group, GoDaddy Women in Tech (GDWIT). I first joined as a member, then moved into the Leadership Council. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Co‑Vice President of GDWIT. I have been actively involved with the GDWIT mentorship program since it launched in 2023, and it’s something I still care deeply about. And if you have ever used the GDWIT Valentine’s Slack workflow that pops up every February – yes, I’m one of the co‑creators of that fun little tradition!

GDWIT has given me a community, a sense of belonging, and so many opportunities to connect with incredible women across the company.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the tech industry?

For me, it started with solving problems. Like many engineers, I get a certain happiness from debugging something or figuring out a tricky issue. Over time, that joy turned into wanting to build things that make people’s lives easier or more enjoyable.

Technology keeps evolving, and there is always something new to learn. That constant change, the creativity behind building solutions, and the thrill of learning something new, that’s what inspires me.

Who is one mentor or public figure that has influenced your professional journey?

I have had many great mentors in my career, and there are public figures I admire, as well. However, the person who consistently influences me the most is my husband. He has been a steady pillar in my life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, he helps me break down problems that seem huge into smaller, manageable pieces, and then we tackle them together.

Having a supportive partner can make a big difference in your professional life. And since he is also an engineer, it’s always fun to talk through challenges, joke about agile ceremonies, and laugh at all the corporate jargon we secretly enjoy using.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Challenges always feel huge when you are in the middle of them, but once you have gotten through them, they don’t seem so intimidating anymore.

During my second year at GoDaddy, I led a large project to modernize the legacy Add to Cart service. It required migrating everything from an old system to a new one, making major code changes, coordinating with a team, and working with contractors. There were definitely moments when I thought: “This is too much.”

But finishing that project taught me so much. And now, if you asked me to do the same thing again, I wouldn’t find it nearly as overwhelming. It’s one of those moments that helped shape my confidence as an engineer.

What advice would you give to employees who want to get involved in GDWIT?

If you are looking for community, connection, or a sense of sisterhood, GDWIT is the place to be. You don’t have to take on a big role to get started – just show up. Attend a fireside chat or panel, join conversations in Slack, or even drop a few reactions in the #gdwit channel.

Small steps lead to bigger connections. And before you know it, you will feel part of the community.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Keep the curiosity alive. Keep learning. Keep stepping outside your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I’m Athira, a Software Developer based in Kirkland, Washington. I’m originally from Kerala, a small state in India, and I moved to the U.S. to pursue my master’s at Arizona State University. Today, I work on the Front of Site team, focusing on Add to Cart and Pricing.

I recently completed five years at GoDaddy, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted challenges, learning, exposure, and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. GoDaddy has given me exactly that. I have learned new technologies, worked with teams across the company, understood how our Add to Cart flow works end‑to‑end, and gotten hands‑on experience with the pricing logic and rules that shape customer experience.

A big part of my growth at GoDaddy has come from our Employee Resource Group, GoDaddy Women in Tech (GDWIT). I first joined as a member, then moved into the Leadership Council. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Co‑Vice President of GDWIT. I have been actively involved with the GDWIT mentorship program since it launched in 2023, and it’s something I still care deeply about. And if you have ever used the GDWIT Valentine’s Slack workflow that pops up every February – yes, I’m one of the co‑creators of that fun little tradition!

GDWIT has given me a community, a sense of belonging, and so many opportunities to connect with incredible women across the company.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the tech industry?

For me, it started with solving problems. Like many engineers, I get a certain happiness from debugging something or figuring out a tricky issue. Over time, that joy turned into wanting to build things that make people’s lives easier or more enjoyable.

Technology keeps evolving, and there is always something new to learn. That constant change, the creativity behind building solutions, and the thrill of learning something new, that’s what inspires me.

Who is one mentor or public figure that has influenced your professional journey?

I have had many great mentors in my career, and there are public figures I admire, as well. However, the person who consistently influences me the most is my husband. He has been a steady pillar in my life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, he helps me break down problems that seem huge into smaller, manageable pieces, and then we tackle them together.

Having a supportive partner can make a big difference in your professional life. And since he is also an engineer, it’s always fun to talk through challenges, joke about agile ceremonies, and laugh at all the corporate jargon we secretly enjoy using.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Challenges always feel huge when you are in the middle of them, but once you have gotten through them, they don’t seem so intimidating anymore.

During my second year at GoDaddy, I led a large project to modernize the legacy Add to Cart service. It required migrating everything from an old system to a new one, making major code changes, coordinating with a team, and working with contractors. There were definitely moments when I thought: “This is too much.”

But finishing that project taught me so much. And now, if you asked me to do the same thing again, I wouldn’t find it nearly as overwhelming. It’s one of those moments that helped shape my confidence as an engineer.

What advice would you give to employees who want to get involved in GDWIT?

If you are looking for community, connection, or a sense of sisterhood, GDWIT is the place to be. You don’t have to take on a big role to get started – just show up. Attend a fireside chat or panel, join conversations in Slack, or even drop a few reactions in the #gdwit channel.

Small steps lead to bigger connections. And before you know it, you will feel part of the community.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Keep the curiosity alive. Keep learning. Keep stepping outside your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Quiet acts of service often speak the loudest, and that kind of generosity can ripple outward to help strengthen entire communities.

At Aflac’s annual sales conference, six independent Aflac sales agents were recognized for their community efforts that reflect a deep commitment to helping others through support for local families, disaster relief, youth programs and other grassroots initiatives. Each of these Agents of Care winners were nominated by their peers and received a $10,000 contribution from Aflac to further the causes they champion.

Below are the heartfelt and impactful ways these Agents of Care help to make a difference in their communities.

Leading with compassion in times of crisis

Aflac District Sales Coordinator Tamara “Tam” King and Agent Sierra Mason have a reputation of leading with intention, empathy and a deep sense of responsibility — both at work and in their community.

When a tornado struck the St. Louis area in 2025, Tam and Sierra pivoted into action, helping to support a grassroots relief effort with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter that raised more than $10,000 for victims. This initiative helped ensure that families facing sudden displacement had the resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

Their commitment to community wellness extends into consistent, long-term support, including a fundraising initiative that raised more than $10,000 in professional haircare products and the personal distribution of more than 150 hygiene packs for underserved communities, in partnership with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter, The Adventist Community Service Center and Our Lady’s Inn.

Community champion helps drive lasting impact

Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator John Karr successfully co-chaired the first two annual American Cancer Society Tulsa Golf Classic and Tee Off Dinners, where his leadership helped raise more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Beyond his work with the ACS, he has become a fixture in local growth and education initiatives in Bixby, Oklahoma. Through his leadership within the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Bixby BBQ’n Blues Festival, he helped raise vital funds for high school scholarships and the local food bank — all while earning a second-place culinary trophy in the process.

A legacy of service, leadership and commitment

John’s commitment to his neighbors is perhaps best seen in his long-standing partnership with the Bixby Outreach Center. To help combat food insecurity during the holidays, he spent several years personally donating and smoking dozens of turkeys to be distributed through a local church for families in need.

Aflac Agent Mark Jurgensen was nominated largely due to a lifetime of service that began with his military background as a combat lifesaver. His foundation led to more than 25 years of service in public safety, including seven years as a volunteer EMT and 17 years as a volunteer paramedic.

His leadership extends into his household, where he helped guide a fundraising initiative alongside his sons for their Eagle Scout projects, ultimately raising $120,000 to create and expand a local veterans memorial in their hometown. To this day, Mark’s family personally maintains the memorial site year-round to help ensure the community’s veterans are properly honored.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, Mark and his wife foster community spirit by hosting a popular annual haunted house, helping to provide a safe and festive Halloween environment for more than 300 local families each October.

The Agents of Care recognition serves as a testament to the exemplary leadership exhibited by these agents who are living Aflac’s mission to be there for their policyholders when they need it most and exemplifying the culture of care that lies at the heart of the organization.

Interested in a purpose‑led career journey? Click here to learn more about Aflac’s sales positions.

Aflac agents and benefits advisors are independent contractors and are not employees of Aflac.

Aflac | WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600157

EXP 3/27

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Quiet acts of service often speak the loudest, and that kind of generosity can ripple outward to help strengthen entire communities.

At Aflac’s annual sales conference, six independent Aflac sales agents were recognized for their community efforts that reflect a deep commitment to helping others through support for local families, disaster relief, youth programs and other grassroots initiatives. Each of these Agents of Care winners were nominated by their peers and received a $10,000 contribution from Aflac to further the causes they champion.

Below are the heartfelt and impactful ways these Agents of Care help to make a difference in their communities.

Leading with compassion in times of crisis

Aflac District Sales Coordinator Tamara “Tam” King and Agent Sierra Mason have a reputation of leading with intention, empathy and a deep sense of responsibility — both at work and in their community.

When a tornado struck the St. Louis area in 2025, Tam and Sierra pivoted into action, helping to support a grassroots relief effort with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter that raised more than $10,000 for victims. This initiative helped ensure that families facing sudden displacement had the resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

Their commitment to community wellness extends into consistent, long-term support, including a fundraising initiative that raised more than $10,000 in professional haircare products and the personal distribution of more than 150 hygiene packs for underserved communities, in partnership with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter, The Adventist Community Service Center and Our Lady’s Inn.

Community champion helps drive lasting impact

Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator John Karr successfully co-chaired the first two annual American Cancer Society Tulsa Golf Classic and Tee Off Dinners, where his leadership helped raise more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Beyond his work with the ACS, he has become a fixture in local growth and education initiatives in Bixby, Oklahoma. Through his leadership within the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Bixby BBQ’n Blues Festival, he helped raise vital funds for high school scholarships and the local food bank — all while earning a second-place culinary trophy in the process.

A legacy of service, leadership and commitment

John’s commitment to his neighbors is perhaps best seen in his long-standing partnership with the Bixby Outreach Center. To help combat food insecurity during the holidays, he spent several years personally donating and smoking dozens of turkeys to be distributed through a local church for families in need.

Aflac Agent Mark Jurgensen was nominated largely due to a lifetime of service that began with his military background as a combat lifesaver. His foundation led to more than 25 years of service in public safety, including seven years as a volunteer EMT and 17 years as a volunteer paramedic.

His leadership extends into his household, where he helped guide a fundraising initiative alongside his sons for their Eagle Scout projects, ultimately raising $120,000 to create and expand a local veterans memorial in their hometown. To this day, Mark’s family personally maintains the memorial site year-round to help ensure the community’s veterans are properly honored.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, Mark and his wife foster community spirit by hosting a popular annual haunted house, helping to provide a safe and festive Halloween environment for more than 300 local families each October.

The Agents of Care recognition serves as a testament to the exemplary leadership exhibited by these agents who are living Aflac’s mission to be there for their policyholders when they need it most and exemplifying the culture of care that lies at the heart of the organization.

Interested in a purpose‑led career journey? Click here to learn more about Aflac’s sales positions.

Aflac agents and benefits advisors are independent contractors and are not employees of Aflac.

Aflac | WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600157

EXP 3/27

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Quiet acts of service often speak the loudest, and that kind of generosity can ripple outward to help strengthen entire communities.

At Aflac’s annual sales conference, six independent Aflac sales agents were recognized for their community efforts that reflect a deep commitment to helping others through support for local families, disaster relief, youth programs and other grassroots initiatives. Each of these Agents of Care winners were nominated by their peers and received a $10,000 contribution from Aflac to further the causes they champion.

Below are the heartfelt and impactful ways these Agents of Care help to make a difference in their communities.

Leading with compassion in times of crisis

Aflac District Sales Coordinator Tamara “Tam” King and Agent Sierra Mason have a reputation of leading with intention, empathy and a deep sense of responsibility — both at work and in their community.

When a tornado struck the St. Louis area in 2025, Tam and Sierra pivoted into action, helping to support a grassroots relief effort with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter that raised more than $10,000 for victims. This initiative helped ensure that families facing sudden displacement had the resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

Their commitment to community wellness extends into consistent, long-term support, including a fundraising initiative that raised more than $10,000 in professional haircare products and the personal distribution of more than 150 hygiene packs for underserved communities, in partnership with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter, The Adventist Community Service Center and Our Lady’s Inn.

Community champion helps drive lasting impact

Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator John Karr successfully co-chaired the first two annual American Cancer Society Tulsa Golf Classic and Tee Off Dinners, where his leadership helped raise more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Beyond his work with the ACS, he has become a fixture in local growth and education initiatives in Bixby, Oklahoma. Through his leadership within the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Bixby BBQ’n Blues Festival, he helped raise vital funds for high school scholarships and the local food bank — all while earning a second-place culinary trophy in the process.

A legacy of service, leadership and commitment

John’s commitment to his neighbors is perhaps best seen in his long-standing partnership with the Bixby Outreach Center. To help combat food insecurity during the holidays, he spent several years personally donating and smoking dozens of turkeys to be distributed through a local church for families in need.

Aflac Agent Mark Jurgensen was nominated largely due to a lifetime of service that began with his military background as a combat lifesaver. His foundation led to more than 25 years of service in public safety, including seven years as a volunteer EMT and 17 years as a volunteer paramedic.

His leadership extends into his household, where he helped guide a fundraising initiative alongside his sons for their Eagle Scout projects, ultimately raising $120,000 to create and expand a local veterans memorial in their hometown. To this day, Mark’s family personally maintains the memorial site year-round to help ensure the community’s veterans are properly honored.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, Mark and his wife foster community spirit by hosting a popular annual haunted house, helping to provide a safe and festive Halloween environment for more than 300 local families each October.

The Agents of Care recognition serves as a testament to the exemplary leadership exhibited by these agents who are living Aflac’s mission to be there for their policyholders when they need it most and exemplifying the culture of care that lies at the heart of the organization.

Interested in a purpose‑led career journey? Click here to learn more about Aflac’s sales positions.

Aflac agents and benefits advisors are independent contractors and are not employees of Aflac.

Aflac | WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600157

EXP 3/27

Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s rural economy. For many local entrepreneurs, the path to capital and sustained growth begins with trusted community organizations like Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to building an economy that works for everyone. CEI’s integrated model combining financing, business advising, and policy solutions helps entrepreneurs access the resources and guidance they need to thrive, particularly in rural markets and among founders who face barriers to traditional capital.

KeyBank is proud to support CEI’s mission through significant multiyear investments that strengthen its capacity to serve entrepreneurs statewide. This work builds on a $450,000 multiyear commitment (2017–2020) that supported CEI’s small business lending and advisory services, driving business growth and job retention in rural communities. In 2025, that partnership was further advanced when CEI was selected as Maine’s recipient of the KeyBank Foundation Bicentennial CDFI Grant ($200,000), expanding free and low-cost business advising to help entrepreneurs prepare for capital, build sustainable operations, and create jobs.

“As a trusted CDFI partner in Maine, CEI is building sustainable pathways to capital and job creation, work that aligns closely with KeyBank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and President of the KeyBank Foundation. “By pairing capital with coaching, CEI prepares entrepreneurs for long-term sucess.

“We focus on the entrepreneurs and organizations that benefit most from targeted investment,” said Betsy Biemann, at CEI. “This partnership is helping us meet people where they are and grow stronger local economies in the process.”

Small businesses play an outsized role in Maine’s resilience. By pairing accessible capital with technical assistance, CEI increases approval readiness, reduces risk for founders and lenders, and supports durable, well-run businesses. KeyBank’s investments help ensure that more neighborhoods within Maine, especially those in rural or historically under-served communities, have a real shot at turning ideas into income, jobs, and generational stability.