Preneed Growth Rate Increase from National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Madison, Wis. (September 15, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to implement a variety of growth rate increases on new Preneed policies, effective September 8, 2025.

“At NGL, our dedication to partners is rooted in collaboration, innovation and a focus on creating long-term growth,” says Cameron Black, Senior Vice President, Preneed Sales and Business Development, for NGL. “As a mutual carrier, we believe our success is also your success. With product growth rate increases across all our preneed insurance offerings, we are delivering sustainable results and reinforcing our commitment that positions all of us for continued growth today and tomorrow.”

Increasing the growth rate on its products allows NGL’s partner agents to offer customers even more competitive products that can better meet their preplanning goals. As a longtime leader in the insurance industry, NGL is dedicated to serving policyholders and partners by offering high-quality products that are also among the safest and most stable in the industry.

Specializing in a suite of insurance products, NGL prides itself delivering on its promises across generations with collaboration and compassion. For our partners we provide a competitive funeral prefunding portfolio, superior customer service, marketing materials and more.

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.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company A (Excellent) Rating Affirmed by AM Best

Madison, Wis. (July 28, 2025) – In support of National Guardian Life Insurance Company’s (NGL) financial condition, AM Best has affirmed its A (Excellent) rating, effective July 18, 2025. This rating reflects the excellent ability of NGL to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations and further attests to its financial strength. 

“Our strong rating is a testament to NGL’s financial strength and disciplined risk management that have guided us for over a century,” said Joe Celentano, President and CEO at NGL. “Backed by robust capital, compassionate employees, and commitment to policyholders, we remain focused on delivering on our promises across generations.”

AM Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating information source. The financial strength rating is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.

As a longtime leader in the insurance industry, NGL is dedicated to serving policyholders and partners by offering high-quality products that are among the safest and most stable in the industry.

To learn more about NGL’s financial strength and stability visit our website, www.nglic.com. For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com.

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.

Ratings current as of 07/18/25. National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company Named Best Places to Work 2024

Madison, Wis. (January 31, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) wrapped up 2024 with being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 by Madison Magazine.

The Best Places to Work award is based on an employee engagement survey administered by Quantum Workplace, a third-party human resources technology provider that measures employee feedback on six key areas: communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics, and trust in leadership.

“It’s an honor to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Madison again. We believe our dedicated team members are our greatest resource and strength,” said Joe Celentano, President & CEO, at NGL. “It isn’t often that companies are in business for more than a century. We credit our longevity to providing valuable insurance products, paying policyholder claims quickly, and employing compassionate, thoughtful staff.”

According to Quantum Workplace, the Best Places to Work survey is administered annually and honors superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving and employees are engaged. The Best Places to Work award is given to the top 10 businesses in the size categories of small, medium and large.

Employees share that NGL is a great workplace because of their supportive colleagues and the benefits provided. “There are many career opportunities to help our team members thrive and achieve their goals,” shared Cara Capretta, NGL Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Additionally, our comprehensive total rewards package is designed to offer exceptional financial, health and wellness solutions. We continually look for opportunities to engage and support our employees.” 

Celentano continued, “A focus on transparent communication through a variety of channels provides the opportunity for continuous feedback. Open and constructive dialogue is encouraged through Town Halls, employee gatherings, meetings with leaders and surveys to help us better understand employee needs and thoughts. This allows us to listen and evolve policies and initiatives, turning feedback into actionable items. Our commitment to enhancing and improving areas that are important to our employees is one reason NGL is one of the best places to work in Madison.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With more than 115 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

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 named Best Places to Work 2024

Madison, Wis. (January 31, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) wrapped up 2024 with being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 by Madison Magazine.

The Best Places to Work award is based on an employee engagement survey administered by Quantum Workplace, a third-party human resources technology provider that measures employee feedback on six key areas: communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics, and trust in leadership.

“It’s an honor to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Madison again. We believe our dedicated team members are our greatest resource and strength,” said Joe Celentano, President & CEO, at NGL. “It isn’t often that companies are in business for more than a century. We credit our longevity to providing valuable insurance products, paying policyholder claims quickly, and employing compassionate, thoughtful staff.”

According to Quantum Workplace, the Best Places to Work survey is administered annually and honors superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving and employees are engaged. The Best Places to Work award is given to the top 10 businesses in the size categories of small, medium and large.

Employees share that NGL is a great workplace because of their supportive colleagues and the benefits provided. “There are many career opportunities to help our team members thrive and achieve their goals,” shared Cara Capretta, NGL Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Additionally, our comprehensive total rewards package is designed to offer exceptional financial, health and wellness solutions. We continually look for opportunities to engage and support our employees.” 

Celentano continued, “A focus on transparent communication through a variety of channels provides the opportunity for continuous feedback. Open and constructive dialogue is encouraged through Town Halls, employee gatherings, meetings with leaders and surveys to help us better understand employee needs and thoughts. This allows us to listen and evolve policies and initiatives, turning feedback into actionable items. Our commitment to enhancing and improving areas that are important to our employees is one reason NGL is one of the best places to work in Madison.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With more than 115 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

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.

Dedicated Funeral Home Support Service Launched at National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Madison, Wis. (December 5, 2024) – Committed to providing the best experience for our partners and customers, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has announced the implementation of its Funeral Home Support phone line, a dedicated resource to help funeral home directors and employees.

“Our dedicated Funeral Home Support team is here to assist funeral homes with filing claims, reporting, and answering general questions about in force policies,” says Drew Prenli, Assistant Vice President, Customer & Distribution Solutions at NGL. “Since launching this dedicated phone line in September, our knowledgeable team has handled thousands of calls, resolved a wide variety of issues, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from funeral homes who have utilized this service.”

NGL believes in actively listening to its partners to gain a better understanding of how they wish to optimize their operations and growth potential. With the goal of providing innovative solutions that offer operational excellence and beneficial for everyone involved, NGL is a reliable, trusted Preneed partner.

“Our funeral home partners are always a priority. We continue to look for opportunities that enhance services, strengthen relationships, and elevate the overall customer experience,” said Jerie Olson, Vice President, Operations at NGL. “We understand the unique needs of our funeral home customers, and this allows us to meet those needs more effectively. Our mission is to empower them in a way that offers growth, as well as provide excellent services to the families they serve.”

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.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company Names Joseph Celentano as New CEO

MADISON, WI (April 2, 2024) — National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) Board of Directors announced today that Joseph (Joe) Celentano will join the Madison Wisconsin-based mutual life insurance company as President & CEO effective May 6. Celentano will also serve on the NGL Board of Directors.

Celentano is an experienced life insurance industry professional with more than 30 years in leadership positions at Pacific Life, a mutual based insurer. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Pacific Life’s Retirement Solutions Division during which he managed the impacts of the Covid pandemic while increasing profitable annuity sales through the launch of new and innovative annuity products.

“Joe’s extensive mutual life experience and risk management expertise combined with his leadership skills will serve us well as he leads NGL’s next phase of growth,” said Gary Wolter, chair of NGL’s Board of Directors. “He knows the mutual insurance culture, understands the important role our preneed products have in helping families, and values building partnerships.”

While at Pacific Life, Celentano held a variety of positions ranging from product development officer to divisional CFO, to enterprise-wide Chief Risk Officer. His most recent position was Executive Vice President with overall responsibility for the Retirement Solutions Division. Joe’s experience includes co-chairing the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, leading digital transformation efforts and participating in setting overall company strategy. 

“I am honored to lead NGL and become part of the team,” said Celentano. “NGL’s strong financials, leading position in the preneed market and mutual company culture make NGL poised for future success. My wife Kathy and I look forward to moving and settling in Madison.”

Kim Shaul, who served as interim CEO, will return to her position as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, working with Celentano for a seamless leadership transition. “On behalf of the NGL Board of Directors I would like to thank Kim for her leadership in keeping the company focused and profitable during the time of the search,” said Wolter.

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 http://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.