CNO's Employee-Led Giving Funds Scouts to Cures

CARMEL, Ind. – February 23, 2026 – CNO Financial Group is channeling the passion of its employees into significant community impact, honoring a dedicated associate as its Volunteer of the Year and announcing $180,000 in donations to a dozen nonprofits chosen by its workforce. The initiative highlights a growing trend in corporate philanthropy that empowers employees to direct company giving, fostering a deeper connection between corporate values and community needs.

At the heart of the announcement is Stacy Muentzer Oakey, a 19-year veteran of the company, who was named CNO's 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Her recognition comes with a $10,000 donation to the organization where she dedicates her time: Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council.

The Human Impact of Corporate Volunteering

Stacy Muentzer Oakey’s commitment exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have. As Manager of Consumer Field Programs and Pipeline Management, her professional life is about building connections and managing resources. In her personal time, she applies those same skills with remarkable dedication to PTAC Troop 216 in LaGrange Highlands, Illinois.

In 2025 alone, Muentzer Oakey logged more than 410 hours of service. This wasn't just time spent in meetings; it was hands-on work that directly benefited the youth in her community. Her service included 16 nights of camping, where she helped guide Scouts through essential outdoor experiences. She also drove over 1,500 miles to transport Scouts to and from events, removing transportation barriers that can often limit participation in such formative programs. For four years, she has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, assisting both the boys' and girls' troops with everything from operations and fundraising to merit badge instruction.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. "Stacy's recognition as Volunteer of the Year reflects the incredible support she's provided to Troop 216 over the past four years, and especially in 2025," said Mike Golm, the troop's Committee Chair. "Through her leadership, commitment and passion, Stacy has made a meaningful difference for so many Scouts and has set the standard for volunteer service in our organization."

The $10,000 donation from CNO in her honor will provide a significant boost to the Pathway to Adventure Council, which focuses on preparing young people to make ethical choices by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. This direct financial support, sparked by one employee's passion, demonstrates a powerful link between individual volunteerism and corporate amplification.

A Model of Employee-Driven Philanthropy

Muentzer Oakey’s story is a focal point of CNO’s broader philanthropic strategy, embodied by its Invested in Giving Back® program. Now in its eighth year, the program is a cornerstone of the company’s community engagement, moving beyond traditional top-down corporate giving. Instead of a small committee making decisions, CNO invites its 3,300 associates to nominate and vote for the charitable organizations they believe should receive funding.

This year, the program will distribute $180,000 across 12 different nonprofits. This democratic approach to philanthropy is becoming a best practice in corporate social responsibility. Industry analysis shows that when employees are directly involved in giving decisions, it significantly boosts morale, job satisfaction, and company loyalty. It transforms corporate giving from an abstract concept into a personal and collective mission.

"The Invested in Giving Back program embodies CNO's commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work," stated Rocco Tarasi, CNO’s Chief Marketing Officer. "By empowering associates to guide our corporate philanthropy, this program brings our values to life and allows CNO to invest in the causes closest to our people. We're proud to support these nonprofits and make a positive impact."

This model reflects a deeper understanding that engaged employees are a company’s greatest asset, not just in business operations but in its social mission as well. By aligning corporate resources with the personal values of its workforce, the company fosters a culture of purpose that extends beyond the balance sheet.

Supporting a Spectrum of Community Needs

The results of the employee vote reveal a diverse and compassionate set of priorities, touching on critical issues from health and hunger to veteran support. The list of 12 recipient organizations for 2026 demonstrates the wide-ranging impact of this employee-directed funding.

The selected charities include nationally recognized institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is on a mission to advance cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases and ensures no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Support for St. Jude contributes to its multi-billion-dollar strategic plan aimed at increasing childhood cancer survival rates globally.

Another key recipient is the Wounded Warrior Project, which offers a variety of programs for post-9/11 veterans and their families, focusing on mental health, physical wellness, and career counseling at no cost. Contributions help fund these life-changing services for a growing network of over 300,000 warriors.

The fight against food insecurity is also a clear priority for CNO associates. Donations will go to organizations like Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and the national No Kid Hungry campaign. These organizations are on the front lines, providing millions of meals to families facing hunger.

The full list of recipients also includes:
* Alzheimer's Association - Greater Indiana Chapter
* American Cancer Society - Indiana
* Misty Meadows Mitey Riders
* Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region
* Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin

This broad spectrum of support illustrates a collective desire among employees to address both immediate local needs and long-term national challenges.

Sustaining Commitment and Building Value

The eighth year of the Invested in Giving Back program marks it as a mature and integral part of CNO’s identity, not a fleeting initiative. This long-term commitment to an employee-led model is a key element of the company’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. It demonstrates a sustainable approach to community investment that is woven into the corporate fabric.

This strategy has earned external recognition. In 2024, the financial services company saw its ESG rating from MSCI upgraded to AA, placing it in the top quartile of its life insurance peers for governance and responsible investment practices. Such programs contribute significantly to a company's social credentials, which are increasingly important to investors, customers, and prospective employees.

By consistently empowering its workforce to direct philanthropic funds, CNO builds more than just goodwill. It cultivates a resilient and engaged company culture, enhances its brand reputation as a socially responsible entity, and creates a virtuous cycle where business success enables greater community support, and community support strengthens the business. The program serves as a powerful example of how strategic philanthropy can generate shared value for the company, its employees, and society at large. The individual dedication of volunteers like Stacy Muentzer Oakey, amplified by a corporate structure that listens and responds, creates a powerful force for positive change.