Modern Woodmen of America announces board and officer changes

Brett Van, Coal Valley, Illinois, will retire from Modern Woodmen of America’s board of directors, effective April 1. Todd Swanson, Bettendorf, Iowa, has been appointed to fill the fraternal financial services organization’s board position.

Brett has served on the board since 2018, providing in-depth knowledge of investment and risk management strategies. He joined Modern Woodmen’s headquarters in 1993, serving in a variety of roles throughout his tenure. He was appointed chief investment officer & treasurer in 2017, and has been responsible for managing the organization’s assets, defined benefit pension plan assets, retiree medical plan assets and treasury functions. Brett will serve as executive investment consultant and executive vice president until his official retirement from Modern Woodmen’s headquarters in June.

Todd brings a strong accounting and financial background to the board. He joined Modern Woodmen’s headquarters in 2004, serving in various supervisory and management roles, including controller and chief accounting officer. He will continue to serve as Modern Woodmen’s chief financial officer (a position he’s held since 2023) and executive vice president. In his current role, Todd provides leadership for Modern Woodmen’s accounting, actuarial, agency compensation and risk management functions. He helps ensure robust financial stewardship, disciplined risk practices, and sound decision-making to protect the organization’s financial strength and support sustainable growth.

Also effective April 1, Bob Cleppe, Bettendorf, Iowa, will be appointed chief investment officer & treasurer and vice president. Bob joined Modern Woodmen in 2003 and has held various positions in the organization’s Investment Department – most recently being named assistant chief investment officer in March 2025. In his new role, Bob will provide strategic leadership for Modern Woodmen’s asset management and treasury functions, optimizing risk-adjusted returns on invested assets while maintaining strong liquidity and balanced asset allocation to support our growth objectives.