CNO Financial Group Recognizes Volunteerism with Annual Award and $10,000 Donation to Community Nonprofit
- CNO Financial Group recognizes employee volunteerism with the annual Volunteer of the Year award, honoring Stacy Muentzer Oakey.
- In honor of Oakey’s contributions, CNO donates $10,000 to the Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council.
- CNO commits $180,000 in 2026 to support 12 nonprofits, enhancing employee engagement and community service.
CNO Financial Group Champions Community Engagement Through Volunteerism and Philanthropy
CNO Financial Group, Inc. underscores its commitment to community support by recognizing dedicated employee volunteerism through its annual Volunteer of the Year award. This year, the honor goes to Stacy Muentzer Oakey, who is celebrated for her extensive volunteer work with the Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council (PTAC). Oakey, who has been with CNO for over 19 years, not only serves as the Manager of Consumer Field Programs and Pipeline Management but also as an Assistant Scoutmaster for PTAC Troop 216 in LaGrange Highlands, Illinois. Her efforts over the past four years include operational support, teaching merit badges, and actively engaging in fundraising initiatives. In 2025 alone, she invests more than 410 hours to ensure that youth have access to enriching outdoor experiences.
The recognition of Oakey extends beyond a mere accolade; CNO Financial Group also announces a $10,000 donation to the PTAC in honor of her contributions. This initiative aligns with CNO's broader Invested in Giving Back® program, which is now in its eighth year. Designed to empower associates to nominate and vote for community organizations, this program reflects the company's dedication to enhancing the welfare of the communities its employees inhabit. Chief Marketing Officer Rocco Tarasi emphasizes the importance of allowing associates to champion causes close to their hearts, thereby fostering a spirit of philanthropy that resonates throughout the company.
As part of the 2026 program, CNO commits a total of $180,000 to support 12 selected nonprofits, which reflect diverse community needs across different regions. The organizations set to benefit from this contribution include prominent charities such as the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, among others. This strategic philanthropic effort not only facilitates essential services for various communities but also enhances employee engagement and morale by providing them a platform to make a tangible impact where they live and work. With plans to continue this annual program, CNO Financial Group reinforces its mission of promoting associate-driven philanthropy, ensuring measurable contributions to local impact across multiple areas.
CNO's engagement in community service and charity underscores its corporate social responsibility ethos and highlights the vital role that employees play in shaping the company’s philanthropic landscape. By fostering a culture of volunteerism, CNO not only strengthens community ties but also boosts internal satisfaction and company loyalty among its workforce. Through initiatives like these, CNO Financial Group exemplifies how corporate entities can effectively contribute to societal enhancement while empowering their employees to take an active part in these efforts.