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Rock Island, Ill. (Sept 15, 2025) – Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation’s fastest growing fraternal life insurance organizations based in Rock Island, Ill.,* has announced the appointment of Rebecca Cavanaugh to General Counsel and Secretary.

Cavanaugh, a seasoned legal professional with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, has served Royal Neighbors since 2019 in progressively senior legal and compliance roles.

Cavanaugh will continue to provide strategic legal guidance to senior leadership, oversee legal and compliance functions, and lead governance initiatives for the Society. Throughout her tenure at Royal Neighbors, she has played a pivotal role in shaping compliance strategy, chairing the Enterprise Risk Management process, and representing the organization in key industry associations.

“Rebecca’s extensive experience in insurance regulation, coupled with her proven leadership and dedication to our mission, makes her uniquely qualified for this role,” said Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors of America. “Her commitment to integrity, risk oversight, and community impact will ensure Royal Neighbors continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Cavanaugh earned her Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, and her undergraduate degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She also brings a strong commitment to community leadership, serving on boards and committees of organizations including HELP of Door County, Altrusa International Door County, and the Lift Women’s Foundation. “I am honored to serve Royal Neighbors as General Counsel and Secretary,” said Cavanaugh. “I believe strongly in our mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. I look forward to advancing that mission by safeguarding the organization and supporting our members, employees, and agents across the country.”

About Royal Neighbors of America

In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Now, 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 280,000+ members, chapters, employees, and appointed agents across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and philanthropy programs making social impact the cornerstone of their work.

Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through their tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to make an impact in their communities, savings on prescriptions, health screenings, grief support, and more.

In 2020, Royal Neighbors was upgraded to “A Excellent” (3rd highest out of 13) by the AM Best Company for overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. The rating was affirmed in December 2024. In 2024, Royal Neighbors delivered $43.85 million in Social Good impact and record revenue. In 2024, Royal Neighbors received its eighth Great Place to Work® certification and was rated as a 2025 Best Insurance Company by Forbes.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org. To read inspiring member stories, visit theroyalneighbor.org.

* American National’s Exit, Benefit Ratio Shifts, Avoidable Mortality & PRT Rulings. Life Annuity Specialist News Brief; April 3, 2025