Meet the Candidates
Serenia Life Directors have the skills and competencies to effectively guide our organization. All Board members are Christian and support our shared values. They have no material interest in any contract with Serenia Life, except through their individual insurance and/or annuity contracts (which gives them membership into the organization). With the exception of our President and CEO, none are employees and are therefore not involved in our day-to-day business operations.
Michele Hengen
A seasoned consultant with proven success across multiple disciplines, Michele Hengen has built a strong career as an actuarial professional. She has assumed roles with increasing professional responsibilities over the years, culminating in her role of Chief Risk Officer for a national multi-line insurance and investment group of companies.
With over 25 years of experience within the insurance, investment, and pension consulting environments, Michele successfully runs an independent risk consulting and executive coaching practice where she serves a variety of clients and supported the team at People First to expand their client base. Michele has also been serving on Farm Credit Canada’s Board of Directors since 2017, and as the Chair of its Risk Committee since 2018.
Michele received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Regina and attained the designations of Fellow and Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst from the Society of Actuaries. She has also been trained in the field of executive coaching through the International Coaching Federation.
John Sabo
With over 20 years of corporate board experience, formal governance training, and multiple professional certifications, John Sabo currently serves as President and CEO of OBAS Governance & Advisory Services, an organization established to offer consultative advice and services.
Previously, John served for eight years as the President and CEO of OECM (Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace), a not-for-profit strategic collaboration organization and sourcing partner that serves the Ontario Education sectors, as well as other broader public sector and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles with the York Catholic District School Board, including Treasurer and Associate Director of Corporate Services, where he served from 1984 until joining OECM in 2016.
John’s extensive Board experience includes serving as a Director of the Board at OMERS Administration Corporation, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Midland Cogeneration Venture (MCV), and OECM. He was also a founding member, Board Director, and Vice-Chair of both the OSBFC (Ontario School Boards Financing Corporation) and the CSBSA (Catholic School Boards Services Association).
**Valid votes are those made via the online system or through mail-in ballots. Please only complete the voting process ONCE. Any duplicate votes from the same member will be deemed invalid. Voting closes November 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Once voting has closed, votes will be verified and counted. If the candidates receive a majority of FOR votes, they will serve their term commencing February 2026.
How to Vote
Remember that this is a confirmation election (i.e., where voting members simply vote FOR or AGAINST each candidate).
Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure you are a voting member, and are therefore eligible to vote. (NOTE: If you currently have a life insurance policy or annuity with Serenia Life Financial, and you are a member that had voting rights prior to February 23, 2021, you are now considered a “legacy member.” All legacy members have voting rights.)
- Gather your Serenia Life Financial POLICY NUMBER (located on your Serenia Life Financial Policy/Statement) before beginning the voting process. If you are unable to locate your policy number, please contact Member Services at 1.800.563.6237.
- Get to know all three candidates by carefully reviewing their information.
- Beginning September 22nd, click the Vote Now button on this page to begin the online voting process. (Want to vote via mail-in ballot? See below*.)
- Fill in the required information, then vote** FOR or AGAINST all three of the nominated candidates.
- Be automatically entered into a draw for your chance to win¹ 1 of 3 $1,000 GIAs.
Once voting has closed, votes will be verified and counted. If the candidate receives a majority of FOR votes, they will serve their term commencing February 2026.
Voting Now Closed
Time to Elect 3 New Board Directors
As a Serenia Life voting member, you are entitled to vote in the confirmation election of the three nominated Board of Director candidates.
Our 2025 candidates have gone through a rigorous selection process to ensure they meet the needs of our organization. In fact, the Board assesses the skills and experience of the Board of Directors on a regular basis. It then endeavours to obtain Directors with the expertise and leadership required to ensure that the Governing Board is well versed in financial services and risk management – and that they are committed to Serenia Life Financial’s mission, vision, and values.
Voting Now Closed
