John Voelker

Director of Underwriting

John@firstchoicebrokerage.com 

John Voelker: Life Insurance Underwriting Expert and AI Innovator 

John Voelker is a distinguished figure in the life insurance industry, boasting nearly four decades of underwriting experience. As the founder and president of VoelkerLifeUnderwriting.ai, he seamlessly integrates traditional underwriting expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to revolutionize the life insurance application process. 

Professional Journey 

John began his underwriting career in the 1980s at MassMutual, a time when the industry relied heavily on paper files and handwritten notes. Over the years, he held pivotal roles at major insurance companies, including Sun Life Financial and Genworth, where he honed his skills in underwriting complex cases. In 2009, recognizing the need for dedicated underwriting advocacy, he established Voelker Underwriting Services. This firm provided specialized consulting services to BGAs, IMOs, brokers, and agents, focusing on securing optimal life insurance coverage for clients, especially those with challenging cases.  

VoelkerLifeUnderwriting.ai 

In 2025, John launched VoelkerLifeUnderwriting.ai, a premier life insurance consulting and advocacy firm that combines his extensive underwriting knowledge with advanced AI technology. The platform aims to streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and improve the customer experience for all stakeholders involved in the life insurance process. By leveraging AI, the firm offers tools that provide instant answers to underwriting questions, ensuring that clients receive the attention and expertise they deserve.  

Educational Background and Affiliations 

John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University, where he was also a four-year varsity baseball player and co-captain of the 1986 team. He is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI) and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Risk Appraisal Forum, the Association of Home Office Underwriters, and the Carolina Underwriters Forum.  

Advocacy and Client Commitment 

Throughout his career, John has been a staunch advocate for clients, particularly those who have been declined coverage or offered suboptimal rates. He is passionate about ensuring that every case is thoroughly reviewed and that all avenues are explored to secure the best possible outcomes for clients. His dedication to advocacy has made him a trusted partner for many in the industry.  

Location and Personal Life 

John resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, just 15 minutes north of Charlotte. He loves watching his beloved Boston Red Sox, following a multitude of college sports, and spending time across the pond in London.