Wendy L. Carlson
CEO & President
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

Ms. Carlson is Chief Executive Officer and President of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company as well as a member of the Board of Directors and has been with the company since 1999.  Before becoming an employee, Ms. Carlson served as outside corporate counsel for American Equity from its inception in 1995. 

Ms. Carlson was previously a partner in the firm of Whitfield & Eddy, PLC, where she has practiced law in the areas of business, tax, insurance and securities from 1985 to 1999.  Ms. Carlson is also a certified public accountant.

Ms. Carlson received her J.D. degree from Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1985.  She earned her B.S.B.A. degree (magna cum laude) from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, in 1982, with majors in accounting and computer information systems.

Ms. Carlson is a member of the following professional associations: the American, Iowa State and Polk County Bar Associations; and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants.