The Standard Names Mike Dunst Assistant Vice President of Absence Management

Standard Insurance Company ("The Standard”), a subsidiary of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: SFG), announced that Mike Dunst has been named Assistant Vice President of Absence Management. Mike joined the company September 29.

The Standard’s Absence Management program helps companies in any industry with the burdensome management of employee absence, such as Short Term Disability, family medical leave, state leaves and other company time off. The services track and manage employee absences, increase employee productivity and free managers and administrators to focus on driving results in their businesses. In addition, Absence Management incorporates The Standard’s industry-leading Stay at Work/Return to Work programs.

"Mike’s experience is rich and his skills are broad and deep in the absence and disability management area, which he has been operating in for more than 20 years,” said Dan McMillan, Vice President of the Insurance Services Group at The Standard.

"Economic conditions continue to put pressure on companies of all sizes to do more with less and maximize employee productivity,” McMillan added. "We are continually seeking new ways to create dependable value for our customers, and our Absence Management program, under Mike’s leadership, is well-positioned to meet that need.”

Dunst began his insurance career at CIGNA, working in finance and reinsurance before moving into disability claims operations. He co-founded Disability Management Alternatives (DMA) in 1996. In 2003, DMA merged with Lewisco to form LCG. In 2008, LCG was acquired by Hewitt, where Dunst was a leader in absence management operations.

In his role, Dunst will lead The Standard’s Absence Management program and have responsibility for service and processes, software development/enhancement, sales training and support, vendor/partner management, operational effectiveness and customer service. Mike will also serve as The Standard’s National Practice Leader for Absence Management.

Dunst earned a degree in accounting from Villanova University and holds an M.B.A. in finance from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Standard’s Absence Management program is uniquely flexible, allowing companies to easily tailor the product to meet their needs. This gives companies the tools, data and support needed to take control of absence management and make informed decisions about workforce development and absence policies.

About The Standard

The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services. The company serves approximately 7.6 million customers nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2010, with group and individual disability insurance, group life, AD&D, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities and investment advice. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.