EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Robin A. Bienfait
Robin A. Bienfait
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Marcel R. Coutu
Marcel R. Coutu
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Andre R. Desmarais
Andre R. Desmarais
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Paul G. Desmarais, III
Paul G. Desmarais, III
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Gary A. Doer
Gary A. Doer
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Gregory J. Fleming
Gregory J. Fleming
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Claude Généreux
Claude Généreux
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Alain Louvel
Alain Louvel
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Paula Madoff
Paula Madoff
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Edmund Murphy
Edmund Murphy
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ R. Jeffrey Orr
R. Jeffrey Orr
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Robert L. Reynolds
Robert L. Reynolds
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ T. Timothy Ryan
T. Timothy Ryan
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Jerome J. Selitto
Jerome J. Selitto
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Dhvani Shah
Dhvani Shah
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Brian E. Walsh
Brian E. Walsh
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Christine Moritz
Christine Moritz
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Jason P. Lawrence
Jason P. Lawrence
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ James P. O’Sullivan
James P. O’Sullivan
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ David Harney
David Harney
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Kara Roe
Kara Roe
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
EMPOWER ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and Directors of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America, a Colorado corporation (the “Company’), by his or her execution hereof or upon an identical counterpart hereof, does hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Bielen, Bradford D. Rodgers, Bradley A. Strickling, Lindsay A. Thorpe, and Brandon J. Cage and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute (either in writing or electronically) on behalf of the Company or its separate accounts relating to annuity contracts and life insurance policies registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “Registration Statements,” as defined below, and any and all amendments thereto, together with all exhibits, instruments, and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory authority as may be necessary or desirable, hereby ratifying and confirming all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior power of attorney. This Power of Attorney shall not be revoked by any subsequent power of attorney I may execute, unless such subsequent power of attorney specifically revokes this Power of Attorney or specifically states that the instrument is intended to revoke all prior powers of attorney.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
| Contract Name |
Registration File Number |
Separate Account Name |
Separate Account File Number |
| Executive Benefit VUL I-II | 333-70963 | COLI VUL-2 Series Account | 811-9201 |
| Schwab OneSource Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194043 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Schwab Advisor Choice Variable Annuity | 333-194099 | Variable Annuity-1 Series Account | 811-7549 |
| Great-West Smart Track Advisor Variable Annuity | 333-212090 | Variable Annuity-2 Series Account | 811-5817 |
| Great-West Capital Choice & Great West Capital Choice Select | 333-292334 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Great-West Capital Choice Advisor | 333-292336 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Philippe Desmarais
Philippe Desmarais
WITNESS TO ALL SIGNATURES:
/s/ Brandon J. Cage
Brandon J. Cage
Vice President and Managing Counsel
Attorney-in-Fact
Protective Life Insurance Company as Administrator for Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America