Lead strategic direction and provide strategic program management for health and welfare, retirement, disability, and leave of absence plans for the Americas (US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico). Ensure benefit programs are competitive, current with market, meet employee’s needs, align with organizational goals, while operating within the fiscal year budget and complying with local, state, and country legislation.• Effectively partners with internal cross-functional partners, outside consultants, third-party administrators, and vendors on matters such as plan design, plan management, compliance, budgeting, renewals, and communications.• Own and leads the benefits workstream for all global mergers and acquisitions activity. • Analyze benefits data for trends, cost drivers, and savings opportunities which align with the organization’s benefits philosophy and long-term strategy.

I directed development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of benefits programs, policies, and procedures. I consistently ensure programs meet employee needs in a cost effective manner, as well as comply with established regulatory standards. I routinely evaluate existing benefits programs from peer organizations, examining competitiveness, market trends, and new developments. Moreover, I seek continuing education regarding current market trends and business challenges to ensure quality programs offered to employees. Key accomplishments include:• Successfully developing benefits programs that deliver outstanding employee experience, integrating innovative solutions, effective communication, and continuous training. • Effectively partnering with Finance and Legal departments, driving exceptional programs that meet state and federal regulations. • Demonstrating project management abilities, leading benefit renewals in strict timelines, coordinating comprehensive analysis to streamline implementation.

During my time as Benefits and Well-Being Consultant, I oversaw program management for health and welfare benefits plans, and well-being programs across the organization. I frequently designed, developed, implemented, and maintained Providence Health & Services benefit plans and policies. I provided subject matter expertise for health and welfare benefit plans, and associated inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. I also managed vendor relationships and proactively address technical and customer service-related issues. I often rendered support for roughly 102K employees nationwide, including providing additional information, distributing material regarding policy changes or updates, advising of open enrollment periods and qualifying life changes for mid-year additions, and assessing industry best practices for process or plan improvement opportunities. Significant contributions include: • Troubleshooting various well-being, health, and welfare benefit plans, including access to Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Account benefit plan funding, health incentive eligibility, and program access. • Designing and distributing key reports analyzing cost and utilization data, validate claims datasets from various vendors for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting needs. • Collaborating with other program managers to develop and manage the health and welfare benefit plans budget, health incentive budget, and wellbeing program budget.• Developing and providing strategic content for employee communications. Create and deliver presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

I operated as Principal Account Manager for a portfolio of national clients, maintaining relationship strengthened by ongoing communication, outstanding service, and account maintenance and management. Facilitated interactions between clients and benefits providers, managing vendor relationships, contracts, cost containment, plan performance, and regulatory compliance. Developed marketing campaigns and newsletters informing employees and administrators about benefit plans, annual renewal changes, enrollment procedures, and clarify information according to client inquiries. Consulted with clients to develop strategic solutions by incorporating the company’s mission, culture, and potential staffing needs, and considering them in final recommendations. Investigated client resources to confirm compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, 5500s, and Health Care Reform. Highlights include:• Performing analyses on benefits solutions and systems, and managed all aspects of the implementation process. • Administering, processing, and maintaining company benefit programs including health plans, COBRA, leaves of absence, short and long-term disability, Flex Spending Accounts, worker's compensation, and 401k.

I routinely oversaw operational performance for a specified list of onshore and offshore clients. Met and exceeded contractual performance standards and defined operational measure in strategic planning and analysis, systems processing, operation management, and people management. Identified and implemented process improvements to increase productivity, and improve capacity and utilization of BOA resources. Escalated resource concerns to CDG and India leadership to ensure appropriate staff adjustments. Facilitated client-specific operational training, and collaborated with the BSM to conduct customer service training. Reported system defects using HRO maestro, and coordinated with LSA to mitigate risks. Operated as primary point-of-contact for Shared Services and BOAs provide direction, escalate issues, answer questions, and offer support ensuring issue resolution. Notable achievements include:• Monitoring associate performance against company goals and objectives, ensuring adherence to company policies, and provided guidance on exceeding targets and providing excellent service. • Encouraging employee participation in professional development to promote ongoing career growth and advancement opportunities.• Developing and executing marketing strategies that enhanced awareness and participation in the company's benefits programs and plans.

I facilitated contract negotiations and managed vendor relationships to ensure strong plan performance and participation, regulatory compliance, and cost containment. Consulted internal stakeholders, served as subject matter expert, offered benchmarking and management oversight on health and pension benefit programs. Coached and mentored Benefits Analysts to create a culture of continuous improvement within client-level operations. Highlights include:• Identifying and resolving potential production defects and collaborated with systems analysts to mitigate risks.• Coordinating efforts to facilitate annual compliance, 5500, and audit activities.

Screened employment applications, organized interviews, submitted information for background checks, and forwarded offer letters. Facilitated new hire orientations and training with prospective departments. Informed employees about benefit options, answered questions regarding options and enrollment periods, and submitted information to ensure timely processing. Analyzed HR-related issues related to compensation, payroll, workforce, benefits, recruiting, paid leave, time and labor, new hires, and exit interviews. • Operated as subject matter expert on benefits plan knowledge, providing exceptional customer service, employee case management, resolving escalated issues, and developing formal training programs to promote professional development.

Consulted with clients to provide detailed information regarding health, savings, and retirement plans. Conducted training sessions on health and group plans, pensions, retirement and savings plans, death processes and procedures, HIPAA, and COBRA. Coordinated efforts with benefits providers to resolve eligibility errors. Served as a client advocate to benefit providers for claims issues. Reviewed current policies, procedures, and other metrics within the business to remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.• Facilitated and coordinated annual benefit workshops with employees to discuss benefit plan enrollment, cost changes, updates, requirements, and open enrollment timelines.