I am a Benefits Consultant for Employer Sponsored Health Plans as well as the current manager of the Benefits Department here at thorntonpowell. I work with employers to implement innovative and affordable employee benefit portfolios with the goal of attracting and maintaining quality employees.I am a Past President of the Chicago Southland Association of Health Underwriters and Past Legislative Chair for the Illinois State Association of Health Underwriters. With a passion for legislative challenges concerning my clients; I continue to participate in the moving pieces of PPACA. It is my responsibility to ensure my clients are within compliance and are aware of the ever changing environment and how these changes will impact their business. More importantly, through these past few years, employees' mental health and well being are top priority for employers. Together, we strive to provide timely access to networks to support employees as they face challenges in day to day life so they are able to succeed overall and feel supported.Included in (but not limited to) my responsibilities to my clients are: to consult with them on benefit plans to address their specific needs in terms of financing their healthcare, claims advocacy, negotiating premiums with insurers as well as guiding (with appropriate legal and tax advisors) them through compliance issues. The component I am most passionate about; is being their voice in State and Federal legislation when it comes to Healthcare Reform and the impact that it has on the way they utilize our complex healthcare system.