EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SERVICES OF MARYLAND (EBS) - Key Persons
While growing up in Howard County, Maryland, with her parents and two younger brothers, Alexa attended the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore City. During high school, she was a 3-sport athlete as a member of the cheerleading squad, a lacrosse player, and a volleyball star. She even joined a competitive jump rope team - as if she was not busy enough!
Alexis grew up in Cleveland, Ohio with three sisters and a brother. Every one of her family members is a big cat person, and throughout her life, they've had nine cats. Alexis's favorite cat is PJ - who they named after the only dog they ever had, Puff Jr. When Alexis was in middle school, her parents packed up the cats and the kids and moved to Chestertown, Maryland, and Alexis has lived in the area ever since.
What we know about Alexis: Life is better in flip flops
Alexis studied biology and dental assisting at Towson University, Chesapeake Community College, and Anne Arundel Community College. During this time, she was also a competitive cheerleader. Her team, the Maryland Twisters, competed at the Cheerleading Worlds twice. Nowadays, when Alexis's not at EBS, she's at the beach. A devoted beach girl, she lived in Ocean City, Maryland for two summers, and any weekend between May and September, she and her husband will be there soaking up the sun and longboarding the streets. They even got married on the beach at 59th St. and have a lock on the fishing pier.
Born in Baltimore, Amber grew up as one of four kids and has always been the baby of the family. In high school, she played varsity basketball, softball and volleyball, and she hit the road constantly to play in softball travel tournaments. She later attended Anne Arundel Community College where she was named an All-American shortstop for softball and an All-Region goalkeeper for soccer.
Job Titles:
- Senior Implementation Specialist
Growing up in Ellicott City, Maryland, Amy was an only child - except for a spastic Weimaraner. The pup was as close as a sibling, since Amy took the blame whenever she broke things or chewed-up comforters. Through her parent's employment, Amy had the opportunity to travel and loved experiencing different parts of Europe with her parents. She even channeled her interest in art and was awarded a certificate of appreciation for painting an exhibit at the National Cryptologic Museum in Maryland. Amy later studied photography and psychology at Howard Community College but felt she learned better outside the classroom.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Client Coordinator Department
Born and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland, Ana (aka Bird) was the youngest of three. She is best friends with her sister, though they are six years apart, and she and her brother are considered Irish Twins. Ana was a dedicated student and rowed crew in high school, but she also had a wild side. Ana pierced her nose over six times during school. Since piercings were against school rules, she had to take it out whenever she got caught. What a rebel!
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Services
- Partner
- Named Partner at Employee Benefit Services
Born in Baltimore, Ben moved to Maryland's Eastern Shore at a young age. Active in sports as a youth, he spent most of his late teens and early twenties coaching soccer. He turned that passion into a business that focused on specialized team training for youth soccer teams, graduated from St. Mary's High School in Annapolis and attended most Maryland colleges - University of Maryland College Park, Anne Arundel Community College, and Towson University-to name just a few. But he prefers to call it an "educational tour."
Ben got a taste of the insurance industry while attempting his college tour, when he worked as an intern with Strategic Employee Benefit Services, Northwestern Mutual's benefits division. It wasn't long before he dove head first into the benefits biz full time.
EBS is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Bohonowicz as Partner!� Since Ben started at EBS, he has held an active role on our leadership team and has made a significant impact on the success of our organization. He is an intelligent, eloquent and influential leader who will continue to serve as a valuable member of the leadership team. Not only is Ben extremely knowledgeable in the insurance industry, but he sincerely loves what he does every day. Nothing puts a bigger smile on his face than making a client happy! Ben provides exceptional customer service to our clients, which has helped EBS get to where we are now. Through his innovative ideas, enthusiasm and dedication to the growth of our firm, we are confident that Ben will continue to assist in leading EBS forward for many years to come.
Team work: that what it's all about. Well, we've got your man. A Towson native, Brian graduated from Calvert Hall College, where he was an All-State baseball player. He played varsity basketball, too. Before you could blink, it seemed Brian was all grown-up and attending Clemson University on a baseball scholarship. Before EBS signed him on first-string, he made it all the way to the pros - under contract with the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals). What does seven years in the big leagues earn you? Perseverance, communication skills and leadership qualities. That is, if you're keeping score.
Candice grew up near Solomons Island in Southern MD -- which makes her "crabby" in a good way. "Not much to do but go to the beach or take boat rides," she reports. She thought it was totally boring growing up. "Now I have a whole new appreciation for my hometown. It's beautiful and I would love to have access to a beach 24/7 again!" She attended Patuxent High School and Towson University, where she majored in Business and Corporate Communication Studies and Creative Writing.
As a former cheerleader, Candice remains an enthusiastic team member. She broke into the industry as an intern at Armada Consulting, then joined Sun Life Financial right out of college. Before joining EBS, Candice worked for Silberstein Insurance Group as their Marketing Manager. Candice has two sisters and a brother (two in the industry!).
It gives us great pride and pleasure to announce that Candice Slowik has been promoted to Director of Operations with Employee Benefit Services of Maryland. Candice has demonstrated an unwavering ability to effectively manage large areas of our business, including staff and outside vendors alike. This promotion and title change addresses the expansion of her duties with EBS over the last several years and more aptly encapsulates her role within the organization today. Congratulations, Candice!
Cara grew up in Annapolis, Maryland as the youngest of five girls. Their parents encouraged the girls to play team sports and coached all of their children's recreational sports teams. As a kid and throughout high school, Cara played soccer, field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. She even went on to play lacrosse in college.�
Carly was born and raised in Maryland with her younger sister Allie. Though Carly considers herself a NARP (non-athletic regular person), she's dabbled in most sports at one time or another. Luckily, Carly's minimal athleticism hasn't stopped her from enjoying sports. Growing up she went to Baltimore Ravens and Orioles games with her dad and grandfather. She even has an autograph from the Ravens' mascot, Poe!
Job Titles:
- Client Manager, Large Group
Born in North Carolina, Chloe grew up with a younger sister and a kitten, named Humphrey, and she has always loved animals. Today, she has a corgi puppy, named Charlie, who is incredibly outgoing and social. So much so that after hurting his paw at the dog park, he moped and had to be carried around until Chloe took him to the vet. As soon as they arrived, he bounded out of the car with excitement. The vet tech informed Chloe that Charlie had tricked her into bringing him for a visit so he could see his friends at the vet's office.
Christy lived her entire life growing up in Pasadena, Maryland. She and her sister, Heather, were incredibly close growing up. They played board games, fought some days, and danced the night away together. And even though she was younger, Heather was always the one to stick up for Christy if someone broke her heart. Christy loved her childhood home and swore she would never move out of Pasadena, but after she married her husband, they moved to Severen, Maryland to raise their five kids. Luckily, they've never looked back.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Dina Lansinger Enrollment Specialist Early Years: A wheel in hand and four on the road Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, Dina was one of six siblings - an even split of three boys and three girls. The large family would take road trips across the country in their station wagon, stopping to camp along the way. When they weren't traveling cross-country, they'd often go to the ocean as a family. What we know about Dina: Family is our team In high school, Dina was a member of the soccer team and played tennis recreationally. After graduating, she attended Towson University where she majored in psychology. Today, she continues many of her childhood and high school pastimes with her kids. She still enjoys going to the beach and hiking with her family, and she'll travel anywhere to cheer on her kids at their sporting events.
Job Titles:
- Client Manager, Small Group
Emily grew up in Newburgh, NY as the youngest of three. With Emily's only sister being five years older and having to share a room with her "annoying little sister," the girls didn't get along very well as children. Luckily, they're extremely close today and both live nearby in Baltimore.
As the second of four girls with twin younger sisters, Erin was considered the black sheep with constant "middle child syndrome." Always prioritizing family time, Erin's mother would force the girls together for family dinner every night. Though at the time Erin hated it, now those conversations and laughs are some of her favorite memories and have shaped her family-first values.
Heather Rubie Sr. Client Care Specialist Early Years: Eat, sleep, cheer, repeat. Heather grew up in Baltimore County with her Mom and younger sister. Heather made the cheerleading team in high school and was chosen as varsity MVP her freshman year. She then attended University of Baltimore and graduated with a Bachelors in Human Services Administration. She later settled in Cantonsville with her husband Mark and their son Tasker Kole.� What we know about Heather: The grass is greener on the golf course Though Heather is a huge Baltimore Ravens and Orioles fan, her secret love is professional golf. Before she joined us at EBS, Heather worked a summer job as the beverage cart driver for Rolling Road Golf Club for five years. But now that she's rolled in to EBS, we're so happy to have her!
Job Titles:
- Senior Client Manager, Large Group / Team Lead, Large Group Market
Growing up in Hampden in northern Baltimore, Hope's stage presence became obvious at a young age. She sang with her church choir, school choirs, and in school musicals. She even took home the $50 grand prize during a middle school talent show! Her courage to perform for large audiences drove her to audition and win acceptance into the All-County and All-State Choirs, and she even performed at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. No stage fright here!�
Job Titles:
- Client Manager, Large Group
When Janet was six years old, she emigrated from Taiwan with her family to California. In high school, Janet became highly involved in extracurricular activities. She was the clarinet section leader in her school marching band overseeing 50 clarinets, vice president of band council, in the wind ensemble, on the tennis team, a Girls State delegate, and the regional Southern California president of Future Business Leaders of America. Unsurprisingly, her sisters gave Janet the loving - but apt - nickname, Bossy Pants.
Job Titles:
- Client Manager, Mid - Market
John was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. An extremely cute kid, his father Robert entered him in a baby pageant, and he nearly won! John came in second place at the state level, losing to a pair of twins - much to his dad's chagrin.
Keara is quick to catch on. Raised in Annapolis since age 2, she learned her first valuable life lesson in first grade - and it stuck. "My discipline card was flipped from green (good) to yellow (bad) for passing notes," she explains. "That's when I learned how not to get caught." She never got in trouble at school again.
Her quick reflexes and stealthy athleticism also paid off playing a little lacrosse and soccer year-round. While in high school at St. Mary's, she played volleyball. She also "did a lot of theater - always behind the scenes." Chop, chop, and Keara was off to East Carolina University, where she continued to play soccer, softball, and party- all recreationally. She also earned a greenbelt in Isshinryu karate (watch your step!) - all while graduating in three years with a BS in Communications.
Khris Wilson Client Care Manager Early Years: Khris was born in sunny Manila, Philippines and moved to Baltimore with her family in the early 90s. She attended The Catholic High School of Baltimore and earned her Business degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. What we know about Khris: Talk techy to me. Growing up as a kid, back when Google wasn't a household name yet and dial-up connections were both deafening and slow, Khris embraced the digital media world and began creating her own personal websites and blogs for fun at age 12. Though she has no formal technical education, she carries the same enthusiasm for technology to her role at EBS.
Job Titles:
- Senior Client Manager, Mid - Market / Team Lead, Small Group Market
Kinsey grew up in Smithsburg, a small Maryland town where everybody knows everybody. Her father was a wrestler at West Virginia University and her parents were high school sweethearts. Her younger brother attends James Madison University. During her high school years, Kinsey loved to hang out in Virginia Beach and she travelled often with her family to and from softball tournaments.
Leo is definitely one to learn from experience. Case in point: at age five, a curious bear followed Leo and family for several hours during a hike in Yellowstone National Park. When 6, he was separated from his family while traveling in San Felipe Mexico-at 10:00 p.m. (couldn't find them for hours). After all of that, Leo figured, why not hitch a ride to Tijuana Mexico in the trunk of a 1977 Chevrolet Impala to hang out with friends? Just seemed natural. While traveling with his family in Paris at age 21, Leo crashed a private party on Thanksgiving holiday (he knew not one stich of French but befriended another party goer and hung out dancing until dawn). But this kid is sharp. As an adult, he avoids crashing parties, Mexico, bears and car trunks! (Truth or Dare?)
Not one to choose traditional ensembles, Leo prefers bright complements to his attire. A purple stripe here, a happy print there. But life on the bright side comes with careful planning. His approach to benefits is much the same. With 14 years in health and welfare under his belt, Leo joined partners Robert and Ryan at what was once Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Their partnership grew a small "Mom and Pop shop" to the fastest-growing benefits office in the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and Leo lead negotiations to purchase the company in 2010, forming EBS of Maryland.
Lucia Fan Sr. Compliance & Benefit Consultant Early Years: Crabsolutely clawsome.� Lucia was born in Hong Kong�as the youngest of six. With four sisters and a brother, they were a close-knit family. So much so, Lucia's older sister and her future husband took the three younger sisters on some of their dates, embarking on many fun adventures together. Lucia's family also loves to vacation and eat crabs. When they get started eating crabs, the meal could literally take half a day! What we know about Lucia: A cultural connoisseur. While attending school at University of Maryland College Park, Lucia studied speech communication and business. Since graduating, she's furthered her career while traveling the globe to places like Sweden,�Italy and Suriname, and she's hoping to visit Taiwan and Australia. Lucia enjoys discovering other cultures, trying new restaurants, and cooking different cuisines at home. She says our fun vibe and culture brought her to EBS, and we're glad it did.
Job Titles:
- Master. N64 or Wii. You'Re Going Down
You didn't ask, butt . . . I have a tattoo of lips on my rear-end and it earned me a new client!
Job Titles:
- Client Manager, Mid - Market
What we know about Matt:�Great food brings people together
In college, Matt attended St. Mary's College of Maryland, majoring in economics and minoring in environmental studies. He captained his college lacrosse team and was awarded the Athletic Director's Award in 2006. Before coming to EBS, Matt was looking for a work environment with a sense of belonging, and we're excited he brought his positive attitude to EBS -�plus we know we can always count on Matt for great restaurant and brewery recommendations!
Pizza Queen. My husband and I ate so much pizza in 2011 that Papa John's sent us a free copy of Madden NFL 12 for the PS3.�
Her Life is Magical. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. My house is Slytherin and my Patronus is a King COBRA.
Ryan gives new meaning to the title Water Boy. He grew up on Cape Cod where he graduated from Falmouth High School and later, the University of Massachusetts. As a coastal townie, Ryan spent much of his life on the water, boating, fishing, and simply enjoying the peacefulness of the open water. Today, you'll find him chasing around four rambunctious boys - typically on the boat - and still trying to convince his beautiful wife she picked a winner.
Ryan began his insurance career at as a sales representative for Unum, where he learned the importance of employer sponsored benefits and the impact they have on recruiting and retaining quality employees. The experience formed in him a deep understanding of how underwriters view risk-and how to negotiate a favorable outcome for the client. In 2004, Ryan took this experience to the retail side of the business and started calling on clients directly. Since then, he has consulted with hundreds of clients and built a foundation of success that he shares with his two business partners as they continue to grow presence of EBS in the marketplace.
Job Titles:
- Senior Data Analytics Specialist
Born in Arlington, Sarah's family moved to Laurel before settling in Shrewsbury, PA when she was 10. Except for a brief stint in Cockeysville from 2009-2012, "I've lived in PA ever since. I had not even flown on a plane until my honeymoon to Orlando!" Since then, she's traveled to Florida, Maine, Nevada and Mexico. Although a clarinet, soccer, gymnastics and color guard member in high school, she happily prefers books and numbers. "My youth was spent studying." No wonder she graduated with a 4.2 GPA (4 out of 250 in her class!). Sarah earned her BS in Economics from Penn State.�
What we know about Sarah: Being smart has its benefits
�After ten years helping her clients get the most out of their benefits - two with Crawford Advisors and eight years with The Warner Companies - EBS swooped Sarah up. "I have a passion for manipulating numbers and data to create solutions for our clients," she admits. She's also addicted to Red Bull (a great start to any morning)! But the great love of her life is daughter, Zoe (7 months at the time of this writing). There is simply not enough storage in her cell phone to store the photos!
Sarah earned her Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation and is presently studying for her Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) certificate.
Give him an "O!" Give him an "R"! Give him an "I"! Oh heck, let's just say Scott loved going to Orioles games as a kid. Like, practically since birth. He is also the son of a marathon runner, so he had plenty of opportunities to get his Forrest Gump on as a kid. His sporty days continued while attending Damascus High School, including playing baseball and football. To this day, he still loves fitting a long distance run or backpack adventure with friends in when he can.
Born in Crownsville, Maryland, Skyler has always lived in Anne Arundel County close to the Severn River. She's the baby of the family with an older brother and sister, and the three siblings grew up playing together near the river. They spent many days fishing, crabbing and enjoying beach life -�an attitude that carried into Skyler's adulthood. Now, her family lives within five minutes of their neighborhood beach, and they're raising their children with the same appreciation of the water.
Job Titles:
- Client Manager, Large Group
Born and raised in a small town in the Black Forest region of Germany, Tammy was 19 years old before moving to the United States. She later graduated from Towson University, and now lives in Baltimore with her husband, their three kids, and the family's German Shepherd, Mauser.�
Taylor was born in southern Maryland and grew up in Hyattsville. In high school, she was on the field hockey and lacrosse teams and also played violin in the school orchestra. Taylor's parents instilled in her an appreciation of classic cars, and they love going to car shows together. Her parents own a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS, a 1964 Pontiac LeMans and a 1953 Ford F-100 truck that belonged to her grandfather.
What we know about Taylor: It's okay, she's with the band.
Living in College Park, Maryland, Taylor and her boyfriend have two snakes, Noodle and Nash, a bluetick coon hound, Goose, and a Chesapeake Bay retriever, Paisley. Taylor is obsessed with her dogs and takes them everywhere. When they're not out hiking with the pups, we can count on Taylor and her boyfriend to be at a concert. Taylor has the best luck at winning concert tickets, and in 2020, she won tickets to four different concerts and got to meet the artists! She met Hardy, Michael Ray, Adam Doleac and her favorite group, Midland.
Job Titles:
- Culture and Communication Specialist
Both of Taylor's parents attended Fredonia State, and they met when her dad decided to "love tap" her mom with his car. They went on to have four girls - even though Taylor's dad is the youngest of four boys, Taylor is the oldest, and one of her younger, twin sisters has Down Syndrome. Living in Rochester, New York, their family likes to spend their summers on Canandaigua Lake, and Taylor frequently traveled for weekend lacrosse tournaments. Many tournaments brought her to Maryland, and we're lucky they did! She now lives in Baltimore City with her quarantine puppy, Whiskey.