GCG FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Adam is the Senior Claims Advocate and Team Lead for the firm. In this role, Adam provides guidance to small through large commercial clients by troubleshooting claim issues and acting as the direct liaison between clients and insurance carriers.
Prior to his role with the firm, Adam worked for Gallagher Bassett Services managing the Property and Liability Claims team for a large, self-insured national retailer. Adam joined the Gallagher Downers Grove office in 2009 as a Property Damage Adjuster and had enjoyed a leadership position managing several property damage and general liability claims teams.
Adam earned his Bachelor of Business Management and Organization Behavior degree from Benedictine University. He previously was a member of the Council of Litigation Management and co-authored an article on combating insurance fraud.
In his spare time, Adam enjoys hiking, BBQ, athletics, and spending time with his wife and kids discovering new things.
Job Titles:
- Senior Benefits Consultant
Alex Koglin is Senior Benefits Consultant for the firm. He has nearly a decade of experience in healthcare benefits and has worked with companies ranging from a handful of employees to over 5,000 employees across a diverse range of industries. His responsibilities include new business development, strategic playbook review, client relations, and functioning as liaison between sales and service teams.
Alex routinely works with clients to transition to alternative-funded programs, while considering the holistic employee experience. In addition, he has overseen the merger of benefit programs following multiple large-scale acquisitions. Alex leverages those opportunities to identify program improvements and substantial cost reductions.
Alex is WELCOA certified and uses his knowledge to oversee client wellbeing initiatives, keep a pulse on employee engagement, and identify employee values. Moreover, he uses his process-driven approach to identify best-practice benefits administration solutions and better leverage technology.
Above all, Alex values his client relationships, excellent client feedback, and long-term client retention.
When he's not working, Alex values time spent with his partner and his dog, and can be found hiking, playing tennis, teaching yoga, or cooking.
With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Alisa focuses on building productive relationships with her clients in the Key Accounts department. She joined the firm in 2015, after previous positions as an HRIS, Benefits Administrator and Benefit Specialist at a global company. A true advocate, Alisa is committed to customer service, resolving complex issues, and sustaining customer loyalty.
As an Account Executive, Amy serves as a tactical and primary day-to-day contact. Amy presents at enrollment meetings, initiates the renewal process, and helps solve claim and administrative issues. She also has experience implementing online benefit administration systems to streamline the enrollment process. Amy's prior experience at a third-party administrator provides her a solid background in claim reporting systems. This experience serves her in obtaining and analyzing detailed reports and providing specialized assistance to our self-funded clients. Amy is a true advocate for clients, resolving complex issues and sustaining client loyalty.
Anna Maria has 20+ years combined experience in Operations, HR and Benefits in various industries including retail, casino, armored transportation and environmental waste disposal. She has a unique ability to help clients navigate their world by identifying opportunities to create better engagement for employees, assisting with communication challenges, finding the right programs that fit their needs, culture and bottom line. Anna Maria manages and provides support for clients by assisting with benefit plan design, advising, educating, and coordinating internal and external resources to meet their needs and expectations. She is enthusiastic about being a part of the driving force to help clients make positive change.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, creative projects, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Board Member at St. Pius X School
- Senior Benefits Consultant
Ben May is a Senior Benefits Consultant with the firm. He focuses primarily on small- and mid-sized businesses. Ben's expertise centers around the design, funding, communication, administration, and compliance of employee benefit programs. Ben focuses on making clients comfortable, and he takes the time to learn and understand their unique business to meet their challenges effectively. This approach allows Ben to create a first-class benefits program to provide outside-the-box solutions that solve these challenges.
Ben has extensive experience in the employee benefits industry, including a previous role as the Director of Sales in the Benefits Division with Hallberg Commercial and Group Health.
Outside of work, Ben is an athletic board member at St. Pius X School and volunteers as a coach for soccer, basketball and baseball. Ben currently resides in Lombard, IL with wife, Julie, and children Riley, Haley, Colin and Jack. He enjoys coaching his kids and staying active playing basketball, softball, and soccer.
Education: BA, Finance and Accounting, Illinois State University.
Certifications: CIC, CBC
Job Titles:
- Vice President at Alera Group Retirement Plan Services
- Vice President, Retirement Plan Services
Bradley Shaps is a Vice President at Alera Group Retirement Plan Services. Brad has been with the firm since 2004 and specializes in assisting mid-size companies design, implement, administer, and communicate their qualified retirement plans. Brad is passionate about his role serving as a fiduciary helping employers offer state of the art retirement plans and meet their fiduciary responsibilities.
Brad is active in his community. He currently serves on the Board of Congregation Beth Shalom. He has served as a member of the Board of Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness and has been actively involved with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago for many years.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Senior Vice President of Benefits Consulting
Brent Rosen is a Senior Vice President of Benefits Consulting. Since joining the firm, Brent has specialized in serving the mid-market segment and works with clients across the country. Brent supports multiple middle-market private equity firms as they work to achieve economies of scale and deliver value to their portfolio companies with respect to benefit plan enhancements, cost savings, and acquisition due-diligence.
Brent has developed considerable expertise in working with multi-location companies, and those growing through acquisition. Brent also functions as the Co-Managing Broker for the firm's Veterinary Employee Benefits Practice and has served proudly as the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) preferred provider for employee benefits since 2009.
In addition to group medical and ancillary lines of insurance, Brent also works to provide expert and objective guidance with respect to 401(k) and other salary-deferral plans, pension and profit-sharing plans, deferred-compensation plans, and executive benefits. Brent has also earned the Chartered Benefits Consultant (CBC) designation, provided by the National Association of Alternative Benefits Consultants, which demonstrates his expertise in Consumer-Driven Health Plans.
Brent provides a unique strategic perspective to employee benefits with a focus on long-term sustainability of his clients' plans. Brent's practice is built on a foundation of education and believes his focus on educating his clients' employees and their benefit administrators has been a key factor in his success.
Brent is a graduate of Indiana University and spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Brent has lived in Chicago since 2002. He enjoys playing guitar, exercising, reading, cooking, and is an enthusiastic world traveler. Brent is also an active member of the firm's Hardly Riders Team and participates annually in a nationwide charitable ride that raises money for research for rare cancers.
Education: B.S. Finance, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Brian is an Employee Benefits Consultant dedicated to helping his clients build and maintain their optimal employee benefits program. Brian and his team focus on serving mid-market employers who want to offer competitive benefits which provide value to employees and the firm.
Since joining the firm in 2009, Brian is consistently recognized for his outstanding achievements. Year over year, he is celebrated as a top advisor in the firm's most prestigious advisor clubs, including Pinnacle Club, Circle of Excellence, and Delta Club which distinguish advisors for total production and growth.
His 20+ years of experience includes previous positions at Willis Towers Watson and ADP.
Brian is married with three children and enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and playing paddle tennis.
Education: BA, Communications, University of Iowa, 1995.
Job Titles:
- Risk Management Consultant
Cameron is a second-generation insurance professional with a background in wealth management, specializing in the education and advisement of the benefits and value found in today's high-net worth insurance market.
Prior to joining Alera Group, Cameron worked at HUB International, running the day-to-day operations of the new client interaction team and creating specialized packages for insureds with each premier insurance carrier.
Cameron listens and learns about clients' personal protection goals, uncovering any risks that may have been overlooked in the past. Working in conjunction with their asset management team, Cameron can personalize a client's insurance package to appropriately protect all assets in their portfolio and provide peace of mind for the long-haul.
Job Titles:
- Employee Benefits Practice Leader for the Midwest Region
- Employee Benefits Practice Leader Midwest Region
Carla serves as the Employee Benefits Practice Leader for the Midwest Region. In this role, Carla is responsible for driving strategic direction along with all aspects of client service. She focuses on ensuring Alera Group professionals have the tools, resources and support to meet the needs of an ever-evolving benefits landscape and deliver an exceptional client experience.
With many years of leadership, operations and benefits experience, Carla helps organizations think about business strategy through a people-first approach. With relevant prior experience in human resource, labor, benefit administration and insurance carrier environments, her background provides a breadth of perspectives when it comes to understanding the interests and intricate operations of each stakeholder.
Carla is passionate about organizational and leadership development. She believes the team builds capacity and momentum through continual process improvement, keen awareness of metrics, and opportunities to innovate. Similarly, Carla strives to identify and develop rising talent, helping others achieve their career aspirations. She is active in DEI initiatives and is a member of Alera's Women's Leadership Committee.
Carla is currently pursuing her EMBA through Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She holds a BA in Benefits Administration and Compliance from DePaul University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Catherine joined the firm in April 2002, and is a Vice President, Benefits Consulting. Prior to this, she was a Principal of Kraemer & Loney, Inc. Catherine entered the insurance industry in 1985 as an administrative associate for Kraemer Associates. This served as the training environment in learning the integral parts of each product in the industry, which serves as her foundation. Catherine returned to Kraemer Chantler Associates in 1995 after a brief absence, during which she focused on individual financial planning and mutual fund investments. She found her interest rested in working with employers and employees in an ever-changing environment of healthcare products - such as group medical, dental, disability, life, long term disability, wellness programs, employee assistance programs and savings vehicles for future medical expenses.
Catherine specializes in municipality and school employee benefit programs, which encompasses partially self-funded programs administered by a third-party claim administrator, administrative services only contracts administered by a carrier and fully insured programs either on an individual or pooled basis. Her emphasis is to not only analyze the benefit programs, but also to educate the administrative personnel and employees through forums designed to plan for future initiatives, ease the negotiation process and keep all participants well ahead of the benefits industry curve.
Catherine is continually recognized for her outstanding achievements. In retaining over 95% of her block year over year, she holds the distinction of being a top advisor in the firm. She has received the firm's most prestigious awards, including Pinnacle Club and Circle of Excellence, and is celebrated for her notable successes, relationships, and extensive industry expertise.
Catherine attended Waldorf College and the University of Iowa, focusing on psychology and recreation therapy. Her interest in this field allowed her to integrate her music and athletic participation with special populations. This area continues to be of interest to Catherine on a volunteer basis.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Property & Casualty
Chris Breck began working with the team in 1989, and today he manages the day-to-day insurance and business needs of many of the firm's largest and most established clients. Chris acts as a risk manager for his clients, with an emphasis on working to control both risks and overall risk management costs.
His primary responsibility involves the design, marketing and implementation of commercial property and casualty insurance programs. He specializes in delivering alternative risk solutions, including captive insurance programs.
Chris maintains a broad industry focus, which includes manufacturing, service, retail, healthcare, private equity, and nonprofit companies.
Chris graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Marketing/Business Administration. He has been a licensed insurance producer since 1992, has maintained his status as a Certified Insurance Counselor since 1996, and as a Certified Risk Manager since 2010.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Christine is specialized in serving the mid- and large-market segments with clients across the country. She has developed considerable expertise in working with multi-location companies and is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of Health and Welfare programs including vendor management, plan administration, merger/acquisition management, and employee communications. Christine also has experience implementing and maintaining several benefit administration/eligibility systems. Christine is a true advocate for our clients and can resolve day-to-day or complex issues and sustain client loyalty.
Clay specializes in helping individuals and families establish financial goals and exploring alternatives to achieving them. Clay has been passionate about developing financial strategies and employee benefits since joining the firm in 1994. He is a specialist in helping enhance financial security and create wealth through personal and corporate benefit packages that include investment management, life, disability and health insurance as well as retirement strategies. Clay employs a disciplined and strategic approach that strives to maximize potential returns while minimizing overall risk and volatility within a portfolio. He prides himself on being a thoughtful communicator who intuitively educates his clients in areas of risk management and wealth accumulation, as a result, clients gain a peace of mind by understanding their options. Clay specializes in working with physicians, professionals, executives, business owners and corporations, and speaks to over 100 medical programs and corporations annually.
Clay has consistently been distinguished as a top advisor among his peers. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his successful practice, including qualification for the Court of the Million Dollar Round Table*, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors' National Quality Award**, along with firm's prestigious Pinnacle Club and Leaders Club. In addition, Clay has been designated as a Five Star Wealth Manager four years in a row, with a listing in Chicago Magazine. ***
Clay lives in Vernon Hills, Illinois with his wife, daughter, son, and dog. He enjoys exercising, yoga, competitive golf, reading, traveling and participates in several charitable organizations including Cycle for Survival and the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Clay also serves on the Northshore University Health System Planned Giving Advisor Counsel.
Education: BS in Advertising and a minor in Psychology from Bradley University
Credentials: Certificate in Financial Planning from DePaul University, holds registrations for FINRA series 6, 7, 63, 65 and is life, health and disability insurance licensed
*Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is an independent membership organization of life insurance and financial service professionals. Membership levels are based on commissions, premiums, or fees generated within a year from investment and insurance products. Members must apply annually and pay a fee. Members must be members in good standing of a Professional Association which has met the following criteria: in existence at least 2 years, have 100 or more members, must be a nonprofit organization, must have a code of ethics and an effective means of dealing with breaches of its code. Members must also adhere to the MDRT Code of Ethics. Working with this advisor is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation **Awards and club membership are based primarily on commissions, premiums, or fees generated from investment and insurance products and other criteria relative to leadership, achievement, and recruiting. ***Five Star Award candidates are evaluated against 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria such as client retention rates, client assets administered, firm review and a favorable regulatory and complaint history. For more information, visit the individual's profile. Registered Representative with Triad Advisors, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative with Alera Investment Advisors, LLC. Triad Advisors LLC and Alera Investment Advisors, LLC are not affiliated.
CA license # 0C28656
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Cory Friedman is a Senior Vice President of the firm's Benefits Consulting practice. Cory specializes in the small group and mid-market segments, and has developed considerable expertise working in the veterinary industry.
Cory works to provide guidance and objective analysis of group insurance benefits, and is currently responsible for the health insurance and employee benefit programs of hundreds of privately held organizations across the country.
In 2016, Cory was selected as a Young Gun Award recipient by Insurance Business America, which recognizes young professionals making a significant impact in the insurance industry. Cory was also named a "Rising Star" in 2017 and 2018 by Employee Benefit Adviser, earning recognition as one of 20 advisers nationally age 35 and younger who exhibit quick thinking, openness to change, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing employee benefit landscape. In 2021, Cory was selected as an "Excellence in Benefits" Award Recipient by Employee Benefit News (EBN), one of only 4 standout advisors recognized nationally.
Cory lives in Chicago, Illinois and enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes playing hockey, interior design and architecture/real estate, classic cars, reading, and writing.
Education: B.S. Finance, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
David Levitz serves as a Managing Partner for the firm. In his role, David is focused on corporate growth and new business development. David's background as a senior leader at has positioned him perfectly to understand the various facets of employee benefits, risk management and wealth accumulation.
David's broad expertise will allow him to help organizations navigate the complexity and uncertainty that exists in today's environment. His area of focus centers around the design, marketing, negotiation, and financial analysis of employee benefit programs. Additionally, David has managed care experience in ASO, self-funded contracts and alternatively funded group insurance programs.
David is active in numerous charities and civic organizations. He is a Million Dollar Round Table ("MDRT") Foundation Knight. The Foundation works to increase volunteerism and provides funds to worthy charities worldwide. David has earned a Life Membership in the MDRT and is a past qualifier of MDRT's Court of the Table and Top of the Table awards. David is also a past President of the Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods Chambers of Commerce and currently is on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Council.
David is currently a member of several professional organizations, including NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) and NAHU (National Association of Health Underwriters). He is a past President of the North Branch CALU (Chicago Association of Life Underwriters).
David is married with two grown children and devotes quality time to family life. When time permits, David is an avid golfer, skier, and sports enthusiast.
Education: University of Denver
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Dawn Lauret joined the firm in 1998 and became Vice President of Benefits Consulting in 2005. She brings a consultative approach to the sale and retention of small group employee benefit packages with her background in both the sales and service aspects of the business. Her role is to partner with firm brokers to identify employee benefit opportunities on existing clients as well as new prospects. Many of the national health carriers have tapped Dawn for advisory boards, and she has been instrumental in designing benefit plans and providing feedback on plan strengths and weaknesses for small groups.
Before joining the firm, Dawn was an account manager for a small benefits agency in the employee benefit division.
Dawn enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends. She also enjoys playing volleyball, golfing, walking, biking, crafting, and traveling.
Education: B.S., Workforce Education and Development, Southern Illinois University.
Job Titles:
- Small Group Account Specialist / Account Manager
Diane is a Small Group Account Specialist / Account Manager and has been with Alera group for 5 years. She previously worked at AXIS Benefits Consultants for 25 years. Her goal is to provide clients with comprehensive benefit options and productive solutions.
Having joined the firm in 1986, Eric has over 35 years of valued experience in the Employee Benefits industry. As a Vice President at Alera Group, his specialty is working with medium to large businesses (10-2,500 employees) in the development and review of their employee benefit programs, including group insurance plans, qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive benefit programs, business succession strategies, and the personal insurance and wealth accumulation needs of the executive team. Eric maintains a client base that includes more than 250 physicians and medical practices.
He has served for seven years on the Board of Directors of Premier Resource Group (PRG), a marketing organization of accomplished advisors located throughout the United States. Eric was also a member of the firm's former Black-Tie Club, reserved for high producing Advisors. Additionally, Eric is active in many charitable and civic organizations. He is a second-generation speaker for The Illinois Holocaust Museum, as well as a previous President of his Homeowners Association.
Eric is married with one child and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially traveling.
Education: B.S., Education, Indiana State University
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Wealth Services
Fernando is a Customer Service Manager. He establishes relationships with vendors and maintains a line of communication to address client concerns. Fernando also identifies and implements process improvements to streamline team efforts while also enchaining the service provided to clients. Lastly, Fernando is responsible for providing guidance and support to the firm's Client Relations Coordinators to assist them in meeting our clients' needs.
Fernando has held management positions across agriculture, retail, and business solutions. For the last five years, he has worked in employee benefits. Specifically, he's worked with employers on their health & welfare benefits.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and Director of Global Trade Risk Management
Gary Kirshenbaum is a Vice President and Director of Global Trade Risk Management (GTRM). Under his guidance, GTRM provides companies the ability to strategically manage their commercial trade risk, both domestic and export, as well as to mitigate political risk involving international business investments.
Gary has over 15 years of experience in trade credit insurance in addition to nine years as a lender in commercial finance. He possesses a deep knowledge of how to utilize credit to minimize risk and maximize growth and banking relationships for his clients. Through this risk management expertise, Gary's focus is to protect his clients' money.
Additionally, having owned and run a family business for 10 years, Gary understands the everyday struggles of cash flow along with the credit risk that companies face when their accounts receivable, potentially the largest asset on their balance sheet, is in jeopardy.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations, Risk Management
Job Titles:
- Advisory Committee Member for Reclaim 13
- Chairman of the Advisory Board for Chicago Children 's Advocacy Center
- Member of Alera
- Senior Vice President, Property & Casualty
Gregg Elstien is considered one of the strongest advocates in the commercial insurance and risk management fields. His approach involves a proprietary analysis to uncover areas of need in order to develop a sustainable program that will reduce costs tied with evolving risk. Over 26 years in this industry, Gregg believes that to truly understand opportunities for improvement, you must take time to understand what makes a business distinctive. Furthermore, if the outcome of his analysis does not provide significant value, then he feels we would not be the right partner. Gregg works predominantly with businesses who are focused on constant improvement with a partner who understands how critical due diligence, cost reduction, claim management and safety are to their operations.
Gregg is a contributing member of Alera's captive vertical. He also has a deep focus in manufacturing, distribution, transportation/logistics and nonprofits.
Because Alera Group has such an excellent bench in health insurance, financial services, life insurance as well as personal home and auto insurance, he coordinates those efforts to help businesses in the same areas of cost reduction and improved service, many that companies don't know about.
Beyond what he provides in insurance risk management experience, Gregg also understands how important it is to help his clients in areas outside of their insurance needs. He is a very active professional networker and brings his extensive group of professionals in a variety of industries to his relationships to grow their operations.
Gregg has been a professional speaker on a multitude of topics for over 26 years. His speaking engagements include the Illinois CPA Society, Rockford University, Axelson Center and the Nonprofit CFO Roundtable. He is also the Chicago co-host for the CFO Mastermind.
Gregg is the Chair of the Advisory Board for Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that is the first responder to children who have been sexually abused and/or physically abused. They work to heal both children and families as well as help prosecute the perpetrators.
Gregg is an Advisory Committee Member for Reclaim 13, which prevents child trafficking and prevents child exploitation.
Jeff joined the firm in 1992 and became Vice President of Employee Benefits in 1999. His responsibilities include supervision of the employee benefits resource team, product review, and the sale of new and renewal employee benefits programs including medical, dental, disability, and various other employee benefits to our clientele.
After working for a public accounting firm in Denver, Jeff relocated to the Chicagoland area and entered the insurance business. He retained his RHU professional designation and has been in the insurance business since 1989, with a specialty in employee benefits since 1991. Jeff has used his accounting background and communication skills to become a leading producer in group benefits. He has been involved in speaking and advisory roles for many of the national health carriers, helping design benefit plans and providing valuable feedback on various plans' strengths and weaknesses. His understanding and grasp of the continued pressures on businesses to remain competitive and profitable have helped make him successful in the employee benefits field. Jeff has also served on various advisory boards for insurance carriers doing business in the Chicagoland area. Jeff, along with the firm's employee benefits division, has been recognized by several of the national carriers as a top producer and preferred broker.
Jeff is active in several charities and civic organizations, including the firm's monthly community giving program, and he often helps fundraise for other organizations.
Jeff's focus is his family life. Most of his time is spent with his wife and three kids doing various activities ranging from education to travel to sporting activities. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys golfing and other sports.
Education: B.S., Accounting, University of Denver, 1987.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Employee Benefits
Jesse Pleuss joined Alera Group in 2005 and works extensively with Corporations, School Districts and not- for-profit, in areas of strategic and innovative management of their employee benefits. Consulting and advising organizations in the evaluation, implementation and communication of their employee benefit plans is his expertise. He focuses on employee communication by leveraging resources and proprietary tools to help employees make better healthcare decisions.
Jesse's goal is to make sure his clients are receiving thoughtful, expert advice and the tools they need to address increasing costs and regulatory and compliance law risks. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Jesse helps his clients build both short and long-term objectives in a unique "play-book process". A member of the Alera Advanced Healthcare Strategy Impact Group, Jesse keeps his skills sharp. He continues to lead both his clients and cohorts in implementing some of the most innovative health plans in the country.
Jesse began his career as a District Sales Manager for American Medical Security that specialized in small group health plans, where he consistently led the nation in new business development and retention. Later he worked with PPO network company Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), where he partnered with large national employers, insurance carriers and third-party administrators. Jesse has a very deep understanding of the many facets in healthcare services, which bodes well for his client's in representing their interests.
Jesse received his bachelor's degree in Marketing from St. Mary's University of Minnesota where he also participated at collegiate level in both hockey and soccer. He later received his MBA from Elmhurst College and is a Charter Benefits Consultant (CBC). Jesse is active in many charities and service organizations including Park Ridge Rotary, St. Paul of the Cross Men's Club and Rawhide Boys Ranch of Wisconsin,
Jesse lives in Park Ridge, Illinois with his wife Patty. They have two children, Declan and Maizie. Away from work Jesse enjoys going to his children's sporting events, playing hockey and family time in Wisconsin.
Job Titles:
- Director of Select Accounts
Jill leads the administrative processes of the Select Accounts team, which manages employee benefits for small group employers (1-100 lives). Focusing on quality assurance and scalability, she ensures an excellent client experience by creating efficient processes and procedures for this high-volume team.
Jill Olshefke has been with the firm since 2011. She previously worked at Northern Suburban Special Education District where she managed and scheduled substitute teachers.
An avid dog lover (Roxie, Pitbull/Staffie mix and Zeus, German Shepherd), Jill enjoys live music (and following her son's band, Ax and the Hatchetmen), reading and painting.
Education: B.A., Albion College; Master of Education in Educational Psychology, National Louis University
VUCA Leadership, Cornell University, May 2022
Leadership Agility, Cornell University, May 2022
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Jim originally joined the firm in 1989 to build the Employee Benefits division in Illinois. After 13 years of leading the firm to tremendous growth in this area, he decided to try his skills on the carrier side of the business. In 2003 Jim joined United Healthcare as Vice President of sales for Colorado and New Mexico. His responsibilities included developing and managing a large sales and support team, developing marketing strategies for new products and services, and driving growth in membership and profitability. In 2006, Jim was promoted to a regional and national role in large accounts with the responsibility of creating and launching new products around consumer-driven strategies.
Jim returned to the firm in August 2009 after a five-year stint at United Healthcare. He also develops vendor relationships, creates sales strategies, and drives growth by attracting new customers. Jim lives in South Denver, Colorado with his wife and three kids. His hobbies include playing and coaching hockey, golfing and skiing when time permits.
Education: B.A., Communications, University of Denver, 1985.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Benefits Consulting
Joan is a Senior Vice President of Benefits Consulting who brings organization and execution to the strategies that Brian Uhlig develops for his clients. Joan is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of Health and Welfare programs including vendor management, plan administration, merger/acquisition management, and employee communications. Joan's years of experience in Human Resources before becoming a benefits consultant provides her with a unique ability to understand and address each client's needs. She has a passion for employee education and ensuring that the programs that are implemented are understood and properly communicated.
Joan enjoys spending time with her daughter and 3 young boys. She is active in her community and is heavily involved with her sons' extracurricular activities: band, cross country, track, travel hockey, theatre and Boy Scouts.
Jodi provides strategic employee benefits planning, program execution, and employee communications. In her 20 years in the industry, she has developed a reputation of providing excellent service with integrity and transparency.
Outside of work, Jodi enjoys spending time with her family. She is passionate about being a mom and enjoys being outdoors, cooking and golfing.
Job Titles:
- Senior Partner
- Chartered Healthcare Consultant
John assists his clients by providing them with service and advice around the design, risk management, communication, and enrollment of their health and welfare and qualified retirement plans and keeping them compliant with the federal and state laws and regulations that govern the operations of such plans.
John founded and operated Benico as an independent firm until the end of 2016 when he joined with 23 other insurance / employee benefit consulting firms' principals to form Alera Group.
A graduate of Trinity International University in Bannockburn, Illinois, John began his career in 1977 as an agent for AXA Equitable, after working for Great-West Healthcare as a group insurance sales representative for two years.
John Garven holds the Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ (ChHC™), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), and Registered Health Underwriter® (RHU®) designations conferred by The American College, the nation's leading educational institution serving the insurance and financial services industries. He also holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation awarded by The Center for Fiduciary Studies.
John is a renowned industry speaker, with his reputation built on his ability to clearly communicate often-complex subject matter in an informed and engaging manner. He has spoken at meetings sponsored by the Chicago Bar Association, the Heartland Institute, SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois ASBO (Association of School Business Officials), and the League of Women Voters. John is also a frequent speaker at national, regional, and local meetings of the National Association of Health Underwriters.
John resides in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife, Pam. They have two adult children and seven grandchildren whom they are crazy about
With over 15 years of consulting experience within the Insurance industry, John is a subject matter expert in Workers' Compensation and General Liability premium overcharges. As an AuditRate Consultant at the firm, he serves as the main point of contact for AuditRate, a proprietary solution designed to help employers discover and recover workers' compensation and general liability overcharges. John is primarily responsible for leading full life cycle audits on workers' compensation and general liability audits, as well as promoting AuditRate as an effective tool for producers to use during prospecting. As a part of the AuditRate team, John has an in-depth knowledge of the factors that drive premiums, which allows him to aid clients in challenging overpaid premium. John has achieved and maintained a record of uncovering overcharges on 40% of all contingency engagements.
Prior to working at the firm, John held various audit and consulting positions for companies such as Nationwide/ Harleysville Insurance Co., Zurich NA, and HUB International.
Outside of work, John resides in Huntley, IL and currently sits on the Huntley Youth Football League Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Personal Risk Management
- Member of the Alera Personal Lines Committee
- Member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Jordan Levitz is the Director of Personal Risk Management at the firm and a third-generation insurance professional.
Jordan is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, a Florham Business Scholar and played Division III College Lacrosse.
He came to the firm after working in the insurance industry for three years as an underwriter with CHUBB, where he managed a $32M+ book of business and underwrote risks for agencies in Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio.
Jordan is a member of the Alera Personal Lines Committee and has overseen the Chicago office double in size during his first three years as director.
In his free time, Jordan is typically with his family, Kelly, Mia, and Max, or on the golf course when his family allows.
Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Southern California
Job Titles:
- Risk Management Consultant
Jose Alfredo Suarez is a Risk Management Consultant who specializes in Business Insurance with a focus on the construction, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. Jose excels at educating his clients on many controlled variables that are used to determine insurance premiums. After performing a risk management assessment, his clients can expect a tailored insurance program that provides comprehensive insurance coverage that protects their business and employees and can open the door to future contracting opportunities.
With close to two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Jose has carved out a special niche working with the top Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certified companies in the Midwest. Through his education, experience and training, Jose is an expert in understanding complex insurance requirements and designing a company's insurance program for compliance and proper risk transfer.
Jose is passionate about educating his clients on commercial insurance, how to access surety bonds and the ins and outs of developing strong safety programs. He currently serves as an insurance and bonding consultant to the Illinois Tollway under their Technical Assistance program powered by the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is a featured speaker for the Illinois Department of Transportation Today's Challenge Tomorrow's Reward annual DBE conference, a featured presenter for the Chicago Transit Authority's Building Small Business (BSB) program and has been featured in Construction Executive magazine. In 2018 Jose was recognized by Negocios Now 2018 class of 40 under 40 Latinos in Chicago and was named by Insurance Business America to their Hot 100 2022 list.
Born and raised in Chicago's Humboldt Park community, Jose would go on to become the first in his family to graduate and earn his bachelor's degree from Cornell College double majoring in Political Science and Ethnic Studies. Jose currently holds his Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) and Certified Authority in Workers' Compensation (CAWC) designations. Jose is an active member of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Residential Home Builders Alliance, serves on the Advisory Council for the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, is a Board Trustee of the Humboldt Park Health Foundation, a Board Member of the Latino Real Estate Investors Council and is the co-founder of the Executive Latino Council.
Residing in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Jose is married with two young boys. During his free time Jose enjoys road trips with his family, basketball, golf, triathlon training, competitive stair climbing and has competed in numerous marathons.
Job Titles:
- Director of Insurance Underwriting
Kari Tamillo has worked at GCG Financial since 1996 in varying capacities where currently finds herself as the Director of Insurance Underwriting. With over 21 years of experience, Kari is exceptionally well versed in the realm of insurance, overseeing and managing the individual, DI and LTC insuring process. Over her time with GCG Financial, Kari's role has evolved extensively. This change allows Kari to hone her expertise through interactions with agents, carriers, and outside brokerage firms. The versatility of her daily role gives her a unique perspective as she serves the clients of GCG. Currently, Kari is studying for her CLU designation, which will bring even more versatility and change to her role. Above all, Kari continues to pursue growth, personally and professionally, in this industry.
In her free time, Kari enjoys going for long walks and relaxing with a good book. Additionally, she cherishes family time and loves getting together with her 3 grown children, along with her husband, Tony and their dog Paisley.
Job Titles:
- Workers' Compensation Risk Strategist
Kathy Miller joined the firm as the Workers' Compensation Risk Strategist and brings 30 years of experience in workers' compensation claims management. She has a deep knowledge of all aspects of claims handling, good working relationships with insurance carriers and expertise in applicable state and federal regulations.
She is passionate about interacting with clients and sharing her knowledge on a wide variety of issues including claims management resolution strategies and return to work programs.
Kathy has retained her Adjuster License and is licensed in 13 states. She is also a Fellow Member of The Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. She resides in Elgin, Illinois with her husband and daughter, along with two dogs. Kathy enjoys volunteer work, and most recently volunteered for the Kohl Children Museum's Golf Event.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Manager
Kelly has more than 20 years of wealth management experience working with high net-worth individuals and family offices. She focuses on a concierge approach for high net-worth individuals, specifically on comprehensive services in investment management, insurance analysis, financial planning, and trust and estate coordination. Prior to joining GCG Financial, Kelly worked at Marsh Private Client and Bain & Company.
As an Account Executive, Kevin works directly with clients to fully understand their business needs and goals. Through his extensive knowledge of benefits and compliance, Kevin ensures that the goals and needs are consistently met in a timely and efficient manner. Kevin credits his success to his dedicated work habits and an ability to establish strong relationships at multiple client levels.
Kevin has 25+ years of experience in the health insurance industry. Prior to his time at the firm, Kevin worked on the medical carrier side, most recently at BlueCross and BlueShield of Illinois. Kevin also worked at Celtic Insurance and Humana.
Job Titles:
- Director of Select Accounts
Kim is a Director of Select Accounts in the Risk Management division with over 17 years of experience in the insurance industry at both large and small insurance agencies. She supervises the Select Accounts Team as they guide both prospects and clients in managing their business insurance needs. Kim is passionate about helping businesses find cost effective insurance options without sacrificing the quality of their insurance coverage.
Education: B.A. Applied Behavioral Science, Psychology
Credentials: Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
Job Titles:
- Senior Risk Management Consultant
Job Titles:
- Risk Management Consultant
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Job Titles:
- Senior Benefits Consultant
Job Titles:
- Director of Select Accounts, Risk Management
Job Titles:
- Risk Management Consultant
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Private Equity Practice