Experience

International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists

• Human Resources Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Officer, Board of Directors

  • Jan 2022 - Present



Memorial Hermann Health System

• Hospitals and Health Care
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director, Benefits

  • Sep 2016 - Present

  Houston, Texas In my current role as Director, Benefits, I lead strategic design, budgeting, compliance, and communication efforts for a $500M benefits program covering medical plans, pharmacy, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, PTO, voluntary benefits, COBRA, wellness, resiliency, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, pension, defined contribution plans, deferred compensation, and executive plans for 30K+ employees across several states. I partner with senior business leaders, medical… Show more In my current role as Director, Benefits, I lead strategic design, budgeting, compliance, and communication efforts for a $500M benefits program covering medical plans, pharmacy, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, PTO, voluntary benefits, COBRA, wellness, resiliency, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, pension, defined contribution plans, deferred compensation, and executive plans for 30K+ employees across several states. I partner with senior business leaders, medical leadership, and vendors to evaluate performance and enhance the employee medical plan while leading discussions and deliver presentations to senior leadership and Benefits Committee on various benefit-related topics. Some key achievements in this role include: • Implemented an inclusive healthcare policy covering medical procedures and fertility treatments for LGBTQ individuals, overcoming previous barriers, and promoting diversity and inclusion. • Executed deployment of the Workday Benefits system, streamlining and automating HR processes, leading to increased efficiency and better data management. • Employed a comprehensive support system for staff during the pandemic, including childcare reimbursement, EAP, and additional wellness benefits, resulting in reduced burnout levels and increased employee well-being. • Enhanced employee engagement through strategic vendor changes, aligning vendor partnerships with the company's goals and values, and improving employee satisfaction. • Led the benefits communication team to win the prestigious 2016 Gold Quill of Excellence in Human Resources from the International Association of Business Communicators.

• Manager, Benefits

  • Jun 2012 - Sep 2016

  Acting director June 2014-September 2016 During my tenure as Manager, Benefits with the same company, I liaised with HR Shared Services to manage enrollment changes, annual enrollment, and escalated issues. • Collaborated with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and system leadership to obtain feedback and improve benefit programs. • Ensured compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, FLSA, ADAAA, and other relevant regulations. • Developed and maintained… Show more Acting director June 2014-September 2016 During my tenure as Manager, Benefits with the same company, I liaised with HR Shared Services to manage enrollment changes, annual enrollment, and escalated issues. • Collaborated with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and system leadership to obtain feedback and improve benefit programs. • Ensured compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, FLSA, ADAAA, and other relevant regulations. • Developed and maintained budgets for self-funded plans, fully insured plans, and the benefit cost center. • Spearheaded multiple implementation projects, including Workday, 401(k)/403(b) recordkeeper, and large vendor implementations. • Oversaw three employees, providing mentoring, performance reviews, and determining promotions and raises.



Ascende – a Division of EPIC

• Senior Associate, Health & Welfare

  • Mar 2011 - May 2012

  With this company, I served as a Senior Associate delivering employee benefit solutions. I ensured legal and regulatory compliance of health and welfare plans for seven clients, while managing costs and maintaining competitive plans for recruitment and retention. • Collaborated with vendors to implement, maintain, and terminate contracts and plans for various insurance and benefits, including medical, Rx, life & AD&D insurance, voluntary benefits, and short-term disability. •… Show more With this company, I served as a Senior Associate delivering employee benefit solutions. I ensured legal and regulatory compliance of health and welfare plans for seven clients, while managing costs and maintaining competitive plans for recruitment and retention. • Collaborated with vendors to implement, maintain, and terminate contracts and plans for various insurance and benefits, including medical, Rx, life & AD&D insurance, voluntary benefits, and short-term disability. • Generated accurate and compliant 5500s for health, welfare, change in control, and severance plans. • Mentored and supervised junior associates in career growth, providing daily review and direction on job activities. • Conducted thorough mid-year and end-of-year performance evaluations for junior associates and provided valuable feedback to senior management on promotions and raises. • Successfully negotiated employee benefit programs resulting in annual savings of over $2M for clients. • Offered expert guidance to clients on complex administration issues ensuring prompt and efficient resolution. Show less



The Friedkin Group

• United States
• Executive Offices
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Benefits Analyst

  • Jun 2008 - Mar 2011

  Maintained two qualified 401(k) plans and four non-qualifed deferred compensation plans to ensure compliance and recommended enhancements to provide a better experience for employees. Responsible for analytical analysis and plan recommendations working in conjunction with the Benefits Manager, VP of HR and consultants to annually review and renew group health and welfare offerings. Handled enrollments, QLEs, and escalated issues.



WTW

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Consultant

  • Dec 1997 - Jun 2008

  Consulted with clients to maintain legal status and enhance beneifit offerings on their qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans, filed 5500s, benefits administration