Dana serves as a Senior Benefit Consultant. Dana is responsible for providing strategic health and welfare plan management and consulting services, with a focus on maintaining strong client relationships. Based on each client’s specific needs, a customized strategic plan is developed to provide ongoing review, analysis and solutions to achieve their goals. Dana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West Chester University.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Never listen to anyone who says you can’t do something.

What’s your favorite TV show? Always Sunny in Philadelphia & The Office

Favorite movie? Good Will Hunting

Dan is a Senior Partner. He is responsible for growth and all phases of client delivery including financial analytics, plan design and payroll contribution strategies, employee engagement programs and cost reduction initiatives.

Prior to joining The Alera Group, Dan founded VantagePoint Benefit Strategies, an employee benefits brokerage and consultancy located in greater Philadelphia. Dan also founded VantagePoint Human Resources which provides outsourced human resources services on a project and retainer basis. Both companies were merged into The Alera Group on September 1st, 2018.

Dan has held senior management positions with United Healthcare and Oxford Health Plans in which he was responsible for product development, pricing, sales and account management. He began his career with U.S. Healthcare as a sales executive in 1988.

Most adventurous experience? My most adventurous experience was heliskiing on a Canadian glacier with four of my buddies.  It was spectacular views, pristine conditions and pretty intense at times.

Dream car? My dream car is a 1967 Corvette Coup with split rear window.  When I was a kid my friend and I used to build model Corvette cars and paint them in his basement.  This was my favorite model and owning the real thing would take me right back to my childhood.

Favorite Book? I have a guilty pleasure of picking up Clive Cussler books on the Oregon series every time I’m in the airport.  The story line is always the same with this elite team of recurring characters saving the world and beating the bad guys.  It allows me to get in my own world, relax and not think about anything else while traveling.

Favorite Movie? I have to say Top Gun only because I watched it a ridiculous amount of times.  In college it was always on in our fraternity house and there would be a group of guys watching.  If you sat down with the group you didn’t get up till it was over.

Andrea joined Alera in 2017 when her company was bought, but previously worked as a controller for HealthFirst with Brendan Kelly beginning in 2011.

Prior to HealthFirst, she worked as a controller for a publishing company and a bookkeeper for a non-profit group. She also volunteered with a few different youth sports organizations as a bookkeeper and team coordinator.

She received a double degree in business and psychology from Muhlenberg College.

Where did you grow up? I lived in 6 states-OH, KS, MO, AZ, NJ and PA and 9 houses by the time I was 16.

What is your favorite city? Ft Collins, CO

Favorite place to visit? Outer Banks, NC

What did you want to be when you grew up? An architect

Favorite movie? Kicking and Screaming

Best advice you’ve ever received? You can’t reason with a lunatic.

Maria Blaney has been in the insurance and financial services industry for over 25 years. Starting out at Connecticut Mutual, she quickly began working with one of the company’s top agents, Richard W. Ledwith, CLU®. His practice focused on Trust and Estate Planning with high net-worth individuals. Soon thereafter she was promoted to office manager of The Ledwith Insurance Corporation and completed her studies to obtain her Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) degree.

In 1996 she joined Sedgwick Noble Lowndes as Assistant Manager of the Employee Benefits department. In addition to overseeing the office functions and workflow, she was responsible for the Company’s Top Executive’s Retirement Plan. She continued her studies and received her Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC® ) degree in 1997.

She joined Marsh & McLennan in 1999 with her primary focus in the estate planning area. In 2001 she continued her career as an insurance and retirement planning consultant for several organizations.

She joined Perspective Financial Group in 2017 along with Richard W. Ledwith, CLU, her role is to assist Rick with servicing his many clients while merging his business with Perspective Financial Group. In 2018 she took on a more active role at Perspective Financial Group as the Marketing and Client Services Associate.

Maria resides in Harleysville, PA with her teenage daughter. In her spare time she enjoys acting and has held several minor acting roles in various movies and commercials.

Rules to live by? Have a positive mindset

Where did you grow up? Grew up in South Philly

Where is your favorite place to eat? My mom’s kitchen

Favorite place to visit? The Beach, any beach

Most adventurous experience? Jumping out of a burning car on the highway

Jay holds the title Senior Consultant, Investments. He is responsible for Alera Group's client service and operations experience. His thoroughness and passion for finance and investing inspires confidence and clarity in his clients’ overall financial picture.

He takes immense pride in providing exceptional client service and establishing lasting client relationships. Jay has many years of experience in the industry that help him to succeed in all facets of his position.

Rules to live by? Be nice.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Specifically, nothing that, “has to do with numbers.”

Best advice you’ve ever received? Happiness is a choice. Everything else is just a matter of perspective.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Bing Bing Dim Sum

Clint serves as a Senior Partner. Clint is responsible for driving innovation and client strategy for Alera Group. This includes developing progressive outcome-oriented strategies, plan designs and creative contribution approaches to drive employee behavior.

He has direct experience with merger and acquisitions, due diligence and integrations, wellness plan integrations, outsourced administrations, divestitures and reorganizations, and cost reduction programs.

Clint is recognized in the industry as a respected national thought leader, has served on Advisory Boards for Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna, and also served on the board of Alera Group.

Favorite Book? The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drummond. I read it every time I am on a plane. It put words to something I always understood but could not articulate.

Favorite place to visit? Harbor Springs, MI

Most interesting place you have been? I took my children to Kibera slum in Nairobi. It was an emersion trip to expose ourselves to the huge percentage of the world that lives on a dollar a day.

What is something that’s on your bucket list? Heli ski

Samantha serves as the Marketing Director. Samantha is responsible for providing strategic direction for all marketing initiatives and major events.

She supports the marketing department through the development of content for the firm’s social media platforms, constant data upkeep, and she also serves as the Event Coordinator for internal and external events.

Samantha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and International Studies, both of which are from the University of Alabama.

Rules to live by? Choose joy.

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Mila Kunis

Most interesting place you have been? Shanghai, China.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A princess.

Bryan serves as a Communication Consultant. He focuses on design and execution of employee directed communications for clients facing various challenges in improving the perceived value of their benefit program.

He is enthusiastic about educating and engaging employees, helping them to understand their benefit options and make smart healthcare decisions.

Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

Most adventurous experience? A two-week RV trip hiking six National parks in Arizona and Utah.

Favorite sports team? The Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite movie quote? “May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.” – Johnny Depp

Danielle serves as the Senior Vice President, Client Delivery at Alera Group Philadelphia. She is responsible for leading continuous improvement of the firm’s operational elements impacting client service and delivery and ensuring consistency in the Alera Group client experience.

She works closely with her clients to establish strong, active relationships, and to provide proactive and consultative expertise based on each client’s unique challenges. Danielle has more than 15 years of experience in the industry.

Favorite Book? Spring by R.H Blyth- a book of haiku

Favorite superhero? My Dad. He is brave and strong willed, family focused, and his work ethic is unmatched.

First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? A fancy new boat for my husband, Josh

Most adventurous experience? Parenting my two sons, John and Gardner

Best advice you’ve ever received? You only get to keep what you give away -T. Will

J.R. Burke is the Senior Partner of Perspective Financial Group, an Alera Group Firm. An active participant in industry organizations, J.R. has led numerous continuing education sessions for PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG/Peat Marwick, The Society of Financial Service Professionals, Ernst & Young, Skadden Arps, Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz, Duane, Morris & Heckscher, the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He was the financial planning contributing author for The Journal of the American Society of CLU & ChFC from 1985 to 1993 and is currently a member of MDRT and AALU. Since 2015 he has served as an Executive Committee Member of the Board of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council and is President for their 2018-19 year. J.R. was picked in 2011 through 2018 as one of the Philadelphia Area’s Five Star Wealth Managers.

J.R. graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a BS in economics and a major in insurance. He earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation prior to his graduation, and also holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designations and is an Accredited Estate Planner® Designee (AEP).

A resident of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, for 34 years, J.R. is married with four sons. He continues to be actively involved in his community through local and charitable organizations. J.R. currently serves as a Board member of The Elwyn Foundation, a human services organization meeting the needs of mentally, emotionally and physically challenged people; and until recently was also a Board member of The Nelson Foundation, an independent private foundation that for more than 30 years has supported a variety of programs that provide direct services to children and youth in the Philadelphia region.

Leanne serves as a Senior Benefits Consultant and is additionally responsible for developing new client opportunities for Group Benefits and HR services.

She helps her clients coordinate all group benefit plans, negotiate all group benefit renewals, evaluate and analyze all benefit options and implement all benefit enrollment and communication at the employee level.

Her 25+ years of experience working closely with the HR community has led to a passionate pursuit in aiding an underserved small business clientele with fundamental HR services including administration, compliance, and training.

Favorite Book? Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

What did you want to be when you grew up?  A Sports Broadcaster

Favorite Movie?  When Harry Met Sally (I saw it being filmed in NYC)

First thing you do when you get home from work?  Let the happiest being in the world greet me…MY DOG!

Favorite Movie Quote?  “Find out what you do best and what you love most and if God is smiling on you they’re one in the same” from the movie, The Flamingo Kid

Jessica serves as a Benefit Consultant. Jessica is responsible for providing clients with recommendations on health plan design, member education program development and utilization review management.

With plan design, Jessica provides plan alternative cost analysis, benefit administration guidance and compliance and employee communication proposals.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from James Madison University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Villanova University. She is also a Registered Nurse.

Favorite movie quote? There’s no place like home
What is something that’s on your bucket list? Travel to Alaska, visit the Grand Canyon, see Niagara Falls

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring? my rescue dog, Lucy

Rules to live by? The best is yet to come ...

Rose Cordaro is the Administrative Assistant and Manager of Client Services & Claims. She has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance and financial services business in underwriting, policyowner service, investment reporting, group benefits and claims management. Rose has been with the firm since 1998 dating back to its days as Lee & Associates.

Rose is responsible for post issue client service work with our clients, insurance carriers and investment companies. Rose has worked in the New Business and Group Insurance areas within our firm. Her superb problem solving and depth of experience are great assets to our Firm and our Clients.

Rules to live by?  Be thankful for what you have and live for what you love

Favorite place to visit?  Scottsdale, AZ

Most interesting place you have been?  Tokyo, Japan

What is something that’s on your bucket list?  Travel to Greece and see Niagara Falls

Best advice you’ve ever received?  You are never too old to try something new

Desirie serves as an Account Manager. Desirie works primarily with small group clients but has a wealth of knowledge with large group clients as well. She handles client renewals, marketing, proposals and provides all day to day support. Desirie has over 20 years’ experience in the business working both on the General Agent side as well as Wholesale.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Lawyer

Where is your favorite vacationing spot? Lazy days in Outerbanks, North Carolina

Best advice you have ever received? Straight talk makes for straight understanding

Lee started working with Alera Philadelphia in 2019 and serves as a Senior Consultant. Prior to his time with Alera, Lee was a partner in a local benefit consulting firm.

The majority of Lee’s career has been devoted to the employee benefits practice serving roles with both healthcare companies (Cigna HealthCare) and national consulting firms (Johnson & Higgins, Godwins and AON). His roles have been primarily focused on account retention using his strength in both financial analysis and underwriting concepts.

His focus with Alera Group is supporting the new sales team with their new business initiatives. Drawing on his vast experience, he is a valuable asset for our sales professionals.

Lee received a B.S. in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Favorite place to visit: The mountains, hiking, skiing and playing golf.

Favorite song: Eyes of the World, Grateful Dead

Most interesting place you have been: Moscow, Russia

First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Build a soccer complex for Lower Merion Soccer Club

Best advice you’ve ever received? Enjoy each day, this is not a dress rehearsal.

Danielle serves as a Benefit Consultant. Danielle works closely with clients to provide consultative services with a proactive approach.

She provides daily support and coordination of her clients’ health and welfare benefits program including plan design and cost recommendations and the development of strategic alternatives. Danielle also works closely with vendor partners on her clients’ behalf to ensure seamless implementation and coordination.

Her passion for detail and organized approach, combined with her commitment to managing projects from the initial stage to completion, has made her a natural fit to Alera Group and a valuable team member. Danielle has over 7 years of experience in the insurance field.

Where did you grow up? Marple Newtown

Favorite place to visit? Sunset Beach, Cape May

First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Travel

Best advice you’ve ever received? Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.

What is something that’s on your bucket list? Seeing the Northern Lights

Elizabeth serves as a Senior Benefit Consultant. Elizabeth helps clients to coordinate and refine benefit plan strategies, evaluate vendor performance, negotiate renewals and implement creative funding alternatives.

She has over 20 years of experience consulting with employers on the design, funding, and administration of health and welfare benefit programs. Her experience includes utilization and financial analyses, underwriting, and strategic benefit design.

What did you want to be when you grew up?  A racecar driver

Favorite movie?  Casablanca

Most interesting place you have been?  Berlin, Germany

Best advice you’ve ever received?  It’s never too late to take a different path.

Scott joined Alera Group in 2019 and serves as a Senior Partner at the company. Prior to his leadership role at Alera Group, he co-founded HRinTune where he helped build a successful Human Resources consulting practice.

Scott has 20 years of successful Human Resources experience in leading companies toward human capital management solutions that drive the positive business results. He has expertise in all areas of Human Resources including talent and change management, total rewards programs, process and systems improvement and training and leadership development. He has extensive experience working with senior executives and CEO’s on a variety of human resources issues.

Scott received a B.S. in Economics from the Shippensburg University where he was a member of the Hollar Club.

Rules to live by? Treat every day as a beautiful gift. Express Gratitude. Keep your promises. Laugh at yourself. Do your best. Consider others. Share your heart

Favorite place to visit? Any beach

What is something that’s on your bucket list?  Play golf at Pebble Beach

Best advice you’ve ever received? Time is the most valuable thing you have. Use it wisely.

First thing you do when you go home from work? Say hello to my children and wife

Lisa serves as a Benefit Analyst. Lisa works closely with our Consultants and Account Executives to solve for effective solutions to the challenges our clients face as they implement and manage their benefit programs. She also manages the renewal and budgeting processes for our clients.

She utilizes financial tools and carrier data to assist clients with their day-to-day needs. Lisa’s attention to detail and organizational skills help her meet deadlines for the client and the carrier.

She also analyzes renewal rates, claims, and premium increases to ensure competitive pricing. Lisa has over 11 years of carrier experience, and 5 of which she specialized in underwriting.

Rules to live by?  Do what you love, love what you do.

Favorite Book? The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom

Favorite superhero? Hulk

Dream car? Seriously any Mercedes would be great

Best advice you’ve ever received? From my Aunt. “Treat others the way that you want to be treated, and you will receive it back 10-fold”

Casey joined Alera Group in 2019 and serves as a Communications Analyst. She interned here over the summer as a Marketing Intern, and then transitioned to a Communications Intern.

Casey graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in the Spring of 2019 with a B.A. in Communications.

Rules to live by? To be kind to everyone you meet, treat others how you wish to be treated, and work hard but have fun doing it. And Karma is real.

First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Donate a portion to certain charities, then pay off student debt!

Favorite movie quote? “What am I even tripping for? Everything is going to work out perfectly the way it should.”- Tony Stark

Best advice you’ve ever received? It’s a bad day, not a bad life.

What is your favorite T.V. show? Friends!

Tim is a Senior Partner. He upholds the strategic management of existing clients while continuously being responsible for growth.

Prior to joining The Alera Group, Tim founded VantagePoint Benefit Strategies, an employee benefits brokerage and consultancy located in greater Philadelphia. Tim also founded VantagePoint Human Resources which provides outsourced human resources services on a project and retainer basis. Both companies were merged into The Alera Group on September 1st, 2018.

Tim graduated from Cornell and has more than 10 years of experience in the industry.

Where did you grow up? Stony Brook, NY

Favorite place to visit? Lucca, Italy

Most interesting place you have been? Australia

First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Travel – all over the world!

Favorite sports team? Cornell Lacrosse

Holly serves as an Account Manager. She works mainly with small group. Holly handles quoting, renewals, day to day problem solving, and claims.

She has 15 years of experience in the industry, and prides herself on providing excellent customer service.

Rules to live by? You do not have control over anyone else or their actions, always make sure you work hard to be the best person you can be and everything else will fall into place, eventually.

What is your favorite city? New York City

Favorite Movie? The Way We Were Robert Redford and Barbara Steisand

Favorite Song? Times of our Lives by Paul Anka

What is something that’s on your bucket list? Vacation in Hawaii

Jamie Honigman brings 20 years of successful experience in the human capital industry to HR inTune. He has repeatedly demonstrated his talent for bringing out the very best to the companies for which he has provided leadership and direction.

Jamie has a Master’s Degree in Human Organizational Science from Villanova University and a B.S. degree in Sociology from St. Joseph’s University. Jamie spent 15 years as a human resource executive. He spent many years in key HR positions at SmithKline Beecham. He also led HR functions for such companies as Comcast, Xerox, and TMP Worldwide. In these roles, he had the ultimate responsibility for all aspects of HR for these large, multinational firms.

Since becoming a human capital consultant 15 years ago, Honigman has had leadership roles in the human resource consulting practices for Aon Consulting, CBIZ and HR inTune.

Where is your favorite place to eat? My house with my wife and daughters

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring? “a six-string acoustic guitar”

If you could have lived through any event in history, what would it have been? “The Revolutionary War”

What is your favorite T.V. show? Curb Your Enthusiasm

Favorite movie quote? “leave the gun, take the cannoli”

After running a successful retail business for many years, Vaughn joined HR inTune as a consultant 10 years ago. She has a loyal following of clients. She is an expert in multiple payroll systems and has a keen attention to detail that ensures her projects are done accurately and on time. She has managed payroll and other human resource transactions for many clients including:The City of Ocean City N.J, DecisionOne, Rittenhouse Books, Seton, Assero and many others. Vaughn is a graduate of Penn State and resides in Bryn Mawr with her husband Jamie. They have two daughters.

Where did you grow up? Grew up in Wayne,PA

Favorite place to visit? Love travelling with my husband and daughters abroad, one of our favorite trips was along the Amalfi coast.

First thing you do when you get home? At the end of the day, I like to cook, garden or play golf depending upon the time of year.

Where is your favorite place to eat? My favorite place I ever ate was in Positano, Italy.  My family and I took a cooking class in a beautiful setting looking out on the sea and the meal we prepared was fabulous.

Shane M. Johnson joined J.R. Burke in January 2011 after eight years with two regional insurance and annuity brokerage firms where he designed and facilitated the implementation of insurance and annuity solutions for clients of the financial professionals with whom he partnered. This experience, coupled with a passion to serve the unique needs of clients, led him to join Perspective Financial Group. In his current role, Shane works closely on all new and existing client situations and is an ideal candidate to be a successor owner. Shane’s clients appreciate his broad knowledge and genuine concern for their interests and goals.

Shane graduated from Shippensburg University with a BSBA, and dual major in finance and economics. He is an alumnus of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. He had the opportunity to study international business finance and economics while living abroad, at the Aarhus School of Business in Denmark. Shane holds the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations from The American College. He is a member of the Chester County and Philadelphia Estate Planning Councils and is a former Board Member for the Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP) who named him a “Top Leader Under 40” in 2012-2017 (this distinction is given to members of the Society who have been nominated by fellow members of the chapter).

A resident of Malvern, on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Shane enjoys the quiet suburban lifestyle and quick access to the many parks and trails he frequents. In addition to spending time with his partner Olivia and their young son, Gabriel, he is actively involved in numerous non-profit organizations; one devoted to serving the needs of Veterans and others focused on Multiple Sclerosis and Autism. He and his family are active supporters of The Mann Center for the Performing Arts where he currently serves as part of their Ambassador Program.

Where is your favorite place to eat?  At my mother’s dining room table, with - as many family members packed around it as we can fit, food everywhere, spontaneous toasts, bad jokes, lots of eye contact, and no cell phones.

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?  Mark Wahlberg. I’ve been told he looks like me, to which I replied “minus the six pack abdominals”.

First thing you would do if you won the lottery?  Buy back all my time and spend every second of it teaching my son all the things schools can’t or won’t.

What is something that’s on your bucket list?  Learn to play an instrument well enough to perform in front of people while singing.

Favorite movie quote? Dear Jesse, as the moon lingers a moment over the bitterroots, before its descent into the invisible, my mind is filled with song. I find I am humming softly; not to the music, but something else; someplace else; a place remembered; a field of grass where no one seemed to have been; except a deer; and the memory is strengthened by the feeling of you, dancing in my awkward arms.

Brendan joined Alera Group in 2017 and serves as a Senior Partner at the company. Prior to his leadership role at Alera Group, he founded Somerset Capital Advisors where he built an independent investment advisory firm.

After 17 years, Brendan expanded the services offered to clients through the purchase of HealthFirst Benefits. Both companies were successfully sold to Alera Group in 2017.

Brendan focuses on delivering innovative solutions that fit client’s budgets, cultures & goals. He’s worked in the investment & employee benefits business since 1992.

Brendan received a B.S. in Economics & Finance from the University of Scranton where he was a member of the men’s basketball & rugby teams.

Rules to live by? Progress, not perfection

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? George Clooney

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Being a grandfather, working with clients that I enjoy & spending winters in warm weather

Best advice you’ve ever received? You’re only as sick as your secrets

Bill Kessler is a Human Resources professional with over 8 years of experience driving best practices in the HR world. He began his career on the agency side recruiting for companies of all sizes and industries and moved into an HR Generalist and HR Manager role prior to his arrival at HR inTune.

Working for a 10,000 employee company gave him the experience necessary to develop his skills in all areas of HR including talent acquisition and management, training, HR reporting, and employee relations. His professional experience has helped him understand the importance of developing a successful corporate culture and aligning it with the goals of the organization.

He has his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Scranton in HR Management and is also certified as a Senior HR Professional (SPHR). Through his training and professional experience he can ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and effectively manage all HR issues for his clients.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in a suburb just outside of Philadelphia.  For the last 8 years I have lived near the Art Museum in Philadelphia.

First thing you do when you go home from work?  I get changed into some comfy sweat pants and play with my little baby girl.

Favorite sports team?  I am big sports fan and love all Phila sport teams especially the Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers.

Favorite movie quote? Good Fellas – Joe Pesci – “but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?”

Best advice you’ve ever received? "A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan any day."

Theresa serves as a Benefit Analyst. Theresa supports Consultants in delivering comprehensive financial renewal evaluations by analyzing claim vs. funding history, forecasting plan costs and monitoring large claim exposure.

She further assists Consultants in managing the administrative complexities of their clients’ benefit programs and works toward developing seamless integration among their carriers and outside vendors.

Her project engagement approach is centered around building strong client partner relationships to deliver high quality, cost-effective and time-sensitive business outcomes.

Theresa has over 16 years of experience in funding, administration and compliance of group health and welfare employee benefits plans.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring?   Faith and a sense of humor

Most adventurous experience?   Horseback riding and camping in the high elk country of Jackson Hole, WY

First thing you do when you go home from work?   Play with my 2 dogs

What is something that’s on your bucket list?   Dog Sled

Favorite movie quote?   No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world - Dead Poets Society

Dave serves as a Senior Partner. Dave’s role on client teams include initial and ongoing client relations on all matters impacting their Health & Welfare plans.

His responsibilities include strategic planning, benefit analysis, cost reduction review, contract negotiation, impact evaluation, provider network feasibility and enrollment facilitation.

Dave holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Western Maryland College, and he has many years of experience in the industry that provide him the knowledge he needs to excel in every aspect of his career.

Where did you grow up? Rockville, Maryland

What did you want to be when you grew up? Major league baseball player

Most adventurous experience? Hiking Mt. Mansfield in Vermont

If you could have lived through any event in history, what would it have been? Game 3 of the 1932 World Series

Best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t over complicate things.

Nick serves as Senior Partner. His awareness of current market trends, aids in both the balance and success in his role guiding Alera Group in a strategy of client-focused growth.

His years of experience in the employee benefits field have given him the opportunity to experience the perspectives of employers, employees, and service vendors in a wide range of industries.

Favorite Book?  Winds of War or Matterhorn

Most adventurous experience? As an Infantry platoon Sargent in Vietnam

What is your favorite city? London

Favorite superhero? College Crew Coach

Richard W. Ledwith, JR., CLU received his B.S. degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, he obtained his Chartered Life Underwriter designation from The American College of Life Underwriters.

He is a member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council (PEPC) and served on their board for four years. He is also a past member of the Advanced Association Life Underwriters (AALU).

Prior to merging his practice with Perspective Financial LLC, his company was affiliated with (NFP), National Financial Partners, one of the largest financial services companies in the country. He served for six years on the Board of Directors of NFP.

Rick specializes primarily in the areas of Trust and Estate planning. Some of his creative planning techniques have helped many business owners successfully transfer their privately owned companies to their children and employees while minimizing the impact of Estate Taxes. He has also developed several charitable planning techniques that have helped his clients provide significant benefits for their favorite schools, colleges, churches, and other charitable organizations.

Rick is married and has two sons, one living in Maine and the other in Colorado. He is an avid sailor and has raced in the America’s Cup trials and in two Olympic elimination series.

Patti LeStourgeon is a part time Office Clerk and has been with the firm since 2014. She handles administrative tasks and special projects as needed. Patti’s previous work experience was in health care recruiting for two large Philadelphia health systems.

Patti has a Bachelor of Arts from Holy Family University and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Temple University. She resides in Media, PA, with her husband and two sons.

Where did you grow up? South Philadelphia

What is your favorite city? Philly

Most adventurous experience? Backpacking through Europe

What is your favorite T.V. show? Modern Family

Favorite Sports Team? Sixers

Greg serves as a Benefit and Financial Analyst. Greg analyzes client data to recommend financial solutions. He prepares financial and clinical reporting while working with client account teams to examine results of financial modeling scenarios.

He assists in developing recommendations and proposing alternatives. He also supports clients by assisting with vendor evaluations and renewals.

In addition, he brings an organized and goal-driven approach to Alera Group to help manage projects toward success. Greg received a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University.

Favorite place to visit? Sea Isle City, NJ

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring? A boat

What is something that’s on your bucket list? Travel to every continent

Favorite song? Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

What is your favorite T.V. show? Game of Thrones

Connie Maisch is the VP of Operations at Perspective Financial Group, an Alera Group Company; she has been with the firm since 1985, dating back to its days as Lee & Associates. She is responsible for the daily operations and management necessary to ensure the firm has the proper administrative, reporting procedures and systems in place to effectively grow the firm and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. Connie enjoys the diversity of her position and the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing the tasks of her numerous responsibilities.

Connie has been commissioned as a Notary Public since 2002 also Medallion Signature Guarantee certified, which has proven to be helpful to our clients.

Connie and her husband David have resided in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania since 1997. They have 3 sons and 3 grandchildren.

Favorite place to visit? Jamaica

Favorite Movie? Gone with the Wind

Most interesting place you have been? Pearl Harbor Memorial Hawaii

Favorite song? Bob Marley: Three Little Birds

Favorite sports team? Penn State Football

Emily joined the Alera Group in 2019 and serves as a Senior Consultant at the Company. She has over 15 years of successful human capital experience, and serves in a generalist role focusing on policy and procedure development, change management, compensation and benefits, and performance management.

Emily has worked with clients of a variety of sizes and industries, including the FAA, Department of Defense, and DecisionOne, Inc. Prior to becoming a consultant, Emily spent 5 years establishing and managing the HR department for a growing software development company.

Emily graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. She was also a member of the springboard diving team.

Favorite Book? I read a lot so I have lots of favorites but my most recent is Wonder, by RJ Palacio – I read it (and then saw the movie) with my 11 year old daughter and we both loved it.

Where did you grow up? I’m originally from Philadelphia area but spent 4 years growing up in Singapore.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Anyplace that has a great burger!

Childhood nickname? M&M

First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Hop on a plane with my husband and kids to a remote beach!

Katie serves as a Benefit Analyst. Katie is responsible for assisting consultants with all aspects of client service, including proposals, audits, renewals, and client collateral. She researches and resolves client issues promptly, offering valuable support for plan administrators, and is an advocate for employees.

She also specializes in health and welfare benefit plan compliance. She has played a pivotal role in helping clients meet their compliance needs in a simple and efficient manner.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, both of which are from Loyola University Maryland.

What is your favorite city? Copenhagen, Denmark… my home of 7 months.

Favorite superhero? My Mother. She is the hardest-working and most selfless person I know.

Dream car? One that drives itself

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring? My father would advise duct tape. I would say a swimsuit.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Vernick in Philadelphia, PA, Kome in Austin, TX, Sagami in Collingswood, NJ

Parisa serves as a Benefit Consultant. Parisa works closely with clients to establish strong, active relationships and provides proactive and consultative services. Having previously managed benefits for a client company, Parisa has an intuitive understanding of client needs.

She demonstrates a high level of proficiency in benefit administration, compliance, and benefit design. Her strength communicating effectively with varying personalities and communication styles, along with her detail-oriented style, contributes to her success at Alera Group and the bond she has with each of her clients. Parisa has a Bachelor’s Degree from Appalachian State University and 6 years of experience in the industry.

Rules to live by? Treat others as you wish to be treated

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring? Knife

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would sail around the world on a mega yacht

Best advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t worry about yourself because everyone’s more worried about themselves than they are about you.”

Terri joined Pentra in 2015 as a part-time bookkeeper. Prior to joining Pentra, she worked in various accounting roles, including controller and accounting manager. She received a B.A. in English from St. Joseph’s University and received her M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s as well.

Rules to live by?  Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do

Where did you grow up? Mt. Laurel, NJ

Favorite place to visit? Naples, Florida

Most adventurous experience? Snowmobiling on a glacier in Iceland

What is your favorite T.V. show? Modern Family

Ryan serves as a Business Development Associate. Ryan is responsible for identifying and cultivating positive relationships with new prospective clients.

He works closely with our Consultants and Account Executives to maximize value for new clients. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Temple University class of 2012.

Where did you grow up? Doylestown, PA

What is your favorite city? Florence, Italy

Most adventurous experience? Off-roading in a Jeep through the San Juan Mountains in Telluride, CO

Most interesting place you have been? Queenstown, New Zealand – the adventure capital of the world.

Rules to live by? Leave it all on the field.

Diane serves as a Benefit Analyst. Diane works primarily with small group clients. She prides herself on client customer service.

She assists in managing client renewals and proposals while providing day-to-day support. In addition, working as an advocate for employees, Diane thoroughly researches, and resolves claim issues, and handles enrollment issues as required.

As office administrator, she is responsible for managing all company licensing, assists with reconciling company commissions, and oversees IT administration. Diane has many years of experience that provides her with the tools she needs to dominate her field.

First thing you do when you go home from work? Be a mom to my three children

Favorite sports team? The Philadelphia 76ers

Childhood nickname? Didi

Most adventurous experience? Swimming with manatees

What did you want to be when you grew up? Nurse

Judy serves as the Senior Communication Consultant. She is dedicated to helping the Alera Group clients improve the perceived value of their benefit program by educating and engaging employees. Judy recognizes that organizations can make a positive impact on health outcomes, employee productivity and employee appreciation, however, to do so, employees must be motivated to take action.

She has over 20 years of experience consulting with employers on the design, funding, administration and communication of health and welfare benefit plans.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Amani’s BYOB in Downingtown, PA

What is something that’s on your bucket list? Visit Monterey, CA (my birthplace) and play a round of golf at Pebble Beach

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring? My golf bag/clubs

What did you want to be when you grew up? Speech Pathologist/Hearing Teacher

Best advice you’ve ever received? You don’t have to be great, just be better than everyone else.

Frank serves as a Senior Account Executive. Frank is responsible for the delivery of all services provided to his clients. This includes leading his clients through the strategic planning process and establishing goals and objectives.

Throughout the process Frank monitors the financial performance of the program, and he is continually focused on related communications, administration, design, funding and compliance.

Frank holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Economics from Wittenberg University.

Rules to live by?  Don’t die wondering.

Where is your favorite place to eat?  Village Whiskey in Philadelphia, PA

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one item, what would you bring?  My family

Childhood nickname? Chopper

What is something that’s on your bucket list?  Dive in the Chapada Diamantina caves in Brazil

Matt serves as a Benefit Analyst. Matt analyzes client data to recommend financial solutions.

He prepares financial and clinical reporting while working with client account teams to examine results of financial modeling scenarios. He assists in developing recommendations and proposing alternatives.

Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science from Bloomsburg University. He also has years of experience as a large group underwriter.

What did you want to be when you grew up? An astronaut, but I am afraid of heights

Best advice you’ve ever received? Never stop learning -Uncle Sam Powell

Dream car? 1969 Big Block Corvette

Favorite movie quote? “I’ll be back” -Terminator

Dana Sicari is an HR Consultant for Vantage Point Human Resources.  In this role she works with a variety of small to mid-sized companies across many states on a day to day basis providing guidance and support for all their Human Resource needs.

Major topics include compliance with local, state and federal employment laws, policies and procedures, best practice on employee on-boarding and personnel files, performance management and disciplinary action and terminations and all employee relation issues. Prior to VantagePoint Human Resources, Dana spent six years as a Human Resource Generalist at Coty Inc, a global leader in the beauty industry with approximately $5 billion in global sales.

Coty portfolio companies include fragrance brands such as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Nautica, Guess, & Davidoff as well as Philosophy skincare & cosmetic brands including Sally Hansen, Rimmel and OPI. While at Coty, Dana supported a group of 300 employees (both domestic and international) in areas including marketing, public relations, sales, creative and finance. In her role, she was responsible for talent acquisition, succession planning, employee development, staff performance and managing all employee relations issues.

In addition, she worked through two major corporate re-organizations as well as initial steps towards a company merger with Proctor and Gamble. Before joining Coty Inc., Dana worked as an Human Resource Generalist role for six years at Ralph Lauren, a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. She supported a team of 175 employees in areas including marketing, public relations and creative design. Additional companies that Dana has worked for include Barnes & Noble and Saks Fifth Avenue where she supported buying and planning teams.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from the College of Staten Island and spent a semester abroad at the University of London.

Where did you grow up? New York

What is your favorite city? London

Most adventurous experience? Skydiving

Favorite Disney movie? Frozen

Gordon serves as the Managing Senior Partner of Alera Group Philadelphia. Gordon is accountable to the firm’s clients and staff to drive the highest level of performance in all aspects of the Alera Group's business.

In addition to leading the company, Gordon is actively involved with clients in the role of both Account Executive and Executive sponsor. Gordon has experience in all aspects of benefit plan design, funding, administration and communication.

He has worked with mid-market companies, Fortune 500 organizations, educational and not-for-profit institutions on engagements including benefit strategy and design, acquisitions and divestitures, and benefits cost management.

Favorite Book?  The Perfect Storm

Favorite place to visit? Rhode Island

What is something that’s on your bucket list? Sailing for a week while totally unplugged.

Rules to live by?  You can tell the character of a person by how they treat someone who can do nothing for them.

Where is your favorite place to eat?  Matunuck Oyster Bar

Aviva Steenstrup is an HR Consultant for Vantage Point Human Resources.  In this role, she works with a variety of small to mid-sized companies throughout the country providing essential HR guidance and support.  Major topics include compliance with pertinent local, state and federal employment laws, HR policies and procedures, best-practice for employee on-boarding and personnel files, performance management, disciplinary action, employee relation matters, and terminations.

Prior to VantagePoint Human Resources, Aviva was the head of Human Resources for Swatch Group’s retail luxury division, a global leader in the luxury watch and jewelry industry.  The luxury division portfolio of companies include such brands as Harry Winston, Omega, Breguet, Blancpain, Glashutte, and Jaquet Droz. In this role, Aviva was responsible for senior level HR support to a group of 300+ employees.

Before joining Swatch Group’s luxury division, Aviva worked within Human Resources at Gucci, a leader in the luxury fashion industry.  In this role, she was the primary HR contact for approximately 80 of Gucci’s retail boutiques throughout both the US and Canada.  Additionally, she was also responsible for providing HR support to the Corporate, Retail, and Wholesale departments for 3 other brands within Gucci’s parent company (Kering): Balenciaga, Sergio Rossi, and Boucheron. The combined total population within her area of responsibility encompassed 700+ employees.

Additional companies that Aviva has worked for during her career include MaxMara, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton, where she provided varying degrees of HR support throughout her tenure.

Aviva holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Business Communications, and lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

What is your favorite city? Tokyo

What did you want to be when you grew up? FBI Criminal Profiler

Most adventurous experience? Cage diving with tiger sharks in Hawaii

Most interesting place you have been? North Korea Demilitarized Zone

Weirdest thing you have ever eaten? Sautéed crickets

Mai Vance is the Director of Underwriting. She has been in the insurance and financial services industry since 1989. As the Director of Underwriting, Mai serves as the primary liaison with carriers, medical institutions, clients and their advisors, to facilitate the medical and financial aspects of the underwriting process. Mai is also responsible for the implementation and servicing of multiple-life disability & life insurance programs and the ongoing management of irrevocable life insurance trusts.

Mai currently holds the PA Life/Health License, the Associate, Life Management Institute (ALMI) and the Associate Customer Service (ACS) designations from LOMA. She has completed 8 out the 10 required courses for her FLMI designation and hopes to have the last two courses completed in the coming years.

When she is not taking care of our underwriting needs, she is busy taking care of her family, which includes her husband and two children. They reside in North Coventry Township.

Favorite movie? The Notebook.

Favorite song? Take it Easy, by the Eagles

First thing you do when you go home from work? Hug & pet my dog, Jager.

Favorite Disney movie? The Lion King.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Just show up!

Nicole serves as a Benefit Consultant. Nicole works closely with clients to establish strong, active relationships and provides proactive and consultative services.

She demonstrates a high level of proficiency in benefit administration, compliance, and employee communication. Her commitment to managing projects from the initial stage to completion, along with her detailed oriented style, contributes to her success at Alera Group and the bond she has with each of her clients.

Nicole has many years of experience in the industry that give her the ability to thrive throughout her roles in the firm. Nicole holds a Bachelor's degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University.

Rules to live by? Be happy and live every day to its fullest, since you never know what tomorrow will bring.

What did you want to be when you grew up? An Oceanographer!  I always wanted to swim with the whales at Sea World.

Childhood nickname? Beaner, since my maiden name is Bean. It still sticks with me today.

What is your favorite T.V. show? Any show on the ID channel. I love a good murder mystery!

If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Cameron Diaz

Katelyn serves as an Account Manager who specializes in Benefit Plan Compliance.  Katelyn is responsible for assisting clients in making sure they are up to date on all compliance regulations along with aiding in day to day administration as well. She prides herself on her customer service and building long lasting relationships with clients. 

What did you want to be when you grew up? Fashion Designer. I graduated with a BS in Fashion design and worked in the fashion industry for a few years before taking a job in the insurance industry.

Best advice?  To enjoy every moment even the ones you do not think are important.

Favorite Class in HS? Art class by far!!

Amanda is a Senior Benefits Consultant.  She works closely with clients to establish strong, active relationships to provide a strategic plan for benefit program management along with member communication development and compliance adherence to federal rules.

Amanda also works closely to lead our small business team to ensure we consistently deliver superior service to our clients.  She has more than 15 years of experience in the industry and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Mary Washington.

What is something that’s on your bucket list?  Experience an African Safari

Most interesting place you have been?  Krakow, Poland

Best advice you’ve ever received?  Strive for progress rather than perfection

What did you want to be when you grew up?  National Geographic photographer

Favorite place to visit?  Anywhere that is new to me