AARON OCHS
Belle Vernon,PA
Summary
Collaborative individual with expertise in providing exemplary service regarding benefits support. Multitasking Benefits Specialist knowledgeable in state and federal regulations and maintaining employee confidentiality. Self-motivated Benefits Specialist demonstrating superior understanding of employee benefits laws and human resource software systems. Astute professional providing benefits support in fast-paced corporate settings.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
My Benefit Advisor
JRG Advisors
Employee Benefits Consultant
Baily Sprowls Benefits, Sprowls
03.2020 - Current
- Manage consulting division leading sales, client management, client service, and compliance
- Grew revenue by 15% in 2021
- Demonstrate expertise in all markets of health insurance including self-funding, reference-based pricing, fully insured mid-market, and Affordable Care Act small groups
- Plan division strategy, benchmarking, account rounding and financial performance
- Maintain proficiency in all areas of benefits compliance including ERISA, IRS, and DOL
- Train and manage support personnel in department expansion
- Manage marketing plan and social media promotion including blogging, articles, inbound and outbound lead generation
- Presented talks to human resources professionals and C-level executives about available services and benefits of different plans.
- Met with clients to develop employee cost-sharing strategies.
- Built successful referral network of company representatives, third-party administrators and benefits providers.
- Presented talks to human resources professionals and C-level executives about available services and benefits of different plans
- Met with clients to develop employee cost-sharing strategies
- Built successful referral network of company representatives, third-party administrators and benefits providers
- Put together reports and trend models to advise clients on best plan options
- Analyzed and evaluated existing compensation and benefits programs and recommended improvements
- Assisted with design and implementation of various employee benefits programs
Consultant and Project Manager
JRG Advisors
05.2014 - 03.2020
- Operate as consulting division lead, managing a staff of eight and half the firm’s revenue
- Manage growth, retention, and profitability of JRG Risk Management
- Grow revenue by 15% with 95% retention of existing clients
- Responsible for retaining and developing relationships with large association clients, including Pittsburgh Technology Council and Pittsburgh Business Group on Health
- Plan division strategy, benchmarking, account rounding and financial performance
- Act as lead advisor to CEO and COO on matters of process improvement, third party relationships, strategic growth, and competitor analysis
- Developed and implemented employee benefit sales plans and managed all phases of sales-cycle; from prospecting to close and follow-up support
- Represented full line of multi-carrier insurance products, serving as a trusted advisor to businesses, specializing in self-funded insurance products, benefits effectiveness, and claims analytics
- Managed growth, retention, and profitability of mid to large regional accounts representing $1 million in revenue
- Increased revenue by 24% in first year
- Lead and managed all major projects and initiatives within the company including, private exchange development and launch, employee health management programs, self-funded insurance captives and mergers and acquisitions.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
Director
HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
10.2009 - 04.2014
- Responsible for the retention and growth of 7,000 Small Group Clients (
- Led a team of 12 client managers to ensure the profitability, stability, and growth of sales for Small Group accounts and Associations across the Western Region of Pennsylvania, while fostering their professional development
- Collaborated with Highmark subsidiaries to develop and maximize sales of supplemental products (dental, vision and worksite) to clients
- Built and sustained strategic relationships and synergy within Highmark and external distribution channels including: Associations, Consortiums, Producers and Consultants
- Became a Health Care Reform expert to train internal staff and present to clients and town hall meetings.
Senior Client Manager
03.2008 - 09.2009
- Managed growth, retention, and profitability of large, complex regional accounts (> 600 employees) representing 25,000 members and $95 million in revenue
- Marketed all product lines with record of renewing 100% of clients, while growing book of business and leveraging cross-selling opportunities
- Cultivated and maintained strategic business relationships with consultants and brokers mutually involved with book of business
- Continuously evaluated business to identify opportunities to improve client services including billing, payments, electronic capabilities, settlements, service changes, reporting, benefit strategies and wellness strategy.
Director, Producer Affairs
01.2007 - 02.2008
- Designed and implemented Regional Accounts Distribution Channel strategic plan
- Developed and maintained effective business relationships with 160 General Agencies representing over 2,800 individual Producers and 22 aligned agencies
- Responsible for overseeing General Agency and Producer appointments, commission payment, training, and Agency performance measurement
- Managed commission administration, appointment, and licensing team of 10 people, ensuring accurate and timely payments
- Ensured Highmark BCBS compliance with Act 147, all regulatory compliance issues related to producers as well as compliance with all internal/external Sarbanes-Oxley audits related to controls for Agent Commission System.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity
- Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
PBachelor of Science - Finance, Accounting
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Skills
- Sales Force, HubSpot, Contact Science, EPIC
- Employee Performance Reviews
- Benefits Interpretation
- Payment Collection
- Handbook Development
- Presentations/Public Speaking
- Experience in presenting to groups of 5 to 600 or more
- Sales and Negotiation
- Educating consumers
- HR understanding
- Strategic planning advice
- Building referral networks
- Developing proposals
- Cultural Awareness
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
Additional Information
- Awards, Licenses and Distinctions , Current Pennsylvania Life, Accident, and Health insurance license Graduate- Leadership Pittsburgh, LDI class of 2010 Graduate- Highmark Executive Fellowship (Program Management)
Timeline
Employee Benefits Consultant
Baily Sprowls Benefits, Sprowls
03.2020 - Current
Consultant and Project Manager
JRG Advisors
05.2014 - 03.2020
Director
HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
10.2009 - 04.2014
Senior Client Manager
03.2008 - 09.2009
Director, Producer Affairs
01.2007 - 02.2008
My Benefit Advisor
JRG Advisors
Master of Business Administration - Finance
University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
Bachelor of Science - Finance, Accounting
Indiana University of Pennsylvania