Amanda Carrah
Saint Johns
Summary
Dynamic Benefits leader specializing in end-to-end benefits strategy and program administration. Successfully directed vendor governance and utilized analytics to optimize program performance, resulting in improved employee satisfaction and significant cost savings for diverse client populations.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Advisor
Client Advocates, LLC
St. Johns
04.2011 - Current
- Directed benefits strategy and administration for employer clients as outsourced Head of Benefits.
- Lead renewal and open enrollment strategy, including plan design, contribution modeling, communications, and change management
- Align benefits programs with workforce needs, financial objectives, and market competitiveness
- Leverage benefits analytics and utilization data to evaluate performance, identify cost drivers, and support data-driven decision-making
- Direct vendor governance across carriers and TPAs, ensuring service performance and accountability
- Provide compliance oversight across ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related regulations
Benefits Consultant / Client Manager
Willis / Hilb Rogal & Hobbs
Hartford
06.2004 - 08.2010
- Acted as strategic benefits advisor for client organizations, overseeing renewals, vendor strategy, and program performance.
- Led annual renewal cycles, managing financial modeling, plan design, and carrier negotiations to align benefits with client needs
- Directed account management team to ensure seamless service delivery, effective onboarding, and efficient ongoing administration
- Conducted benchmarking and market analysis to enhance competitiveness of client benefits offerings
- Supported business development through strategic consulting and expanded client services
Director of Benefits
e-Benefits Group, Inc.
Branford
09.2003 - 06.2004
- Directed benefits strategy and administration for national client base, including PEO populations
- Developed renewal strategy, selected vendors, and designed benefits programs for multiple client groups
- Implemented Benergy HRIS platform to enhance enrollment accuracy, streamline reporting, and increase administrative efficiency
- Standardized benefits processes and improved reporting to enhance client service delivery
Director of Benefits
PrO Unlimited / Comforce Corporation
Boca Raton
01.2001 - 08.2003
- Managed benefits budgeting, vendor governance, and plan design strategy for health, welfare, and retirement programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
- Negotiated carrier contracts and implemented plan redesigns, enhancing cost efficiency and competitiveness of benefit offerings
- Owned benefits operations for 6,000+ employees across multi-state and international populations
- Led HRIS optimization (PeopleSoft), increasing enrollment accuracy and ensuring data integrity across benefits administration
- Managed benefits staff and eligibility processes across W-2 and 1099 populations
Director of Benefits
AmeriPath, Inc.
Riviera Beach
03.1998 - 12.2000
- Consolidated and standardized benefits programs for 30 acquisitions, enhancing consistency and support for diverse employee needs
- Led enterprise benefits strategy for 2,100+ employees during rapid acquisition growth
- Implemented executive compensation and ESOP programs to align workforce incentives with organizational strategy
- Led HRIS implementation and coordinated benefits operations across multiple locations, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy
Education
Middlesex Community College
Skills
- Benefits strategy and operations
- Vendor governance and performance management
- Benefits analytics and reporting
- Cost containment and financial analysis
- Change management and employee adoption
- HRIS and benefits technology optimization
- Employee communications strategy
- Compliance and risk management (ERISA/ACA/HIPAA/COBRA)
- Open enrollment and renewal strategy
- Leave of absence and disability programs
- Employee experience and benefits engagement
Licenses Certifications Education Professional Affiliations
- Life & Health Insurance License (various states)
- Middlesex Community College
- NABIP Medicare & Wellness Certified
- Society for Human Resource Management
- People4People
Timeline
Benefits Advisor
Client Advocates, LLC
04.2011 - Current
Benefits Consultant / Client Manager
Willis / Hilb Rogal & Hobbs
06.2004 - 08.2010
Director of Benefits
e-Benefits Group, Inc.
09.2003 - 06.2004
Director of Benefits
PrO Unlimited / Comforce Corporation
01.2001 - 08.2003
Director of Benefits
AmeriPath, Inc.
03.1998 - 12.2000
Middlesex Community College