Anita Luster
Wakarusa
Summary
Dedicated Human Resource Professional and Employee Benefits Specialist with 20+ years of experience managing human resource, employee benefit, employee relations and HRIS programs. Known for improving benefits plans to better meet employee needs while ensuring compliance with regulations. Reliable team collaborator focused on achieving positive results and adapting to changing requirements.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Account Executive
Hummel Group
04.2024 - 05.2026
- Cultivated strong client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
- Developed tailored insurance solutions to meet diverse client needs effectively.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
- Conducted comprehensive account reviews, ensuring alignment with client goals and objectives.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and effectively to ensure long-term loyalty.
- Conducted regular check-ins with existing clients to assess their needs and identify upselling opportunities.
Client Service Manager
Hylant
11.2021 - 05.2024
- Led client onboarding process, ensuring seamless integration and satisfaction.
- Built client relationships by responding to inquiries, identifying and assessing clients' needs, resolving problems, and following up with potential and existing clients.
- Oversaw project timelines, ensuring deliverables met quality standards and exceeded client expectations.
- Resolved escalated issues with professionalism, maintaining client trust and safeguarding the company's reputation.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
Implementation Specialist and Client Services
Mercer Services
08.2017 - 11.2021
- Lead weekly client facing meetings to facilitate client satisfaction and ensure business retention.
- Identify, address, and assist in resolving any benefit related issues for clients.
- Assist clients in identifying plan and carrier needs for upcoming annual enrollments.
- Identify test planning scenarios based on the requirement definition phase.
- Apply logic and analytical thinking to test web functionality, eligibility, and various rate structures.
- Review technical file reports to ensure accuracy within the system.
Benefits Consultant
Electronic Commerce, Inc.
08.2011 - 07.2014
- Implement, maintain, and update online benefit enrollment processes for Open Enrollment, New Hire and Life Events.
- Review client plans and determine plan compatibility with HRIS system and best methods for implementation.
- Initial contact point for benefit driven interfaces and reports.
- Capture, import and export data from client databases through basic SQL scripts.
- Resolve issues relating to product capability and client product knowledge and ensure that the client is utilizing appropriate procedures.
- Research, design, and modify features to meet a client's specific needs.
- Effectively troubleshoot, replicate, and develop workarounds for client issues.
- Develop and maintain effective client communication and ensure client satisfaction and retention.
Benefits & HR Specialist
Heckaman Insurance Agency
04.2003 - 08.2011
- Responsible for sales, implementing and servicing of health and worksite products for small client groups.
- Responsible for renewal process and taking plans out to bid for clients.
- Provide advice and consultation for HR issues, FMLA, Worker's Comp and liability issues.
- Organize and conduct new hire and annual benefit enrollment meetings for clients.
- Assist clients with the resolution of claim and administrative issues with various insurance carriers.
Benefits Specialist
Maust, Martin & Associates
08.1999 - 04.2003
- Coordinated the sales and enrollment process of worksite voluntary insurance products.
- Organized and conducted annual enrollment meetings.
- Assisted clients with the resolution of claim issues.
Benefits Team Leader
Security Capital Group, Inc.
08.1997 - 03.1999
- Supervised Benefits Department; staff of six benefits representatives and clerk.
- Directed Benefit Department Shared Services and consultants in planning efforts for 16 client companies (5,500 + employees) regarding welfare and 401(k) plans.
- Handled contract negotiations and annual renewals for client companies. Monitored compliance for Section 125 plans.
- Organized, supervised, and conducted annual enrollment meetings for clients.
- Resolved issues between key employees and insurance/401(k) vendors.
- Monitored employee satisfaction with vendors through annual employee surveys.
- Organized and conducted Train the Trainer sessions for annual enrollment.
Human Resources Manager
WellCare, Inc.
12.1996 - 08.1997
- Directed all Human Resource services for company and acted as consultant for three sister companies.
- Interpreted and administered company policies and procedures.
- Administered benefit programs, monitored workers compensation and disability programs for all four companies.
- Audited licenses and testing for health professionals to ensure they were current.
- Tracked and monitored any OSHA related incidents.
- Ensured OSHA standards were being met within the company.
- Implemented a Section 125 plan for the company.
- Responded to and represented the company in Texas Workforce, Unemployment and EEOC claims.
- Organized, supervised, and conducted annual enrollment meetings for employees.
- Revised the employee handbook.
- Responsible for planning and coordinating employee functions. i.e.: company picnics, employee appreciation week and training seminars.
Human Resources Manager
ACFS, a division of the Coca-Cola Bottling Group (SW), Inc.
02.1994 - 08.1996
Employee Benefits Manager
The Coca-Cola Bottling Group (SW), Inc.
09.1993 - 02.1994
- HR Manager
- Promoted to ACFS
Group Sales Representative
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
01.1992 - 09.1993
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Mass Media Communications, Business Administration
Bethel University
Mishawaka, IndianaSkills
- HR policies and procedures
- Compliance
- Onboarding and orientation
- Legal compliance
- Recordkeeping
- Microsoft office proficiency
- Employee handbook development
- Policy enforcement
Certification
Health and Life Insurance License
Timeline
Account Executive
Hummel Group
04.2024 - 05.2026
Client Service Manager
Hylant
11.2021 - 05.2024
Implementation Specialist and Client Services
Mercer Services
08.2017 - 11.2021
Benefits Consultant
Electronic Commerce, Inc.
08.2011 - 07.2014
Benefits & HR Specialist
Heckaman Insurance Agency
04.2003 - 08.2011
Benefits Specialist
Maust, Martin & Associates
08.1999 - 04.2003
Benefits Team Leader
Security Capital Group, Inc.
08.1997 - 03.1999
Human Resources Manager
WellCare, Inc.
12.1996 - 08.1997
Human Resources Manager
ACFS, a division of the Coca-Cola Bottling Group (SW), Inc.
02.1994 - 08.1996
Employee Benefits Manager
The Coca-Cola Bottling Group (SW), Inc.
09.1993 - 02.1994
Group Sales Representative
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
01.1992 - 09.1993
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Mass Media Communications, Business Administration
Bethel University