April Fox
Forsyth,Missouri
Summary
Results-driven HR leader with over 25 years of experience in Human Resources-Payroll Coordination and Project Management roles. Proficient in various HRIS & Microsoft software and training others on them to ensure compliance and overall operational efficiency. High attention to detail and skilled in problem-solving and optimizing performance for clients and employer. Adaptable and capable of managing projects and collaborating effectively with diverse teams across various states throughout different environments. Committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends to contribute to organizational success but also giving back to the community through volunteer efforts.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director & Project Manager
Alera Group
03.2021 - 09.2026
- Supported general management, team leadership, and day-to-day operations tasks.
- Served as primary contact for employer and client project coordination across 100+ clients in multiple states while assisting with benefit program setup and administration.
- Collaborated with colleagues across departments and organizational levels inside and outside the organization to achieve the required outcomes.
- Partnered with senior management to apply best practices and support process improvements.
- Improved workflow organization, data handling, and audit review through careful analysis.
- Conducted new hire interviews, shared recommendations, delivered orientation training with courses via Zoom, Trainual, LinkedIn Learning and provided ongoing compliance support.
- Managed daily benefit plan enrollment tasks, including responding to benefit and eligibility questions, updating systems with benefit changes, resolving benefit deduction issues and aiding employees through complex insurance claim issues.
- Reviewed documentation for validity and contacted employees, clients, or vendors to collect required documents and meet deadlines.
- Trained staff and HR managers on HRIS use and reporting within UKG/UltiPro, Paycom, Paylocity, ADP, PlanSource, Benefits Solver, Employee Navigator, Dayforce, Microsoft Teams Copilot, Zendesk ticketing, and Zoho.
- Resolved errors and issues by developing practical solutions during high-growth periods, reorganization changes, or acquisitions, and coordinated with carriers to correct discrepancies and complete urgent updates as needed.
- Completed annual employee performance reviews.
- Provided guidance to employees and HR managers on HR policies, procedures, and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, HRA, disability, life, accident, cancer, critical illness, hospital plan, pet insurance, 401(k), and COBRA.
- Balanced strategic planning and detailed execution while maintaining strong communication, customer service, attention to detail, accuracy, time management, and organization in remote and team settings.
- Strong verbal and written communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills with high attention to detail and accuracy, especially with sensitive data; strong time management and organizational skills supporting independent remote work and team collaboration.
Customer Service/Order Fulfillment
Lowe’s Home Improvement
03.2020 - 10.2021
- Managed online and in-store orders, pulled items, notified customers of order readiness, updated systems, and ensured accurate reporting to corporate.
- Resolved customer concerns to enhance satisfaction and maintain positive relationships.
- Provided problem support, shared information, and processed returns.
- Answered phone calls and routed calls to appropriate department.
- Handled cash by accurately pulling and depositing funds at designated times.
Benefits Specialist Consultant/Call Center Team Lead/Case Manager
Willis Towers Watson
12.2017 - 12.2020
- Call center from Home to help communicate benefits to various employers’ employees
- Help answer benefit questions and resolve issues all over the phone
- Ability to coordinate a high volume of diverse assignments, effectively handle competing priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
- Interaction with top Executives and various levels of Management with detailed record keeping
Benefits Specialist Consultant
Complete Benefit Alliance
12.2009 - 12.2020
- Quickly and accurately communicated benefits and rationale which resulted in the company expressing appreciation that strengthened long term relationships within the account.
- Communicate voluntary and supplemental payroll deduction benefits to employees and city officials.
- Evaluate client benefits to customize to the individual’s needs and income saving them money.
- Project Management, Time Management skills and detailed reporting and record keeping
- HR admin duties and meeting with Executives and Mayor’s office to handle their benefits and questions personally
Consulting Case Manager
Personal Communications Inc
12.2008 - 12.2020
- Negotiated contracts with client companies to enhance employee benefit packages.
- Determined required actions and communicated results to client and executives
- Evaluated and tailored client benefits to align with individual needs and income.
- Provide voluntary and supplemental payroll deduction benefits to employees.
- Walked customer through detailed explanation using multiple solutions across several product lines.
- Frequently provide an overview or presentation of products to a large audience or executives
- Assigning and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems
- Training assistance for fellow co-workers on product knowledge and computer systems.
- Maintain all files and great record keeping to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.
- Strong attention to detail and organization with multi-tasking skills
Benefit Specialist Consultant
Personal Communications Inc.
12.2001 - 12.2020
- Functioned as Human Resources Liaison for employees and facilitated communication of benefit plans to CEO, CFO, Human Resources, and their employees.
- Explained and enrolled employees in major medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental products such as life insurance, critical illness, cancer, disability, and accident plans.
- Provide voluntary and supplemental payroll deduction benefits to employees.
- Evaluated client benefits options to tailor them to specific needs and income levels.
- Plan & facilitate shift schedules and manage employee enrollments within company schedules
- Collaborated with team members to support company growth and foster a cohesive work environment.
Benefits Consultant/Broker Rep/State Asset Manager
AFLAC
12.2009 - 12.2014
- Employer and employee benefit presentations and case building
- Insured customers had complete understanding of product benefits and alleviated customer concerns. Actions resulted in savings for customers and avoided lost business.
- Meeting with various employers to coordinate what is best for them and their employees, payroll coordination, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
- Re-activated dormant accounts, trained employees, assigned work, evaluated performance of others, and provided customer service to brokers and business owners.
- Excellent prioritization and organization skills; demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Managing multiple priorities and projects under pressure to meet deadlines in a timely manner
Education
Associate of Arts -
North Arkansas College
Harrison, AR05-2021
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing (RN)
North Arkansas College
Harrison, AR05-1999
Skills
- HR leadership & Business strategy development
- Employee benefits practices & laws
- Regulatory compliance
- HRIS systems & Payroll coordination
- New employee onboarding & training
- Analysis of data & processes
- Relationship building internally & externally
Affiliations
- aPHR certification in May 2021
- CLTC (Long Term Care) Designation April 1, 2013
- 42 State Held Insurance Licenses in Life, Health & Accident
(clients: Schools, Municipalities, Hospitals, Grocery, Retail, Manufacturing, Transportation, etc.) - Familiar with various HRIS systems: Ultipro, Via Benefits, Workday, Paylocity, Paycom, ADP, DayForce, PlanSource, Benefits Solver, Employee Navigator but also ZenDesk & ZOHO
- State & Federally certified on PPACA Healthcare Exchange
- Medicare AHIP Certification
- Volunteer-Church Care Team & Christian Action Ministries (CAM)
Education and Training
other,other
Timeline
Director & Project Manager
Alera Group
03.2021 - 09.2026
Customer Service/Order Fulfillment
Lowe’s Home Improvement
03.2020 - 10.2021
Benefits Specialist Consultant/Call Center Team Lead/Case Manager
Willis Towers Watson
12.2017 - 12.2020
Benefits Specialist Consultant
Complete Benefit Alliance
12.2009 - 12.2020
Benefits Consultant/Broker Rep/State Asset Manager
AFLAC
12.2009 - 12.2014
Consulting Case Manager
Personal Communications Inc
12.2008 - 12.2020
Benefit Specialist Consultant
Personal Communications Inc.
12.2001 - 12.2020
Associate of Arts -
North Arkansas College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing (RN)
North Arkansas College