Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Candice Pucunas

Scotia,New York

Summary

Accomplished Vice President at NFP Insurance and Benefits, adept in strategic planning and client relationship building. Spearheaded initiatives that consistently exceeded performance targets, fostering strong client relationships and driving company growth. Skilled in negotiation and critical thinking, led successful mergers and acquisitions, enhancing service delivery and optimizing benefits expenses. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President, Employee Benefit Consulting

NFP Insurance and Benefits
08.1998 - Current


  • Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Conducted regular audits of benefits data to maintain accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Negotiated favorable contract terms, achieving cost savings for clients without compromising on benefit quality.
  • Implemented new benefit programs, including wellness initiatives, resulting in increased employee engagement and overall wellbeing.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely and accurate benefits enrollment and administration for all clients.
  • Served as an expert resource on benefits-related matters, providing guidance to both clients and internal team members.
  • Assessed client needs regularly through detailed consultations, identifying areas where additional support or resources may be required to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Coordinated open enrollment periods for multiple accounts simultaneously, ensuring smooth transitions between plan years.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with vendors to deliver exceptional service at competitive rates for clients'' benefit programs.
  • Provided comprehensive employee education sessions to promote understanding of available benefits and encourage participation in programs.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and developments, allowing for proactive recommendations on potential adjustments to clients'' benefit programs.
  • Developed strong client relationships with effective communication and personalized service.
  • Worked closely with HR departments to develop customized employee communications materials that clearly outlined available benefits options and encouraged informed decision-making among staff members.
  • Supported clients during mergers or acquisitions by effectively transitioning their employees onto new benefit platforms while minimizing disruption to their daily lives.
  • Contributed to company growth by consistently exceeding performance targets and fostering strong client relationships that led to increased business referrals.
  • Audited benefit programs and agreements to optimize service delivery.
  • Evaluated different providers offering range of services, coverages and plan options to pick optimal choice.
  • Kept programs in line with plan structure, company policy and legal requirements.
  • Performed evaluations of competitor actions, legislative changes and collective bargaining results in order to make sound decisions about future company benefits and compensation.
  • Fulfilled reporting requirements of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
  • Reduced benefits expenses by revamping company plans for dental, life and disability.

Member Service Supervisor

MVP HealthCare
05.1986 - 08.1998
  • Led team of representatives servicing [type] customers.
  • Monitored key performance metrics regularly, identifying trends and implementing strategies to improve team success rates consistently.
  • Upheld high standards of professionalism and confidentiality by diligently maintaining member information security, adhering to all relevant policies and regulations.
  • Generated monthly reports covering areas such as payment and demographics.
  • Helped customers understand benefits with thorough, knowledgeable and friendly explanations.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping for all member interactions, facilitating effective communication between departments and improving issue resolution times.
  • Trained, mentored and evaluated employees on service quality, knowledge and performance.
  • Answered member questions regarding enrollment, claims, benefits, referrals, and pre-authorizations.
  • Led a team of Member Service Representatives, ensuring adherence to company policies and high-quality performance.
  • Coached team members through performance reviews, identifying areas for growth and development while setting achievable goals in alignment with organizational objectives.

Education

High School Diploma -

Ballston Spa Central School, Ballston Spa, NY
06.1983

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Relationship Building
  • Decision-Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Client Relationship Building
  • Strategic Planning
  • Account Management
  • Negotiation and Persuasion
  • Data Analysis
  • Mergers and Acquisitions

Timeline

Vice President, Employee Benefit Consulting - NFP Insurance and Benefits
08.1998 - Current
Member Service Supervisor - MVP HealthCare
05.1986 - 08.1998
Ballston Spa Central School - High School Diploma,
Candice Pucunas