Open To Work
Cari Santallana
HR Professional
Tampa,FL
Summary
Results-driven Benefits Administrator with experience managing employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, and retirement plans. Skilled in benefits enrollment, vendor management, compliance (ERISA, ACA), and payroll integration. Proven ability to support employees through clear communication, resolve benefits-related issues efficiently, and ensure accurate reporting and reconciliation. Strong attention to detail with a focus on process improvement and delivering high-quality service in fast-paced environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefit Administration Manager
Operation PAR
Tampa, FL
07.2025 - Current
- Provided executive oversight of comprehensive employee benefit programs across three nonprofit entities to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.
- Coordinated administrative tasks across three non-profit organizations.
- Directed full lifecycle administration of medical, dental, vision, life, disability, COBRA, FMLA, deferred compensation, and wellness programs.
- Oversaw multimillion-dollar benefits budget; prepared forecasts, cost analyses, and executive recommendations.
- Analyzed claims data and utilization trends to identify cost-containment strategies and program enhancements.
- Led annual open enrollment process with a focus on communication strategy and high employee engagement.
- Served as primary liaison with brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers; negotiated contracts and monitored service-level performance.
- Ensured compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and federal/state leave regulations.
- Conducted internal plan audits while coordinating actuarial reporting and compliance testing.
Account Manager / Life File Support Specialist
Emerald Compounding Pharmacy
Tampa, FL
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Manage strategic accounts and executive-level client relationships in a highly regulated healthcare environment.
- Serve as lead contact for client account management and retention.
- Negotiate service agreements and support revenue growth initiatives.
- Deliver monthly and quarterly performance reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies with vendors and carriers.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure service delivery aligns with contractual objectives.
- Completed and managed all insurance credentialing for the pharmacy, ensuring timely enrollment with carriers and compliance with payer requirements.
Senior HR Generalist / Senior HR Quality Auditor
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, FL
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Promoted to senior-level role based on performance and expanded leadership responsibilities within a large healthcare system.
- Led HR compliance and operational audits to ensure regulatory adherence and transactional accuracy.
- Designed and enhanced auditing procedures to strengthen internal controls and reduce risk exposure.
- Conducted daily, monthly, and quarterly audits; presented findings and corrective action plans to HR leadership and senior management.
- Developed KPIs, dashboards, and executive reports demonstrating HR value-add and operational performance.
- Oversaw retirement plan compliance questionnaires and regulatory documentation.
- Provided guidance on employee relations matters and complex HR issues.
- Identified process improvement opportunities that increased efficiency and reporting accuracy.
HR Generalist / Benefits Specialist
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, FL
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed comprehensive benefits administration including broker coordination, HRIS integration, open enrollment, billing audits, and payroll alignment.
- Administered FMLA, LOA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and Workers’ Compensation programs.
- Partnered with leadership on employee relations, performance management, investigations, and terminations.
- Contributed to policy revisions and employee handbook updates.
- Supported post-acquisition HR systems and workforce integration.
- Managed onboarding processes including offer letters, background checks, and orientation.
HR Generalist
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Administer and manage employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans (FRS), and HSA/FSA accounts.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits questions, enrollment, and eligibility.
Coordinate and process new hire enrollments, life event changes, and terminations in benefit systems.
Ensure accurate and timely data entry in HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., deductions, contributions, and eligibility updates).
Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies with vendors and carriers.
Collaborate with payroll and accounting teams to ensure proper deduction processing and financial accuracy.
Assist with open enrollment planning, communication, and execution, including employee education and materials.
Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations such as COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and ERISA.
Manage COBRA administration, including qualifying events, notifications, and premium tracking.
Work closely with brokers and benefit providers to resolve issues, implement plan changes, and improve offerings.
Prepare reports and audits related to benefits, including census data and compliance documentation.
Support wellness initiatives and employee engagement programs related to benefits.
Maintain organized and up-to-date benefits documentation, SOPs, and employee communications.
Billing & Reimbursement Specialist
BayCare Medical Group
Tampa, FL
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Processed insurance payments and resolved billing discrepancies across multiple major carriers.
- Accelerated receivables recovery, including $5,000+ in aged surgical claims.
- Supported financial reconciliation and special departmental initiatives.
HR Generalist / Benefits Administrator
Future Innovations Inc.
Tampa, FL
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that supports organizational goals, employee engagement, and retention.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and wellness initiatives.
- Lead annual open enrollment planning, including vendor coordination, employee communications, and system readiness.
- Analyze benefits utilization, trends, and costs; provide recommendations to leadership for plan improvements and cost containment.
- Analyze benefits utilization, trends, and costs; provide recommendations to leadership for plan improvements and cost containment.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Strayer University
Tampa, FLBachelor of Business Administration -
Strayer University
Tampa, FLSkills
- HR strategy and planning
- Benefits leadership
- Employee relations
- Compliance management
- HRIS systems integration
- Organizational development
- Policy governance
- Budget control
- Contract negotiation
- Enrollment strategy execution
- Change management
- Data analytics reporting
Languages
English
Native language
Spanish
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Benefit Administration Manager
Operation PAR
07.2025 - Current
Account Manager / Life File Support Specialist
Emerald Compounding Pharmacy
01.2025 - 06.2025
Senior HR Generalist / Senior HR Quality Auditor
Moffitt Cancer Center
01.2017 - 01.2019
HR Generalist / Benefits Specialist
Moffitt Cancer Center
01.2015 - 01.2017
HR Generalist
Hillsborough Community College
01.2014 - 01.2015
Billing & Reimbursement Specialist
BayCare Medical Group
01.2010 - 01.2014
HR Generalist / Benefits Administrator
Future Innovations Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2009
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Strayer University
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Strayer University
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: 2 weeks notice
Desired Job Title
Benefit Administration ManagerAccount Manager / Life File Support SpecialistSenior HR Generalist / Senior HR Quality AuditorHR Generalist / Benefits SpecialistHR GeneralistWork Type
Part TimeContract WorkConsultingSalary Range
$75000/yr - $200000/yrTechnical Proficiencies
PeopleSoft, Lawson, ADP, Benefitfocus, BSwift, Halogen, Kronos, EPREMIS, IDX GE Centricity, Group Management, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, QuickBooks