CHRISTA A. OLDHAM
Chicago,USA
Summary
Benefits consultant with 25 years of experience in designing and managing self-funded health plans. Expertise in financial analysis and carrier negotiation, resulting in significant cost savings for clients. Strong track record in strategic planning and client relationship management. Ready to contribute to organizational growth and improve employee satisfaction in a senior leadership role.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Client Executive, Vice President
The Plexus Groupe
Chicago, IL
03.2018 - Current
- Designed and managed self-funded health plans for over 25 years, achieving significant cost savings.
- Led negotiations to secure improved financial contracts, enhancing overall client satisfaction.
- Developed multi-year benefits strategies, driving growth for $3 million national client portfolio.
- Analyzed data to generate actionable insights, effectively addressing unique client challenges.
- Managed project scopes, timelines, and budgets, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Built strategic partnerships with local and national carriers to deliver innovative solutions.
- Presented at national seminars, positioning firm as thought leader in employee benefits.
- Coached junior consultants on problem-solving techniques to elevate team performance.
Senior Consultant
Barney & Barney
San Diego, CA
10.2016 - 03.2018
- Managed $2 million book of business, driving client retention and growth.
- Advised clients on comprehensive employee benefit programs and policies.
- Produced detailed reports and data models to guide optimal plan selection.
- Developed training materials for staff on effective benefits utilization.
- Evaluated vendor performance metrics against service delivery standards.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex benefits documentation and processes.
- Analyzed client needs to recommend tailored plan designs.
- Compiled reports and trend models to support client decision-making on plans.
Account Executive, Vice President
Intercare Insurance Solutions
San Diego, CA
10.2011 - 03.2016
- Develop and execute multi-year employee benefits strategy.
- Manage projects from start to finish and deliver presentations to HR & C-suite level contacts.
- Manage the quality and timeliness of client deliverables.
- Develop budgets and financial forecast.
- Coordinate with communications team to prepare clear and concise employee facing communication campaigns.
- Oversee development of cost projections, financial reporting and claims analysis for fully insured and self-funded clients.
- Analyze claims data, identify opportunities in the data and propose solutions to more effectively manage claims.
- Extensive knowledge of self-funding including claims analysis, stop loss evaluation, budget-setting and rate development.
- Develop, maintain and manage relationships with insurers.
- Maintain knowledge of insurance markets trends, new products, services and solutions and present to clients.
- Develop client management tools and templates for use among team.
- Implemented first two flagship clients on MyHUB benefits administration platform.
- Sold and implemented voluntary benefits programs to mitigate costs and align with clients overall benefits strategy.
- Work with Sales Executives on prospective client opportunities and represent the Lead Consultant role in sales presentations.
- A Hub International Company
Account Executive, Team Leader, Vice President
Hub International
Chicago, IL
11.2011 - 10.2013
Account Executive
Lockton Companies
Chicago, IL
03.2008 - 10.2011
Account Executive
MetLife Mid/Large Market Sales Office
Chicago, IL
02.2005 - 01.2008
Lead Consultant
Marsh USA (now Mercer)
Chicago, IL
12.2003 - 01.2005
Benefit Analyst, promoted to Client Consultant
Marsh USA (now Mercer)
Morristown, NJ
07.1999 - 12.2003
- Developed client cost projections and conducted quarterly financial reporting.
- Oversaw RFP process, evaluated financial offers, and negotiated with insurer marketplace.
- Drafted annual informatics analysis focusing on claims and utilization data.
- Implemented wellness programs aligned with overall client strategies to reduce costs.
- Led a $2 million book of business, ensuring optimal service delivery.
- Organized training and mentorship for account managers and benefit analysts.
- Serviced 30 clients under 3,000 lives, managing renewal processes effectively.
- Exceeded 2006 sales goal by 327%, generating $7.6 million in total premium.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OhioSkills
- Ethics and integrity
- Benefits program optimization
- Financial forecasting
- Negotiation expertise
- Carrier management
- Market analysis
- Change management
Certification
Life & Health Insurance License
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Sr. Client Executive, Vice President
The Plexus Groupe
03.2018 - Current
Senior Consultant
Barney & Barney
10.2016 - 03.2018
Account Executive, Team Leader, Vice President
Hub International
11.2011 - 10.2013
Account Executive, Vice President
Intercare Insurance Solutions
10.2011 - 03.2016
Account Executive
Lockton Companies
03.2008 - 10.2011
Account Executive
MetLife Mid/Large Market Sales Office
02.2005 - 01.2008
Lead Consultant
Marsh USA (now Mercer)
12.2003 - 01.2005
Benefit Analyst, promoted to Client Consultant
Marsh USA (now Mercer)
07.1999 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
The Ohio State University