Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
President's Club, President's Council, Peak Award
Timeline
HEATHER NOWAK

HEATHER NOWAK

Sauk Rapids,MN

Summary

Multi-faceted Employee Benefits Consultant with expertise in: Benefit Design - Strategic Planning - Team Leadership - Communication - Negotiation - Data Analytics and Reporting

Experienced benefits consultant skilled in designing and implementing comprehensive employee benefits programs. Known for strong collaboration, adaptability, and delivering results. Expertise includes benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and client relationship management. Valued for strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and effective communication.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Employee Benefits Consultant

USI Insurance Services
01.2023 - Current
  • Partner with mid-size to large group employers to create long-term benefit strategies that help attain and retain talent while controlling rising healthcare costs
  • PEAK award winner for 2024 - ranked 3rd in local office, 5th in region
  • Collaborate with executive teams to thoroughly assess benefits structure and redesign benefit offerings
  • Maintain a quarterly cadence to provide renewal projections, self-funding analysis, benchmarking statistics, review claims analytics, and adhere to compliance regulations
  • Plan and execute Open Enrollment communications strategy using a variety of mediums such as post cards, flyers, benefit guides, Brainshark videos, and recorded open enrollment meetings
  • Extrapolate data analytics to drive decisions around tailored wellness initiatives, benefit design, funding models, and controlling claims, such as wasteful pharmacy spend
  • Partner with vendors to structure benefits that align with company values and budgeting requirements
  • Negotiate renewals with carriers by validating renewal calculation, projected pharmacy rebates, and large claimant analysis - resulting in at least 3-6% better negotiating outcomes compared to competitors
  • Evaluate various partnerships, including captives, TPAs, and PBMs to determine long term savings strategy
  • Evaluate risk and provide enterprise strategy for future mergers and acquisitions
  • Streamline PEO exits, working to replace HRIS, benefits, workers compensation, and retirement benefits
  • Lead service teams to support clients, provide marketing materials, and maintain quarterly meeting cadence
  • Developed and managed personal book of business with [Number] clients.
  • Presented talks to human resources professionals and C-level executives about available services and benefits of different plans.
  • Met with clients to develop employee cost-sharing strategies.
  • Provided expert advice on benefit plan designs tailored to specific company cultures and demographics, ensuring optimal fit for each organization''s unique workforce needs.
  • Analyzed market trends to design competitive benefits packages for various industries.
  • Assisted clients in navigating regulatory compliance requirements related to employee benefits, avoiding potential fines or legal complications.
  • Evaluated existing benefit programs through regular audits, identifying areas for improvement or potential cost savings opportunities.
  • Managed complex cases for clients, resolving issues related to insurance claims and reimbursements in a timely manner.
  • Supported companies during mergers or acquisitions by integrating multiple benefit plans into cohesive offerings that aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective services while maintaining high-quality offerings.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry developments and legislative changes to provide accurate guidance to clients regarding their employee benefits strategies.
  • Streamlined open enrollment process by creating user-friendly guides and organizing informative sessions for employees.
  • Educated employees about their benefits options through presentations and workshops, fostering a better understanding of available resources.
  • Reduced company costs by streamlining administration processes for employee benefits management.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between different insurance carriers when necessary, minimizing disruptions for both employers and employees alike.
  • Developed strong relationships with insurance carriers and vendors, ensuring prompt resolutions to any issues or discrepancies that arose.
  • Conducted annual reviews of benefit plans, resulting in updated offerings that catered to evolving employee needs.
  • Collaborated with HR teams to develop comprehensive onboarding processes for new employees, ensuring seamless integration of benefits information.
  • Implemented effective wellness programs, leading to increased employee engagement and productivity.
  • Developed comprehensive reporting systems to track the effectiveness of implemented benefit programs over time.

Benefits Executive

Excelsior Benefits
11.2022 - 06.2023
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by streamlining communication channels and improving response times.

Employee Benefits Executive

Humana
01.2013 - 01.2022
  • Company Overview: Hybrid
  • Position employee benefits and wellness solutions to employer group sizes 2-299
  • 2019, awarded President's Club for ranking within the top 20 teams in the nation for retention and new business sales
  • 2013-2018, awarded President's Council 5 consecutive years for ranking within the top 10 teams in the nation for retention and new business sales
  • Deploy sales and marketing strategies that highlight Humana's value proposition for prospective clients
  • Collaborate with Field Executives, Underwriters, and Retention Executives to provide consultative insights that drive revenue growth and client retention
  • Nominated by sales leaders to participate in and curate curriculum for leadership mentorship program
  • Hybrid
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by streamlining communication channels and improving response times.
  • Developed innovative solutions to complex problems, resulting in improved organizational performance.
  • Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
  • Mentored junior staff members for accelerated career growth, developing future leaders within the organization.
  • Established long-term client relationships through consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
  • Achieved company growth by implementing strategic marketing plans and business development initiatives.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within budgetary constraints and deadlines.
  • Expanded market presence by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
  • Drove significant growth in annual revenue by identifying and penetrating new market segments.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Communications

University of Wisconsin - Superior
GPA: Cum Laude Honors

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • HRIS knowledge
  • Data Analysis
  • Presentation Skills
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Budget Planning
  • Market Research
  • Cost Analysis
  • Process Improvement
  • Communication Skills
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Sales expertise
  • Advising employers

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
  • Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
  • Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
  • Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
  • Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].

President's Club, President's Council, Peak Award

Awarded President's Council Recognition 5 consecutive years for exceeding sales metrics and landing in the top 10% of the nation. 


Awarded President's Club for exceeding sales metrics and landing in the top 20% of the nation.


Awarded Peak recognition for exceeding $250,000 in revenue within 12 months, 2024

Timeline

Employee Benefits Consultant - USI Insurance Services
01.2023 - Current
Benefits Executive - Excelsior Benefits
11.2022 - 06.2023
Employee Benefits Executive - Humana
01.2013 - 01.2022
University of Wisconsin - Superior - Bachelor of Science, Communications

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HEATHER NOWAK