Kara McDonell
Senior Account Specialist
Peosta,IA
Summary
Senior Account Specialist with eleven years experience in benefits, meeting facilitation, and navigating challenging situations. Nine years experience in HR support; consulting, implementing HR initiatives, and communications. Self driven in managing competing priorities and deadlines. Proven to deliver high-quality service and impactful results through careful attention to detail and relationship management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Account Specialist
HealthCheck360
02.2025 - Current
- Nine years experience analyzing client compliance data to identify trends and providing guidance on health plan performance.
- Consultant and advisor of new initiatives to client stakeholders including HR and leadership teams.
- Book of business valued at $3 million across 90 clients.
Account Specialist
HealthCheck360
02.2021 - 01.2025
- Seven years experience driving performance goals on behalf of clients through new benefit initiatives and navigating changes to employee benefits.
- Book of business valued at $2.5 million across 75 clients. Achieved 98% retention through compliance driven results, manager coaching, and timely communication.
Account Manager
HealthCheck360
08.2019 - 01.2021
- Two years leading company through acquisition; thought partner and consultant to leadership team, maintain vendor partnerships, system integrations, client and employee marketing campaigns.
- Facilitated onboarding for all new clients through in-person and remote presentations for HR teams and employees. Including webinars, health fairs, town halls, open enrollment guides, mailers, and digital content.
Care Management Coordinator
HealthCorp
09.2016 - 07.2019
- Managed HR relationships with 65 clients including contract renewal, coaching managers, measuring performance, and corrective actions.
- Oversaw multiple initiatives across departments for product design, quality testing, and launch of a new data warehouse for 250,000 employees and 45 vendors.
Disability Service Coordinator
State Of Nebraska
12.2014 - 08.2016
- Performed data and analytic analysis of Medicaid compliance to secure $1 million disability benefits annually for 32 patients.
- Coached and conducted performance reviews with 50 third party vendors on behalf of the state to ensure the health and safety of patients.
Education
Cottingham & Butler
Dubuque, IA12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 08.2009 - 05.2013
AmeriCorps National Community Corps
Sacramento, CA07-2009
Skills
HR Support
Employee Programs & Benefits
HR Coaching
Facilitating Meetings & Presentations
Solution Focused
Vendor Relationships
Data Analytics
Excel
Timeline
Senior Account Specialist
HealthCheck360
02.2025 - Current
Account Specialist
HealthCheck360
02.2021 - 01.2025
Account Manager
HealthCheck360
08.2019 - 01.2021
Care Management Coordinator
HealthCorp
09.2016 - 07.2019
Disability Service Coordinator
State Of Nebraska
12.2014 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
Iowa State University
08.2009 - 05.2013
Cottingham & Butler
AmeriCorps National Community Corps