Karen J. Leonardi
Plain City,UT
Summary
Business development executive with experience in leadership and client relations. Focused on consistently applying strategy, dedication and mindfulness to all areas of work.
Development professional with strong track record in driving successful initiatives and securing key partnerships. Expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Known for fostering collaborative environments and delivering measurable results in dynamic settings. Adaptable and reliable, with focus on aligning team efforts to organizational goals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Development Director
Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
03.2020 - Current
- Cultivated relationships with community, business and local civic leaders in order to draw attention to WSU and bring in new donors and volunteers.
- Researched possible grants and created proposals to submit along with grant applications.
- Created fundraising materials utilized on social media and websites and sent out in mass communications
- Maintained highly intensive schedule of visiting with potential donors and delivering compelling presentations and comprehensive fundraising proposals.
- Assessed clients' specific needs and created fundraising programs to assist with meeting specific goals.
- Secured corporate sponsorships by cultivating strong relationships with key decision-makers in various industries.
- Strengthened relationships with community partners through targeted outreach and collaborative projects.
- Spearheaded successful capital campaign projects contributing to facility improvements and expansion of services. Example: Physician Assistant Medicine program opening
Business Development Executive
SelectHealth
05.2016 - 03.2020
- Develop new business contracts in the employee benefits market
- Re-contracted a $35 million contract for SelectHealth
- Cultivate and manage relationships with employers, brokers and internal stakeholders
- Lead and coordinate RFP responses, strategic negotiation of rates, plan design and implementation for groups with 100 or more employees
- Actively maintain prospect tracking and client software programs
- Increased client base by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities through market research and networking.
- Developed customized solutions for clients, addressing their unique needs and helping them achieve their goals.
Senior Associate & Licensed Consultant
Mercer Health & Benefits
, Utah
02.2013 - 05.2016
- Senior associate and client lead for national accounts and large employer groups
- Responsible for strategic benefit planning for major clients locally and nationally
- Supervised vendor implementations
- Managed ACA compliance, education and renewal negotiation for all lines of coverage in addition to new lines of coverage
- Received Group Benefits Disability Specialist Certification for disability policies
- Effectively managed multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on delivering exceptional results for clients and th organization.
- Consistently maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring clear communication and timely updates on project progress.
President & CEO
Leonardi Benefit Design, Inc.
Ogden, Utah
04.2005 - 02.2013
- Established a small brokerage which advised and provided strategic benefit planning and support for large and small employer groups, ranging from 4,000 to two employees
- Produced employee benefit RFPs for multiple lines of business
- Managed the competitive bid process including medical, dental and ancillary products
- Facilitated implementation of plans based on employer needs
- Developed RFP and selection process for an employer on-site clinic, and negotiated college athlete plans and aggregate funding options for multiple major university environments
- Managed individual book of business and Med advantage policies and procedures for Medicare eligible lines of business
- Achieved certification for 100% Woman Owned Small Business, required for Government contracting, May 2012
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
Sales Manager/Sr. Account Executive
IHC Health Plans, Inc.
01.1992 - 04.2005
- Sold and managed Intermountain's largest commercial client in Utah, with over 21,000 covered lives and $35 million in annual premium
- Accountable for team of 13 individuals who managed renewals and sold new business in northern region and Salt Lake City to achieve company membership goals
- Supervised account management teams responsible for retention of health plan clients in northern Utah, central Salt Lake, southern Wyoming and southeastern Idaho
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with clients, brokers, health plan members, physician divisions and hospital administrators
- Consulted, negotiated and presented benefit proposals for clients and insurance brokers
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Utah12.1997
Bachelor of Science - Communications & Public Relations, Business Management/HR Emphasis Minor
Weber State University
Utah04.1988
Skills
- Leadership
- Client relations
- Business development
- Deadline oriented
- Oral and written communications
- Public speaking
- Strategic planningtrategy implementation
- Corporate partnerships
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
RECOGNITION Jim Haig Call to Action Award for Outstanding Insurance Industry Executives, Utah Chapter of UAHU Women in Leadership Graduate, Inaugural Career Development Class Hearts and Hands Philanthropy Award, Small Business Recognition ATHENA Leadership Award Nominee, Ogden-Weber Chamber Women in Business Woman of the Year, National Association of Professional Women Professional Woman of the Year, YCC Spirit of the American Woman Awards Chairperson of the Year, Ogden-Weber Chamber
Affiliations
- WSU Alumni Executive Board, Student Relations, Philanthropy (Scholarships) 2019 - 2021
- Women in the Economy Commission, Governor Appointment, 2017 - Present
- Ogden-Weber Chamber Women in Business Executive Board | Professional Development, Scholarships, ATHENA, 2016 - 2019 | Chair & Executive Board Member, 2000 - 2004 | ATHENA Leadership Award Chair
- Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce Executive Board | Past Chair, 2011 | Chair, 2010 | Board Member, 2005 - 2011
- Ogden-Weber Chamber Spiker Committee, Community relations for new businesses, 2006 - Present
- Utah Association of Health Underwriters | Northern Region President, 2018 | Education Chair, Media Chair, President, 2003 - 2004
- Intermountain McKay Dee Foundation Board, Community Relations, 2010 - 2018
- Leadership of Northern Utah Academy, Graduate & LNU Alumni President
- Freedoms Foundation of Utah, Board of Directors, 2011 - 2016
- Weber County Library System | Board Foundation, 2013 - Present | Board of Trustees & Chair, 2001 - 2005, 2005 - 2013
- National Center for Shaken Baby Syndrome, Vice Chair, Governing Board
- Girl Scouts of Utah, Governing Board, 2008 - 2013
- Your Community Connection | Board of Directors, 2012 - 2014 | Spirit of the American Woman Awards Committee, 2007, 2009, 2010
Timeline
Sr. Development Director
Weber State University
03.2020 - Current
Business Development Executive
SelectHealth
05.2016 - 03.2020
Senior Associate & Licensed Consultant
Mercer Health & Benefits
02.2013 - 05.2016
President & CEO
Leonardi Benefit Design, Inc.
04.2005 - 02.2013
Sales Manager/Sr. Account Executive
IHC Health Plans, Inc.
01.1992 - 04.2005
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Communications & Public Relations, Business Management/HR Emphasis Minor
Weber State University
Similar Profiles
Aubrey AltenesAubrey Altenes
Peer Educator at Weber State University Safe@Weber CenterPeer Educator at Weber State University Safe@Weber Center
Grayden GuthrieGrayden Guthrie
Social Media Manager at Weber State University Student AssociationSocial Media Manager at Weber State University Student Association
Andrew LittleAndrew Little
Area Specialist Landscaper at Weber State UniversityArea Specialist Landscaper at Weber State University
Carolyn AustadCarolyn Austad
Administrative Specialist III at Weber State UniversityAdministrative Specialist III at Weber State University
Molly Sirks, DNP, FNP-BCMolly Sirks, DNP, FNP-BC
Clinical Rotations at University of UtahClinical Rotations at University of Utah