Kari Huderle-Burlingame
Elko New Market,MN
Summary
Dynamic Principal Health & Wellbeing Consultant with a proven track record at Xcel Energy. Expert in benefits administration and labor relations, I've significantly enhanced benefit offerings, aligning them with organizational goals through innovative strategies and compliance mastery. My strong relationship-building skills ensure seamless collaboration across all levels, driving impactful wellness initiatives and fostering a culture of well-being.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Health & Wellbeing Consultant
Xcel Energy
Minneapolis, MN
04.2024 - Current
- Enhanced benefit offerings to align with organizational goals.
- Created communications materials to ensure that employees understand their benefits and how they fit into the company's overall Total Rewards strategy.
- Assisted in developing budgeting models for various reward programs based on data analytics and market trends.
- Performed financial modeling exercises to analyze cost-benefit scenarios of different reward program initiatives.
- Analyzed compliance requirements related to labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and other applicable regulations when designing Total Rewards programs.
- Researched industry trends on topics such as health care costs, pension reform measures., which impacted Total Reward strategies within an organization.
- Coordinated with vendors and partners who provided services related to employee benefits such as insurance brokers.
- Acted as a liaison between stakeholders at all levels when assessing current reward policies and making recommendations for changes.
- Facilitated training sessions for leadership teams on topics related to Total Rewards philosophy and strategy development.
- Provided guidance on implementation processes associated with launching new rewards initiatives.
- Mastered state and Federal benefit laws Including ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPPA and 401k administration.
- Assisted with audits by preparing accounts and providing information.
- Implemented wellness initiatives aimed at improving employee health and reducing healthcare costs.
Employee Benefits Manager
U.S. Bank
Minneapolis, MN
03.2021 - 04.2024
- Developed and implemented employee benefits program to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Analyzed current benefit plans, identified deficiencies, and recommended changes to increase cost efficiency and maximize employee satisfaction.
- Prepared employee communications regarding new or existing benefit programs, including eligibility requirements and plan provisions.
- Coordinated open enrollment activities such as information meetings, distribution of materials, data entry into HRIS system.
- Managed vendor relationships including selection process for third-party administrators and brokers; negotiated contracts; resolved billing issues; monitored services provided by TPAs and brokers.
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets for all benefit programs; tracked expenses against budget throughout year.
- Responded to inquiries from employees regarding eligibility criteria for benefits coverage or claim status information.
- Provided education on various aspects of employee benefits programs through one-on-one counseling sessions or group presentations.
- Actively participated in annual renewal process with vendors; prepared reports comparing various plan designs and pricing structures.
Employee Benefits Supervisor
U.S. Bank
Minneapolis, MN
02.2019 - 03.2021
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures for administering employee benefits programs.
- Provided guidance to staff regarding eligibility requirements, enrollment procedures and other related issues.
- Resolved customer service inquiries from employees concerning their benefits packages.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Benefits Administrator
U.S. Bank
Minneapolis, MN
05.2016 - 02.2019
- Developed and administered employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision and life insurance.
- Managed open enrollment processes by providing guidance on available benefits and answering questions from employees regarding their options.
- Prepared reports on benefit utilization to ensure accuracy in billing and compliance with applicable laws.
- Resolved complex claims issues with insurance carriers by researching policy language, contract provisions and regulatory requirements.
- Maintained accurate records of employee benefit enrollments and terminations in payroll system databases.
- Coordinated annual renewals for all group medical, dental, vision, life insurance policies as well as other voluntary programs such as flexible spending accounts.
- Assisted in developing communication materials for benefit-related topics such as open enrollment, wellness initiatives or changes in plan designs.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from employees regarding their benefits coverage or eligibility status.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Resources Management
Concordia University
Saint Paul, MN05-2020
Skills
- Labor Relations
- Benefits Administration
- Wellness Programs
- Open enrollment
- Employment law knowledge
- HR compliance
- Employee benefits practices
- Human Resources Management
- ACA standards knowledge
- Relationship Building
- Policy Interpretation
- Written and oral communication
- Regulatory monitoring
- Documentation And Reporting
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Manager coaching and training
- HR information systems
Certification
- Professional in Human Resources PHR, HR Certification Institute – HRCI
Timeline
Principal Health & Wellbeing Consultant
Xcel Energy
04.2024 - Current
Employee Benefits Manager
U.S. Bank
03.2021 - 04.2024
Employee Benefits Supervisor
U.S. Bank
02.2019 - 03.2021
Benefits Administrator
U.S. Bank
05.2016 - 02.2019
Master of Arts - Human Resources Management
Concordia University
Similar Profiles
Jeremy CarneyJeremy Carney
Power Plant Operator at Xcel EnergyPower Plant Operator at Xcel Energy
Jordan AlexandropoulosJordan Alexandropoulos
Utilities Lead at Xcel EnergyUtilities Lead at Xcel Energy
Clay PeckmanClay Peckman
Foreman at Xcel EnergyForeman at Xcel Energy
Jocelyn MartinezJocelyn Martinez
Customer Service Representative at Xcel EnergyCustomer Service Representative at Xcel Energy
Sarah RichSarah Rich
Caregiver at New Perspectives Inc.Caregiver at New Perspectives Inc.