Katie Gausepohl
Canal Winchester,US
Summary
Summary: Highly experienced leader specializing in complex benefit plan design and administration of benefit plans and programs that meet company goals and serve the needs of unique workforces. Hands-on, results-oriented professional with excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal and communications skills with a track record of significant contributions to organizational goals. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Benefits & HR Service Center
NetJets
08.2022 - Current
- Responsible for four teams including Benefits, Leave of Absence, HR Service Center, and HR Compliance.
- Develops & executes benefits strategy for all of NetJets US supporting 8,000 employees and 18,000 member lives
- Manages all benefits programs including administration of complex benefit plans and collective bargaining requirements for five (5) bargaining groups plus Columbus and Cincinnati, OH corporate non-bargaining employees
- Responsible for multiple company retirement plans totaling $3B+ in assets
- Meets regularly with Executive Leadership to present recommendations for new employee benefits and programs that align with the strategic goals of the company and meet the needs of our unique workforce
- Ongoing implementation of programs and cost mitigation strategies in the top five (5) categories of medical spend
- Launched digital Musculoskeletal Health program in 2021 with $2.1M savings, 61% reduction in surgery likelihood, 69% reduction in anxiety and 50% reduction in depression symptoms since program inception
- Achieved $5.6M savings with implementation of multiple pharmacy programs in 2023 to help offset continued increases in pharmacy trend withing our bargaining groups
- Implemented specialized oncology management program to support members with rare & genetic cancers through clinically supported treatment plan recommendation changes and assisting with access to clinical trials
- Has kept our six-year company healthcare compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 2.3% per headcount vs market trends since hire
- Works closely with third-party broker & consultants to implement and maintain benefits programs. Has maintained long lasting relationships with Willis Towers Watson, Mercer, and Aon
- Develops and maintains relationships with all vendor partners, including UMR, Quantum Health, Delta Dental, VSP, HealthEquity, WageWorks, United Healthcare, MetLife, and more
- Ensures programs are market competitive, aligned with business goals, consistently administered, and in compliance
- Collaborate with HR and business leaders to understand their issues related to benefits.
- Helped transition from ADP to SAP Successfactors & Employee Central Payroll (ECP)
- Implemented Benefitfocus employee benefits enrollment platform
- Managed medical plan transition from Anthem BCBS to UMR/Quantum Health
- Works regularly assist with union negotiations or benefit analysis as necessary.
- Serves as HIPAA Privacy Officer
- Chair of multiple company & union joint committees including: Benefits Committee, Joint Retirement Committee, Joint Reimbursement and Compensation Committee, Pilot Assistance Program (FAA drug & alcohol program), Fitness for Duty Committee
Benefits Manager
NetJets
01.2018 - 07.2022
- Responsible for employees on the Benefits and Leave of Absence teams with a total of six (6) direct reports
- Managed all benefits programs, policies, and procedures, including but not limited to welfare plans (health, dental, life and other voluntary plans), retirement programs and wellness initiatives
- Ensures programs are market competitive, aligned with business goals, consistently administered, and in compliance
- Worked closely with Payroll Department to coordinate benefit related processes and procedures to assure accuracy and compliance
- Build and sustain collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company
- Planned all annual enrollment activities including but not limited to renewal, recommendations, communications, system updates, and roll out to employees
- Advised managers and employees on resolutions for specific problems relating to benefit program issues.
- Oversaw leave of absence programs to ensure administration according to applicable federal laws
- Assured Company remained in compliance with laws and regulations related to health/welfare, disabilities, leave of absences, and other benefit-related plans.
- Managed and completed planning and implementation of annual open enrollment process, and analysis of benchmark data to determine competitiveness of benefit structure across U.S.
- Acted as subject matter expert, serving as contact for employees pertaining to insurance questions and interpretation of billing issues; interacted internally with senior Executives, Human Resources Business Operations, Finance and IT, and interacted externally with benefits providers and vendors, consultants, payroll provider, and applicable union leadership
- Developed written communications materials for employees, and recommended and implemented new or modified plans and employee benefit policies
- Partnered with cross functional partners to document and streamline processes and evaluate areas for efficiencies
- Prepared annual benefit budget and shared with leadership and partners in Finance
- Completed annual compliance requirements such as non-discrimination testing, Form 5500, SARs, Annual Notices, SBCs, SPDs.
Senior Benefits Manager
The Limited
08.2014 - 03.2017
- Responsible for Benefits & Leave of Absence teams
- Designed, implemented, and maintained/monitored Benefits programs, including medical, dental, life, accident, and disability insurances and 401(k) plan, as well as other benefits such as time off and wellness
- Responsible for ensuring my teams effective application of benefits processes and procedures, including service provider monitoring and management
- Identified and implemented process efficiencies to effectively manage and contain costs of benefits plans
- Regularly prepared and presented business cases, and cost/benefit analysis with recommended changes to benefits strategy and plans to Executive Leadership
- Overhauled the benefits onboarding for new hires to effectively educate employees about benefits plans and enhance employee health and wellness
- Participated in research and external benchmarking and keep abreast of benefits-related legislative environment and market practice
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to benefits plans, including employee notifications and government filings.
Benefits Manager
The Limited
05.2011 - 08.2014
Sr. Benefits Specialist
The Limited
06.2010 - 05.2011
Benefits Specialist
The Limited
02.2009 - 06.2010
Human Resources Specialist
The Limited
02.2008 - 02.2009
Associate Recruiter
The Limited
08.2007 - 02.2008
Recruiting Coordinator
Limited Brands
10.2006 - 07.2007
Education
Associate of Arts -
The Ohio State University & Columbus State
Columbus, Ohio05.2000
Skills
- Benefits Strategy
- Complex Plan Design Experience
- Union Collaboration & Negotiation
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Creativity and Innovation
- Effective People Leader
- Issues Resolution
Timeline
Director, Benefits & HR Service Center
NetJets
08.2022 - Current
Benefits Manager
NetJets
01.2018 - 07.2022
Senior Benefits Manager
The Limited
08.2014 - 03.2017
Benefits Manager
The Limited
05.2011 - 08.2014
Sr. Benefits Specialist
The Limited
06.2010 - 05.2011
Benefits Specialist
The Limited
02.2009 - 06.2010
Human Resources Specialist
The Limited
02.2008 - 02.2009
Associate Recruiter
The Limited
08.2007 - 02.2008
Recruiting Coordinator
Limited Brands
10.2006 - 07.2007
Associate of Arts -
The Ohio State University & Columbus State
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