Open To Work
Kristin Ming-Tanaka
Los Gatos,CA
Summary
Dynamic benefits leader with a proven record in executing transformative employee benefits strategies for over 20+. Directed a successful, expanding team defined by strong performance, tight partnerships, and a positive team dynamic. Expertise in cross-functional collaboration and compliance, leading initiatives that enhance employee experience while aligning benefits with organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Benefits
Exelixis Inc.
03.2006 - 10.2025
- Managed the administration of all employee health & welfare, and retirement plans to ensure market competitiveness and compliance.
- Directed a five‑year transformation of the company’s benefits strategy, leading an exhaustive evaluation of all programs, benchmarking against market trends, and shaping a forward‑looking portfolio aligned with cost efficiency, retention, engagement, talent attraction, and corporate objectives, the initiative modernized the benefits suite—introducing gender‑affirming HRA, adoption and surrogacy assistance, infertility benefits, mental‑health solutions, voluntary plans, and disaster relief—and strengthened foundational programs including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), LTD, life insurance, HSA, holidays, and wellness subsidies..
- Delivered $6.1M in medical plan savings through strategic funding and design changes, including transitioning to self‑insured, carving out stop‑loss insurance, migration to the HDHP plan, increasing ISL, and removing aggregate stop‑loss.
- Architected and executed a five‑year benefits communication strategy, rebranding the full program suite, launching a modern benefits website, and establishing an enterprise education calendar featuring seminars, mini health fairs, and lunch‑and‑learn activities to drive employee engagement.
- Led end‑to‑end implementation of Workday Absence and Benefits modules, including carrier integrations, and previously deployed ADP and ClearBenefits to strengthen administrative accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Conducted RFPs for 401(k) recordkeepers and transitioned the plan to Fidelity, enhancing participant experience, governance, and administrative performance.
- Lead the 401(k) IRC as an active committee member, steering committee discussions, and ensuring disciplined governance of plan operations.
- Expanded benefits infrastructure into newly established work locations, designing and implementing offerings aligned with local regulatory requirements and workforce needs.
- Modernized LOA administration through a strategic vendor transition, improving HR and payroll workflows, elevating employee and manager experience, and shifting ADA administration to the vendor for greater consistency and equitable handling
- Established cross‑functional operational processes with Legal, Finance (FP&A and Payroll), and Facilities, strengthening enterprise collaboration, governance, and decision‑making.
- Partnered closely with FP&A during annual benefits renewals, delivering detailed cost analyses and financial models that equipped senior leadership with accurate, data‑driven projections for high‑stakes decisions, and formally presented all recommendations to executive leadership to secure approval.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with benefit vendors and brokers, ensuring exceptional service delivery, competitive pricing, and alignment with organizational priorities
- Served as a senior advisor on complex benefits matters, delivering guidance to employees, HRBPs, people leaders, and Finance, and developing training programs on leave laws, ADA, VDI, and self‑insured plan fundamentals.
- Oversaw annual benefits budgets, ensuring financial discipline, cost control, and alignment with corporate strategy.
- Led and developed a high‑performing team, transforming novice contributors into a capable, confident, and self‑sufficient group through structured mentorship, coaching, and knowledge transfer.
HR Benefits Specialist I & II
Covad Communications
06.2002 - 11.2005
- Handled employee inquiries, claims support and enrollment processing.
- Assisted with Open Enrollment, employee communications and compliance tasks.
- Supported daily operations of the Health &Welfare, Retirement and LOA programs.
- Managed payroll file audits, vendor data transmissions.
Benefits/HRIS Administrator
C-Cube Microsystems/LSI Logic
09.2000 - 06.2001
- Administered and communicated health and welfare plans to promote employee understanding and engagement.
- Managed HRIS data entry and updates for employee records.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CASkills
- Health & welfare plans
- Employee benefits design
- Benefits program administration
- Regulatory compliance
- Cost analysis
- Vendor management
- Engagement initiatives
- Benefits communication
- Total rewards strategy
- Budget forecasting
- Team leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic initiatives
- Health promotion
- HRIS systems
- Data-driven decision making
- Retirement plans
- Compliance
Timeline
Director of Benefits
Exelixis Inc.
03.2006 - 10.2025
HR Benefits Specialist I & II
Covad Communications
06.2002 - 11.2005
Benefits/HRIS Administrator
C-Cube Microsystems/LSI Logic
09.2000 - 06.2001
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
California Polytechnic State University