Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Maria J. Drees

Cedar Rapids

Summary

Motivated and passionate public health professional with extensive experience in corporate wellness, employee benefits, health education, and higher education. Proven ability to develop strategic health initiatives, coach individuals toward sustainable well-being, and build meaningful client relationships. Expertise spans wellness program development, insurance consulting, public speaking, and higher education instruction.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Employee Benefits Advisor

Acumen/ Gallagher
Cedar Rapids
06.2020 - Current
  • Design and implement high-quality benefits programs tailored to employer needs.
  • Partner with clients to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape with proactive, data-driven strategies.
  • Support talent retention and employee satisfaction through customized benefit solutions.

Clinical Sales Representative

Allergan Pharmaceuticals
Des Moines
01.2019 - 12.2019
  • Built strong relationships with healthcare providers to promote specialized pharmaceutical products.
  • Delivered excellent client service, ensuring brand credibility and professional trust.

Health Benefits & Wellness Consultant

PDCM Insurance
Waterloo
01.2009 - 01.2016
  • Provided licensed health insurance consulting and wellness coaching services.
  • Partnered with corporate clients to implement comprehensive wellness programs and onsite insurance education.

Adjunct Professor, Worksite Health Promotion

University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
01.2010 - 01.2015
  • Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in health promotion, focusing on workplace wellness strategies.
  • Developed and delivered course materials tailored to emerging trends in corporate health.

Director of Community Programs

American Diabetes Association
Denver
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Led regional public health outreach and education initiatives.
  • Fostered partnerships with community organizations and public health professionals to promote diabetes awareness and prevention.

Education

Master of Public Health MPH -

University of Illinois
Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts - Health Promotion (Corporate Wellness Emphasis)

University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

Skills

  • Strategic Health & Benefits Consulting
  • Corporate Wellness & Program Development
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Health Coaching & Behavior Change Facilitation
  • Higher Education & Curriculum Development
  • Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
  • Organizational Growth & Change Management
  • Cross-functional Team Collaboration

Certification

Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Wellcoaches Corporation, Expert in evidence-based coaching strategies to promote long-term healthy behavior change and disease prevention.

Timeline

Employee Benefits Advisor

Acumen/ Gallagher
06.2020 - Current

Clinical Sales Representative

Allergan Pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - 12.2019

Adjunct Professor, Worksite Health Promotion

University of Northern Iowa
01.2010 - 01.2015

Health Benefits & Wellness Consultant

PDCM Insurance
01.2009 - 01.2016

Director of Community Programs

American Diabetes Association
01.2006 - 01.2008

Master of Public Health MPH -

University of Illinois

Bachelor of Arts - Health Promotion (Corporate Wellness Emphasis)

University of Northern Iowa

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