Mary A. Taylor, CEBS, CLMS
Glenshaw,PA
Summary
Highly motivated Employee Benefits/Human Resources professional with 25 years experience in leadership, strategic planning, design and administration of employee benefit plans. Financial analysis, expert problem-solving, project management and written and verbal communication.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Benefits Manager
The Verland Foundation Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
02.2018 - Current
- Orchestrated the development of comprehensive benefits packages, encompassing Health & Welfare and 403(b) retirement plans, benefiting over 700 employees.
- Utilized extensive knowledge in implementing and adhering to ACA, HIPPA, COBRA, FMLA , ADA policies along with workers compensation laws and various other federal,state & local regulations.
- Expertly handles the management and administration of a range of employee benefit programs including health insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, life and disability benefits. Also responsible for managing FMLA/ADA compliance as well as workers compensation.
- Managed, guided and supported benefit staff in effectively administering employee benefits plans through training and supervision.
- Established HRIS benefits platform utilizing UKG and later implemented Paylocity.
- Assisted with the creation of annual budgets for various benefit programs.
- Conducted cost analyses for various plan options and offered suggestions for alterations or enhancements.
- Collaborated on collective bargaining negotiations for matters concerning employee benefits.
- Conducted an RFP and successfully transitioned carriers while maintaining comparable medical benefits, resulting in a 15% ($650,000) reduction in health care costs.
- Examines insurance carrier and self-funded invoices to identify discrepancies and make necessary adjustments.
- Conducted presentations for new hires on available benefit options.
- Oversaw the entire renewal/annual open enrollment process from start to finish, ensuring effective communication, accurate plan updates in HRIS system, and seamless implementation for all employees.
- Collaborated with benefits broker to assess current services for cost reduction and streamlined administration.
- Provided prompt responses to inquiries about employee benefit plans and eligibility status from both employees and managers.
Sr. Account Manager
A. J. Gallagher
Pittsburgh, PA
07.2010 - 02.2018
- Managed and advised clients on health & welfare benefits and compliance for assigned book of business.
- Delivered presentations and suggestions to HR professionals and C-Suite executives regarding offered solutions and tactics.
- Formulated renewal options by analyzing insurance proposals, providing strategic advice to clients on best alternatives during meetings.
- Maintained and prepared resource information on benefit trends, state and federal legislation, rules, and regulations such as COBRA, HIPAA, FSA, FMLA, Section 125 to provide ongoing technical consultation to clients.
- Facilitated productive employee meetings using effective communication strategies.
- Assisted clients with their requests for information and assistance regarding employee benefit plans.
Employee Benefit Consultant
Quality Management Systems Consulting
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2009 - 07.2010
- Developed and managed personal book of business (small businesses).
Account Manager
BABB, Inc.
Pittsburgh,, PA
10.2007 - 08.2009
- Prepared Request for Proposal (RPF) for presentation to carriers including analysis of census, current and/or proposed benefit plan designs, market comparison data, and contribution strategies. Analyzed insurance proposals to prepare renewal options, meet with clients to strategize and advise on best alternatives.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Maintained databases for client companies pertaining to eligibility, census data, insurance coverage levels, contracts, and general client activity
Employee Benefit Specialist/Manager
Jacobson & Associates/Wagner Agency
Pittsburgh,, PA
10.2007 - 10.2008
- Researched and evaluated current benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance plans.
- Managed vendor relationships related to employee benefits administration activities.
- Participated in negotiations with external vendors concerning contracts for services such as health care coverage or retirement savings plans.
- Conducted meetings with employees to explain benefit options, eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures.
Support Services Representative
Atkinson & Company, DBA Benefit Partners
Oakmont,, PA
09.1998 - 07.2007
- Maintained accurate records by using databases for client companies pertaining to eligibility, census, insurance coverage levels, contracts and general client activity.
- Administered benefits plans including updating employee adds, terms and changes with the carriers, prepared COBRA notices, retirement plan notices, etc.
- Established and maintained rapport with executives, clients and client's employees.
Sales Assistant
Temp Agency, Assigned to Allegheny Ludlum
Pittsburgh, PA, PA
06.1997 - 08.1998
- Assisted Sales Managers by preparing reports and providing general clerical support.
Administrative Assistant to VP of Business Dev.
Eichleay Engineers, Inc.
Pittsburgh,, PA
03.1989 - 05.1997
- Supported the Vice President of Business Development, including attending meetings with high level clients.
- Typed proposals and prepared call reports using Sales Manager & EMMIS software.
- Special event coordination - managed golf outings at various country clubs in the Pittsburgh area.
- Managed and purchased promotional giveaways by meeting with vendors and ordering and maintaining inventory.
Education
Advanced Certificate - Corporate Communications
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA 08.2017 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Benefits Administration/Administrative Management
Robert Morris University
Coraopolis, PA05-1988
Associate of Science - Word Processing
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA06-1985
Skills
- Benefits Strategy Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- HRIS System Management
- Leave of Absence Management
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Program Leadership
Certfications
- Certified Leave Management Specialist - 2024
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist - 2010
- Group Benefit Associate - 2006
- Licensed Producer in PA & NC - Fixed Annuities, Life, Accident & Health - 2003 - present
Timeline
Benefits Manager
The Verland Foundation Inc.
02.2018 - Current
Advanced Certificate - Corporate Communications
Duquesne University
08.2017 - 05.2018
Sr. Account Manager
A. J. Gallagher
07.2010 - 02.2018
Employee Benefit Consultant
Quality Management Systems Consulting
08.2009 - 07.2010
Account Manager
BABB, Inc.
10.2007 - 08.2009
Employee Benefit Specialist/Manager
Jacobson & Associates/Wagner Agency
10.2007 - 10.2008
Support Services Representative
Atkinson & Company, DBA Benefit Partners
09.1998 - 07.2007
Sales Assistant
Temp Agency, Assigned to Allegheny Ludlum
06.1997 - 08.1998
Administrative Assistant to VP of Business Dev.
Eichleay Engineers, Inc.
03.1989 - 05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Benefits Administration/Administrative Management
Robert Morris University
Associate of Science - Word Processing
Community College of Allegheny County
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