Preston Trail Community Church‐ TrailKids team lead January 2005‐ Present
Melanie Horton
Senior Benefits Consultant
Frisco,Texas
Summary
I am a professional benefit expert with almost three decades of experience working with large employers managing employee benefit cost while building client relationships and increasing company profitability. I lead cross-functional teams to achieve goals. Highly motivated in discovering the “why” and benefit outliers to reduce claim trend. I like finding the data outliers. Self-motivated Benefits Specialist demonstrating superior understanding of employee benefits laws and human resource software systems. Astute professional providing benefits support in fast-paced corporate settings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Senior Benefit Consultant
Brown & Brown Insurance
Plano, TX
2023 - 2024
- Oversee and assume responsibility for large client relationships.
- Conducted regular audits of benefit plan offerings to identify areas for improvement or cost savings opportunities.
- Advise clients on analysis options, potential solution and cost savings opportunities.
- Evaluated potential new benefit offerings by conducting thorough analyses of employee needs, market trends, and cost implications.
- Improved employee satisfaction by implementing streamlined benefits enrollment processes and providing personalized guidance.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and updating internal policies accordingly.
- Drive strategy and grow client relations and revenue.
- Demonstrate leadership by managing and/or mentoring colleagues.
- Manage complex projects, teams and client deliverables.
- Develop multi-year strategic plans incorporating client's specific business needs and objectives.
- Develop relationships across internal, client and vendor organizations.
- Lead business development of prospective client opportunities.
- Partner with the broader consulting team and specialists to deliver on consulting projects.
- Prepare for and facilitate client meetings.
- Lead the execution of client benefit strategies, vendor solicitation and implementation of solutions.
- Analyze vendor products, proposals, and services.
- Address escalated client and vendor requests and service needs.
- Support ad-hoc client requests.
Chief Operating Officer
Medina USA
Frisco, TX
2020 - 2022
- Boutique women owned consulting firm focused on employers looking to grow in the North Texas/Frisco area
- Worked with startup employers to assist them with marketing, branding, business development and networking
- Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals.
- Help set up the new business with technology and billing. Read and interpreted contracts for establishing a new business
Senior Consultant-Business Development
Holmes Murphy & Associates
Dallas, Texas
01.2002 - 02.2020
- Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Reserve Analysis, Internal Underwriting and Renewal Projection.
- Data mining experience focused on process improvement.
- Develop sponsor strategies around PBM contracting, clinical wellness, network modeling.
- ACA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA and HIPAA experience.
- Analyze Stop Loss & Contribution Modeling, Budget Creation.
- Prepare and present reports for Stewardship, Strategies and Renewals.
- Plan design and Utilization Review, Marketing and Procurement Analysis and vendor management.
- Proactive Compliance Training.
- Clinical Wellness Expertise.
- International Benefits.
- Key producer bringing in long term key marquis accounts to foster company growth.
National Account Executive
PacifiCare Health Systems
1995 - 2002
- Worked with consultants and brokers across the country to educate and facilitate growth for PacifiCare’s National Account Solutions.
- Consistently exceeded sales quota and was frequently among the top 10 performers in the nation.
- Conducted regular client reviews to assess account performance and identify areas for improvement or upselling potential.
- Analyzed market trends and adjusted sales tactics accordingly, maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.
- Strengthened customer relationships for long-term success through consistent, personalized communication and service.
- Established clear lines of communication between departments involved in servicing national accounts, fostering collaboration toward common goals.
Education
BBA - Marketing Management
University of North Texas
Denton, TX 05.1987 - 05.1991
Skills
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPERT
Written and oral communication
Policy Interpretation
Teamwork and Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Time Management, Multitasking Abilities
Healthcare Industry Knowledge
Employee Relations
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Benefits Administration
Financial Acumen
Adaptability and Flexibility
Team Collaboration
Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking
References
- Den Bishop, President, Holmes Murphy & Associates, (214) 693-0449
- Sean Sendelbach, VP Business Development, Holmes Murphy & Associates, 214-728-9272, Ssendelbach@holmesmurphy.com
Certification
General Lines Agent TDI 882332
Interests
Downtown Advisory Board ﴾DAB﴿‐ Appointed Member at Large by Frisco City Council September 2019 to Present- Secretary
Interest
- Ambassador‐ Frisco Chamber of Commerce 2017‐2019
- FISD District Advisory Council- Whole Child Subcommittee September 2019 to present
- Texas Downtown Association‐ Education Committee Member October 2018-September 2020
Timeline
Senior Benefit Consultant
Brown & Brown Insurance
2023 - 2024
Chief Operating Officer
Medina USA
2020 - 2022
Senior Consultant-Business Development
Holmes Murphy & Associates
01.2002 - 02.2020
National Account Executive
PacifiCare Health Systems
1995 - 2002
BBA - Marketing Management
University of North Texas
05.1987 - 05.1991