Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Technology
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic
Open To Work
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Tara Blevins

Elizabethton,TN

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Flexible

Desired Job Title

Payroll & Benefits AdministratorBenefits AdministratorLife and Health Account ManagerPublishing AssistantPublishing Editor

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract Work

Location Preference

RemoteHybrid
Location: Elizabethton, TN, USJohnson City, TN
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Work-life balanceWork from home option

Summary

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Meade Tractor
Johnson City, Tennessee
03.2025 - 04.2026
  • Process multi-state payroll for all employees using advanced payroll software.
  • Administer employee benefits, ensuring compliance with company policies.
  • Maintain accurate employee records in the HR management system.
  • Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and benefits issues.
  • Educate staff about available benefits and enrollment procedures.
  • Assist employees with questions regarding their compensation or retirement accounts.
  • Coordinate open enrollment events to educate employees about available benefit options .
  • Review and process employee benefits, payroll deductions, and garnishments.
  • Manage 401k contributions to ensure accuracy in reporting to the IRS.
  • Generate detailed reports on employee benefit costs for budgeting purposes.
  • Work closely with Human Resources department to ensure accurate processing of personnel changes like promotions or terminations.
  • Research health and safety practices, recommending changes or modifications to existing policies.

HR Manager

Meade Tractor
Johnson City, TN
04.2020 - 03.2025
  • Managed compensation and benefit plans, worker's compensation, payroll processing, fleet vehicles, ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local employment laws
  • Administered benefits programs to support employee well-being and satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with management on organizational development initiatives and strategies.
  • Resolved employee relations issues through effective communication and mediation.
  • Oversaw payroll processes ensuring accuracy and timely distribution of salaries.
  • Created and maintained personnel records, such as hiring documents, benefits information and payroll data.
  • Developed and implemented HR policies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Managed performance appraisal processes, ensuring consistency and fairness in evaluations.
  • Analyzed workforce data to identify trends and recommend strategic HR improvements.
  • Streamlined onboarding processes, improving new hire integration and satisfaction rates.
  • Managed employee relations, investigating and resolving conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.
  • Oversaw payroll functions, ensuring accuracy while maintaining strict confidentiality standards for sensitive employee information.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.

Benefits Administrator

Meade Tractor
Kingsport, TN
09.2017 - 03.2020
  • Administered employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and organizational policies.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive benefits documentation for employee reference and training purposes.
  • Collaborated with HR team to streamline onboarding processes related to benefits enrollment and orientation.
  • Evaluated vendor performance to enhance service delivery and cost-effectiveness of benefit plans.
  • Provided guidance to employees on benefits options, fostering informed decision-making regarding their selections.
  • Led annual open enrollment initiatives, coordinating communication strategies to maximize employee participation rates.

Life and Health Account Manager

Trustpoint Insurance
Bristol, VA
08.2012 - 08.2017
  • Sales and service of Individual Life, Health, Long Term Care, and Disability Insurance policies
  • Sales and service of Employee Benefits Accounts
  • Coordinated insurance policy renewals and ensured compliance with company standards.
  • Analyzed client needs and recommended appropriate insurance solutions and services.
  • Resolved client inquiries promptly, ensuring timely communication and support.
  • Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Acted as main point of contact in matters relating to client concerns and needs.

Director of Customer Service

Kerr-Boswell, Inc.
Bristol, VA
04.2004 - 08.2012
  • Sales and service of Individual Life, Health, Long Term Care, and Disability Insurance policies
  • Sales and service of Employee Benefits Accounts
  • Sales and service of financial products and retirement accounts
  • Oversaw resolution of escalated customer issues to ensure timely responses.
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints in a professional manner.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure customer needs were met in a timely manner.
  • Maintained knowledge base documentation related to product features, services, system updates.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration - Corporate Finance and Investments

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
12.2002

High School Diploma -

Unaka High School
Carter County, TN
05.1998

Skills

Payroll administration

Employee benefits management

Compliance regulations

HR information systems

401k plan management

Payroll processing

Time and attendance systems

Financial recordkeeping

Report generation

Multi-tasking capacity

Payroll software proficiency

Enrollment procedures

Strong analytical skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Provider relations

Invoicing audits

HR experience

Problem-solving

Task prioritization

Risk assessment

Compliance reporting

Certification

  • Insurance Producer, Tennessee, 01/01/03, current, Life Insurance License, Accident & Health Insurance License, Variable Products License
  • Property & Casualty Insurance License, Tennessee, 01/01/22, current, 883147
  • Insurance Producer, Virginia, Property & Casualty Insurance License, 01/01/22, current, Life Insurance License, 12/01/04, current, Accident & Health Insurance License, 01/01/05, current, Variable Products License, 01/01/05, 01/01/14, 7563621
  • Financial Certification, Tennessee, 01/01/04, 01/01/14, Series 7, Series 63, CRD # 4828071
  • Financial Certification, Virginia, 01/01/04, 01/01/14
  • Financial Certification, North Carolina, 01/01/06, 01/01/12

Technology

Windows, Mac OS-X, Microsoft Office, iWork, Adobe Pro, Equip, AMS 360, Applied Agency Manager, Benefit Point, Image Right/Work Smart, ADP Workforce Now, ADP Smart Compliance, Concur Solutions

Professional Development

  • Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, 2011, Computer Science and Information Systems, Intro to Programming I, Principles of Info Security, Computer Organization I
  • East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 2008, ETS2701, A Guide to Professional Billing and Coding

Timeline

Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Meade Tractor
03.2025 - 04.2026

HR Manager

Meade Tractor
04.2020 - 03.2025

Benefits Administrator

Meade Tractor
09.2017 - 03.2020

Life and Health Account Manager

Trustpoint Insurance
08.2012 - 08.2017

Director of Customer Service

Kerr-Boswell, Inc.
04.2004 - 08.2012

High School Diploma -

Unaka High School

Bachelor of Business Administration - Corporate Finance and Investments

East Tennessee State University