Wanda Starks
Carrollton,TX
Summary
Dynamic Senior Benefits Consultant with extensive experience at Hotchkiss Insurance Agency, excelling in winning new business, benefits administration and relationship building. Achieved significant cost reductions through strategic negotiations and enhanced employee satisfaction by streamlining enrollment processes. Proven ability to mentor teams and foster collaboration, ensuring compliance and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Benefits Consultant
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
Carrollton, TX
05.2021 - Current
- Analyzed client benefits needs to recommend and place appropriate insurance solutions.
- Consistently exceeded annual sales and retention targets.
- Streamlined benefits enrollment process, improving overall efficiency for our department and clients.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and updating internal policies accordingly.
- Mentored junior consultants and account management teams in benefits analysis and client service.
- Maintained accurate records of employee eligibility, enrollments, terminations, and changes within benefit systems to ensure proper administration of all plans.
- Collaborated with HR teams to develop strategic benefits plans that aligned with organizational goals and objectives, resulting in improved employee retention rates.
- Served as a trusted resource for senior management regarding complex benefits-related issues or questions requiring specialized expertise.
- Explained benefits to plan participants in easy to understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
- Continued to build relationships with carriers and general agencies to foster quality service delivery.
- Evaluated and presented new benefit offerings including self funding by conducting thorough analyses of employee needs, market trends, and cost implications.
- Educated staff on the value of various benefit offerings through engaging presentations and informative materials, leading to increased appreciation and utilization of available programs.
- Enhanced overall benefit package attractiveness by conducting market research and benchmarking against industry standards.
- Conducted regular audits of benefit plan offerings to identify areas for improvement or cost savings opportunities.
- Streamlined annual open enrollment period by offering user-friendly online platforms for employees to select their preferred benefit options.
Benefits Department Manager
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
Carrollton, TX
05.2010 - 05.2021
- Continued to lead department in the sale of new business accounts, developing into middle markets.
- Led operational strategies to enhance team productivity and efficiency across multiple departments.
- Managed daily workflows, ensuring timely completion of tasks and adherence to company standards.
- Developed training programs for new hires, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Streamlined processes by implementing best practices, resulting in improved service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Benefits Department Coordinator
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
Carrollton, TX
07.2005 - 05.2010
- Revitalized the Benefits department by implementing structured processes, improving administration and strengthening vendor relationships.
- Consulted with Business clients on employee benefits strategy, presenting plan options and securing new accounts.
- Precessed new business enrollments.
- Collaborated with internal departments for integration of benefit records in existing CRM.
- Built relationships with commercial producers for cross selling opportunities to establish employee benefits book of business.
- Coordinated departmental operations to enhance communication and workflow efficiency.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational procedures and best practices.
Education
Studies in Christian Education
Northwest Bible College
Minot, NDSkills
- Consultative Sales
- Benefits administration
- Financial acumen
- Relationship building
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability
Certification
TX Life and Health and Property License
RHU-Registered Health Underwriter-American College
REBC-Registered Employee Benefits Consultant-NABIP
CIC-Certified Insurance Counselor-The Alliance
Timeline
Senior Benefits Consultant
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
05.2021 - Current
Benefits Department Manager
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
05.2010 - 05.2021
Benefits Department Coordinator
Hotchkiss Insurance Agency
07.2005 - 05.2010
Studies in Christian Education
Northwest Bible College