About Us
Our strength lies in the diversity of the communities we serve, and the broad reach of our team allows us to leverage a multitude of resources for the benefit of every client. With long-standing offices in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, and San Angelo, we are proud to be a major player in one of the state’s most dynamic regions. We take pride in being a forward-thinking leader in the risk management industry across West Texas, combining national strength with our trusted local presence to deliver even greater value. Our team works closely with clients to develop tailored strategies that go far beyond standard insurance policies. For us, it’s all about relationships. Earning trust, delivering value, and being there when it matters most.
We embrace a culture rooted in service. Taking the time to walk alongside our clients, understanding their operations, identifying risks, and offering meaningful recommendations that help strengthen and support long-term success. Our boots-on-the-ground approach allows us to bring real-world insights into every conversation and create protection strategies with purpose. That same commitment extends to our communities. We believe in giving back, serving others, and building lasting goodwill.
At Alera Group, our work doesn’t stop once a policy is written. Our Pathway to Client Success is built on ongoing collaboration, proactive support, and thoughtful planning. It’s how we ensure you’re protected and positioned for what’s next.
Meet Our Team
Cliff Craig, CPCU, CIC
Risk Consultant
Cliff attended the University of Texas at Austin and has worked in the insurance industry since 1974, bringing more than five decades of expertise to his clients. Known for his analytical mind and deep knowledge of what he calls “the business of insurance,” Cliff helps clients identify exposures to loss and design insurance-based risk transfer solutions that protect what matters most.
Born in Houston, Cliff has called Amarillo home since 1959 and has long been a leader in the local business community. Outside of work, Cliff values time with his family, traveling, and playing golf.
Ashley Gutierrez
Risk Consultant
As an Amarillo native, Ashley is deeply rooted in the community she serves. With a strong background in sales and relationship development, she has built her career around connecting with people and helping businesses grow. Ashley is passionate about fostering meaningful partnerships and supporting initiatives that strengthen the local community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friend and her loyal Cavapoo, Riggins, who rarely leaves her side.
Johnathan Leonhart, CIC, CRM
Risk Consultant
Johnathan has built a career in the insurance industry, gaining extensive experience negotiating high-risk and high-value contracts for clients in industries such as oil and gas, propane, energy, construction, trucking, manufacturing, restaurants, grocery, convenience stores, and commercial property. He earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designations and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from West Texas A&M University.
A lifelong Amarillo resident, Johnathan and his high school sweetheart are proud parents of identical twin daughters. He enjoys that his career allows him to work with people nationwide. Outside of insurance, he has a passion for food and travel.
LinkedInJeff Neely III, CPCU, CIC
Senior Partner
Jeff has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been part of our team since 1980. He specializes in medical malpractice and contractor risks and helps clients navigate complex exposures with tailored solutions. A Texas Tech graduate, he earned his finance degree Magna Cum Laude and holds both the CPCU and CIC designations. A past president of the Amarillo Chapter of the Independent Insurance Agents and recipient of the Professional Insurance Person Award, Jeff is recognized for his leadership and expertise.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and his ten grandchildren, as well as tennis, golf, fly-fishing, snow skiing, flying, woodworking, playing guitar, and traveling.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
The Compliance Pathway Q1
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
March 5, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Alera Group Presents: Navigating Medicare
The knowledgeable team at Alera Group is here to help you navigate your Medicare options to ensure you feel confident in your post-65 healthcare coverage.
March 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
The Funding Edge: Why Fully Insured Limits Control — and What Modern Funding Unlocks
A funding decision framework leaders can use to evaluate options and align on next steps.
March 17, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st
Reminder: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st
February 26, 2026
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Property and Casualty
AI-Powered Cyber Attacks, Why Yesterday’s Defenses Aren’t Enough.
The widespread availability of AI technology, combined with the ease of manipulating video calls, makes phone and Zoom calls susceptible to exploitation by threat actors.
February 2, 2026
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Employee Benefits
IRS Releases Guidance Related to Recent HSA Changes
The IRS recently released Notice 2026-5, which provides guidance and answers to common questions related to the expanded availability of health savings accounts (“HSA”) under the Reconciliation Act (previously named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) passed into law earlier this year.
December 30, 2025
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Are you prepared for 2026? Property and Casualty Trends Uncovered
The sixth annual Property and Casualty Market Outlook from Alera Group sets the stage for how organizations can recalibrate their risk strategies in 2026. Built on thousands of data points — including a nationwide survey of insurance company partners and wholesale intermediaries — this report delivers actionable insights for insurance buyers, risk managers and business leaders.
December 17, 2025
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