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
Q4 2025 Quarterly Compliance Webinar
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
November 4, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Navigating Medicare: Educational Webinar
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.
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Property and Casualty
Top 5 Insurance Surprises Businesses Face in Q4 — and How to Prevent Them
As year-end approaches, many organizations focus on closing out financials and planning for the year ahead. It’s also the time when insurance programs often reveal unexpected challenges, some avoidable, others the result of shifting market conditions or overlooked details.
October 30, 2025
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Legal Alert: IRS Adjusts Health Flexible Spending Account and Other Benefit Limits for 2026
This alert is of interest to all employers that sponsor health FSAs and qualified transit plans, among others.
October 10, 2025
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2025 Leave Report: Insights to Guide 2026 Leave Planning
Explore Alera Group’s 2025 Leave Report. Benchmark PTO, parental leave, and holiday policies to strengthen employee retention and recruitment as you plan for 2026 and beyond.
October 1, 2025
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Alera Group’s 2025 Property and Casualty Market Update
Alera Group’s 2025 Property and Casualty Market Update, designed as a bridge between Alera Group’s annual Market Outlooks — provides insight into pricing, coverage availability, market capacity and underwriting trends for the balance of 2025.
August 1, 2025
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