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
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.
Stephenie L. Owen, CPA
VP of Finance
Stephenie brings strong financial leadership and attention to detail to the agency. A Texas Society of CPAs member, she has spent most of her career in Amarillo, aside from a three-year chapter in Dallas. Her roots in the community run deep, and her unique name carries family meaning.
Outside of the office, Stephenie’s greatest joy is her family. She and her husband love cheering on their daughter in sports, camping, and spending time together in the mountains.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Benchmarking That Drives Decisions: Why Averages Mislead — and What Best-in-Class Data Reveals
A clear, data-driven view of the 2026 employee benefits landscape grounded in benchmarking results.
June 16, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
GLP-1s at Scale: Why Weight-Loss Drug Decisions Are Now a Financial Strategy
A GLP-1 decision framework plus scenarios.
July 21, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
Open Enrollment That Works: Why Employees Do Not Engage — and How Modern Communications Drive Better Choices
Practical communication strategies to strengthen open enrollment effectiveness and employee decision-making.
August 18, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: IRS Releases 2027 HSA Contribution Limits and Other Limits
In Rev. Proc. 2026-24, the IRS released the inflation adjusted amounts for 2027 relevant to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs). The table below summarizes those adjustments and other applicable limits.
June 3, 2026
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Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: PBM Transparency Coming Soon
Two recent movements on the federal level have paved the way for greater pharmacy benefit manager (“PBM”) transparency for group health plans.
May 22, 2026
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Why is umbrella liability getting so expensive?
While most commercial insurance pricing has softened in 2026, umbrella liability has not. In fact, it’s moving in the opposite direction.
May 4, 2026
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Property and Casualty
AI Isn’t Liable for the Mistake. You Are.
Artificial intelligence is powerful. It’s also wrong more often than people want to admit.
If you use AI to support or deliver professional services, any mistake it makes is still your responsibility. Not the software’s. Not the vendor’s. Yours.
April 1, 2026
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