About Us
Since 1999, Champion Benefits has been a trusted partner for our clients. Led by Neil Phillips, who has been consistently recognized as a Top Employee Benefit Advisor by Atlanta Business Chronicle/NAIFA, our mission is to transform the client experience by providing a greater depth and breadth of cutting-edge tools and resources, personalized solutions, innovative thinking, and top tier collaboration.
Our highly vetted and experienced benefits team has become known as a leading curator of advanced benefit solutions. The founding aspirational vision was reflected in “Champion” being part of our name, which means “to work for or fight for the cause of another; to contend for another’s rights.” This continues to undergird our approach and commitment to our clients.
In 2018, Champion Benefits joined Alera Group as the first firm based in Georgia. Since then, Alera Group has grown to become the 11th largest independent insurance and financial services firm in the nation with over 4,200 employees, 180 firms, and thousands of clients across the country.
Throughout this evolution, what remains consistent is holding our clients at the core of our focus. Which is to say, we do employee benefits with you and your employees wellbeing and success at the center of all we do. The Way It Should Be.
Meet Our Team
Neil Phillips
Managing Partner
Neil Phillips is the Managing Partner of Alera Group's Atlanta office after serving as the President for Champion Benefits from 1999-2018. As a licensed insurance benefits counselor with over 29 years of experience, Neil and his team work with mid to large employers to deploy advanced cost management strategies and innovation. His experience working with a broad spectrum of industries from technology to healthcare to manufacturing provides a diverse and modern range of insights that enable him to create the most competitive and creative benefit offerings for his clients.
Neil’s drive, authenticity, and dedication as an ambitious leader has cultivated an impressive and loyal client following. His philosophy centers on a high level of excellence and high-touch service which sets the foundation for the way he and his team serves their clients – seeking to be their champion in creating better healthcare experiences.
Neil has been honored as a Top Employee Benefit Advisor in Georgia by NAIFA (2020-2025) and is a multi-year recipient of the prestigious Alera Group's President’s Million Dollar Club, an exclusive recognition awarded to a select group of the nation’s top benefit consultants.
Connect on LinkedInBrett Virgin
Senior Consultant
Brett began his career in employee benefits in 2000. Over the years, he has assisted numerous mid-market employers, with their group medical, dental, life, and disability insurance needs. Brett has been instrumental in guiding companies through the implementation of partially self-funded plans and health insurance captives. Additionally, he possesses extensive experience in executive benefit planning, including supplemental disability insurance for highly compensated employees. In 2004, Brett earned the CFP® designation.
Connect on LinkedInAnne Hudson
Senior Client Executive
Anne joined Alera Group as Senior Client Executive with 10+ years of employee benefits experience, managing large diverse books of business at other consulting firms. She has consulted clients of all sizes but specializes in mid-to-large self-funded employers. She has unique experience to offer clients with regard to self-funding and stop-loss considerations that will protect organizations from unforeseen compliance gaps or financial impacts. Anne also brings innovative and extensive consulting experience in the offering of onsite or near-site healthcare clinic offerings to your employee benefits package, removing barriers and incentivizing preventive whole-person healthcare for employees. You can count on Anne to ensure you are successful in maintaining a competitive advantage by helping to attract and retain top talent through a transformational and strategic approach. Anne has a genuine passion for people, a high attention to detail, and strong work ethic. Clients and associates trust Anne because she creates a service environment focused on embracing humility, kindness, and transparency for the good of your organization as well as employees.
Rebecca Watters
Senior Account Executive
Rebecca studied Risk Management and Insurance at Georgia State University, where she graduated Cum Laude. She started working in the employee benefits industry in 2012. Rebecca joined Alera Group with nearly 13 years of experience, holding both consulting and leadership roles with her prior firm. She has experience working with clients in all industries and of all sizes but specializes in mid-to-large employers. Rebecca focuses on strategic plan design, alternative funding arrangements, and claims analytics when consulting with clients. She enjoys problem solving, bringing creative solutions to the table, and focusing on the human element of the employee benefits industry. Rebecca’s passion, work ethic, and integrity have helped her to create deep and lasting relationships with her clients and within the industry. Rebecca holds designations as a General Benefits Associate (GBA) and a Certified Self-Funding Specialist (CSFS).
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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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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Legal Alert: Agencies Clarify How Certain Fertility Benefits May be Treated as Excepted Benefits
This alert is of interest to all employers that offer fertility benefits or may be interested in offering fertility benefits in the future.
November 4, 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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