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
Nick Frazier
Account Manager
Nick joined Alera Group with over seven years of employee benefits experience, managing accounts and leading benefit technology implementations/integrations. Nick has a degree in business/finance and brings front-line experience as well as knowledge of day-to-day challenges of all aspects of employee benefit administration. Nick takes high interest in getting to know his clients and is responsible for supporting day to day employee/HR questions and overseeing vendor project plans and implementations.
Abby Abraham
Account Executive
With over seven years of experience in group benefits, Abby has managed a diverse portfolio of accounts – ranging in size, industry and funding arrangements. His approach is grounded in responsiveness, precision and a commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of employee benefits. Abby prides himself on providing proactive, solutions-oriented service that empowers employers to support their employees effectively. Abby holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Health and a Masters Degree in Health Administration.
Lia Gordon
Account Executive
Lia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport and Science from Elon University and a Master of Health Sciences from Georgia State University. With nearly ten years in the employee benefits industry, Lia currently serves as an Account Executive on our Alera Group team.
Originally drawn to the industry through an interest in corporate wellness, Lia takes a holistic approach to benefits consulting while focusing not only on plan performance, but also on employee experience and long-term organizational health. Lia has worked with employers across a wide range of industries including financial institutions, law firms, nonprofit organizations, and manufacturing employers. She is experienced in all funding arrangements, including level-funded and self-funded plans, and particularly enjoys leveraging claims analytics to uncover trends and develop strategic, data-driven solutions.
By combining technical knowledge with a consultative mindset, Lia partners closely with clients to design sustainable benefits strategies tailored to their goals. She values building strong relationships and helping clients navigate the complexities of the employee benefits landscape with confidence.
Sydney Morris
Benefit Solutions Analyst
Sydney Morris is a Benefit Solutions Analyst dedicated to supporting operational initiatives, enhancing benefit communications and finding creative ways to elevate the team’s impact when serving clients.
With a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, a background in operations, and direct experience in the benefits field, Sydney brings insight from fast-paced, technology-driven environments that helps her connect strategy with day-to-day execution. She is passionate about making benefit information clear, accessible and meaningful for both internal teams and the clients they support.
Known for her collaborative approach, Sydney works across departments to improve processes, drive efficiency, and enhance the overall client experience. Her goal is to continually support the team with innovative ideas that strengthen service, communication, and outcomes.
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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