About Us
Since 1999, SIG, an employee benefits firm, has been dedicated to partnering with our clients and providing exceptional customer service. The inspirational basis for our operating business principles is: “If you take care of Baltimore, Baltimore will take care of you.” This philosophy has instilled itself in our culture and practice of all employees. SIG has years of industry experience, which has given us an edge over the competition in the vast wealth of knowledge and resources we have gathered. Our employees are passionate about helping and forming long-lasting relationships with others, and when you partner with us, we become a true extension of your company.
In 2017, SIG and 23 other like- minded, entrepreneurial firms came together to form Alera Group. Since then, Alera Group has grown to become the 11th largest independent insurance and financial services firm in the nation with over 4,000 employees, 180 firms, and thousands of clients across the country.
In 2023, we officially began embracing the Alera Group brand. What remains consistent is holding our clients at the core of our business; we focus on bringing personalized solutions, expanding our capabilities, and deepening our resources nationally.
Mission
We go the extra mile to help navigate the healthcare system and marketplace for our clients in order to advise them on the creation of comprehensive benefits plans that align with their core values to maximize their investment while controlling their costs. Our team-oriented approach allows us to become an extension of our clients’ HR departments. Through our vast knowledge and resource base, we keep our clients educated and well informed with the ever-changing healthcare regulations and marketplace.
Core Values
In order to create the organizational culture we desire, we embrace and embody the following core values:
- Partnership
- Integrity
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Passion
- Collaboration
- Excellence
Meet Our Team
People you can count on. People you can trust.
RICHARD B. SILBERSTEIN, CLU, CHFC, RHU
Managing Director, Mid-Atlantic
Richard Silberstein is the Managing Director of the Mid-Atlantic region. An employee benefits industry veteran, Richard founded SIG, now Alera Group, in 1999 to offer personalized, innovative, and cost-effective employee benefit solutions that meet the unique insurance needs of each of the firm’s clients. Under Richard’s strategic direction, the firm has steadily grown to become one of the leading employee benefits brokers and consultants in the country. With a team of highly skilled, licensed brokers and support staff, the firm serves more than 400 corporate clients in 45 states. Richard is a founding member of Alera Group, a firm that was formed in 2017 with 23 other like-minded, high-performing independent firms across the United States that is now the nation’s foremost independent insurance agencies.
Richard began his career in the insurance industry in 1981. In 1984, he joined Franklin/Morris Associates, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Washington and Lee University and earned the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) and RHU (Registered Health Underwriter) designations from the American College.
Richard is active in both his business and local communities. He serves on the Advisory Boards of Regional and National health plans to provide input for product and service offerings. He leads the East Region of Alera Group as well as the Benefit Advisors Network’s (BAN) Data Analytics Peer Group and is a member of BAN’s Marketing Peer Group. He is a member and past president of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council; member of the Board of Directors for Lexington National Insurance Company; past president of the Baltimore Chapter of the Society of Finance Professionals; past president of the McDonogh School Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Trustees of McDonogh School. Richard is also very active with the SIG Community Service Committee and enjoys working with area nonprofits including Living Classrooms, American Heart Association, South Baltimore Learning Center, Blankets for Baltimore, and many others.
Franco Acosta
Account Coordinator
Franco joined the firm in February 2020 as an Account Coordinator. In his role, he assists Account managers with managing benefit services for their clients. He provides assistance with renewals, claim issues and day-to-day support. Prior to being an Account Coordinator, he has experience working in Human Resources departments with benefits, employee relations and onboarding/offboarding. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from George Mason University.
Jillian Albert
Vice President
As a Vice President, Jillian provides strategic account development and support for large fully insured and self-funded clients. Jillian ensures retention of clients by establishing strong relationships and managing daily communications. She is involved with the preparation of detailed plan design analysis, negotiating renewals, implementation and compliance. She manages internal and external resources to assist with client needs.
Jillian also manages a professional team that focuses primarily on large regional and national accounts. She joined the firm in 2004 and has been in the industry since 2000. She holds her Life and Health license.
Tracy Alt
Associate
Tracy joined the firm in 1997 and is an Associate. Tracy is responsible for meeting the life, disability, and long term care needs of high net worth individuals, doctors and business owners, including estate and business planning. She also focuses on client needs from referrals by her financial planner, attorney, and CPA contacts. Tracy entered the industry in 1991 and holds a Life and Health license.
Community Service
Paying it Forward is a core component at our firm. Our culture thrives on community involvement where we proudly support our clients, employees and the communities in which we live and work.
We empower our employees to “pay it forward” by fostering a sense of purpose and providing opportunities for impact in our community. One way we do this is by supporting causes and initiatives proposed by our team and providing opportunities to serve the
We empower our employees to “pay it forward” by fostering a sense of purpose and providing opportunities for impact in our community. One way we do this is by supporting causes and initiatives proposed by our team and providing opportunities to serve the wider world. We believe having a culture that encourages serving and giving is a significant contributor to life and career fulfillment, which enhances our overall wellbeing. With the help from our Culture Committee, we have the opportunity to serve our community together with multiple planned events each year.
We strive to creating lasting relationships with our clients. We are proud to support our clients and friends of the firm in their mission and their organizations that help create meaningful, lasting change in our community. Interested in us serving your
We strive to creating lasting relationships with our clients. We are proud to support our clients and friends of the firm in their mission and their organizations that help create meaningful, lasting change in our community.
Interested in us serving your non-profit or organization? Reach out and let us know! Email us here
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Setting Your Strategy for the New Year: Alera Group's 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook
Our experts will highlight key results from Alera Group’s "2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook" and explain how these trends can impact your benefits program this year.
January 16, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
The Value of Voluntary Benefits
In this session, our experts will showcase the value of voluntary benefits, from financial savings to improved retention to addressing the specific needs of their employees.
March 20, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Balancing Cost and Care: Could Captive Insurance Be the Solution?
In this session, our experts will discuss how Captive Insurance works and what you need to consider for your own group’s needs.
April 17, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
State of the Market for Employee Benefits in 2025
What are the needs and priorities of those in the workforce and the employment market? What are rival businesses offering to attract and retain the best the market has to offer? And what shifts are taking place in the market that employers should anticipate and prepare for? Alera Group’s 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook, scheduled for release on January 16, provides answers to those essential questions.
December 19, 2024
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Employee Benefits
Don’t Forget About Your Gag Clause Attestations
When the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) was enacted on December 27, 2020, it included a provision that prohibits group health plans and health insurance carriers from entering into certain agreements that, either directly or indirectly, restrict the release of certain information related to provider networks and de-identified encounter data, among other things. Such restrictions are commonly referred to as “gag clauses.” The CAA also requires plans and carriers to attest annually that their agreements do not include such impermissible gag clauses.
November 20, 2024
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Avoiding an Employee Lawsuit Over a Tobacco Surcharge Claim
Tobacco surcharges on health insurance premiums for employees who use tobacco products are attractive options for employers looking to keep their workforce healthy while lowering their organization’s healthcare costs. But surcharges can go too far, and many employers may be unaware of the limitations. Alera Group's new whitepaper on tobacco surcharges is designed to assist employers in complying with federal regulations.
November 19, 2024
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Q4 Considerations: New HIPAA Privacy Considerations
Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Final Rule titled HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy.
November 15, 2024
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