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.
Chris Mottley
Chief Financial Officer
Chris joined the firm in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer and brings over 25 years of experience working with high growth healthcare service companies. Chris is responsible for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial related activities of the firm. Prior to joining SIG, Chris served as CFO for WellDoc, a digital health company focused on solutions to manage chronic disease. Chris also served as CFO of HealthPRO Rehabilitation, a high growth private equity backed national provider of rehabilitation services. Before HealthPRO, he served as a Director with EDG Partners, LLC, a healthcare-focused private equity firm, supporting portfolio investments in pharmacy, hospice and rehabilitation therapy. Prior to EDG, Chris held various accounting and financial roles over a 12-year period with Centennial HealthCare and worked in the Audit Practice of BDO Seidman, LLP. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Georgia.
Nikki Muffoletto
Large Group Proposal Manager
Nikki joined the firm in 2017 and is the Large Group Proposal Manager. In her role, Nikki assists with sending RFP’s, receiving quotes and spreading bids for the account teams. Nikki also assists with training others on the RFP process. She was previously a Senior Account Coordinator and has worked with both large and small group fully insured clients. Nikki holds a Life & Health license in the state of Maryland.
Samantha Nichols
Account Manager
Samantha joined the firm in 2021 and currently works as a Small Group Account Manager. Her role is to help navigate clients through the health insurance world and give the best guidance on the benefits available to them. She assists clients with all aspects of their benefits, including their renewal process, proposals, and day-to-day customer service. Samantha has 2 years of experience working in the insurance industry and 8 years of experience in the legal field. She is a Licensed Producer in Health and Life Insurance and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies and a Master of Science degree in Forensic Studies.
Lisa Norris, APC
Executive Assistant
Lisa joined the firm as an intern in 2007 and is currently an Executive Assistant. She provides high level support for the President as well as operational support for SIG. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Towson University and 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
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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Employee Benefits
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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Spotlight on 2025 Benefit Limits
The IRS has released the 2025 benefit plan limits. The following chart shows some of the key limits for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tax years.
November 15, 2024
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