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 OfficerChris 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 ManagerNikki 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 ManagerSamantha 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 AssistantLisa 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.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
When Captive Insurance Makes Sense
In this session, our experts will talk about how captives work, the advantages and disadvantages and what you need to know to determine whether they make sense for your organization.
November 21, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign UpEmployee Benefits
Q4 Compliance Update
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
December 3, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign UpEmployee 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 Report and explain how these trends can impact your benefits program this year.
January 16, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign UpTHOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
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
Find out moreEmployee Benefits
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
Find out moreEmployee Benefits
Courts Ablaze with Tobacco Surcharge Class Action Lawsuits
Tobacco surcharges, or an increase in premiums for employees who use tobacco products, are attractive to employers looking to keep their employee population healthy and lower their healthcare costs. But they can go too far, and many employers might not be aware of the limitations.
November 15, 2024
Find out moreEmployee Benefits
Key Considerations for All Employers: Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAE) Final Rule
This September, the tri-agencies (Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service, and Health and Human Services) released the long-awaited Final Rule regarding the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAE Final Rule). The Final Rule, which is effective on November 22, 2024, has a series of enforcement dates, most of which begin on plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
November 15, 2024
Find out more