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.
Samantha Poturalski
Account ManagerSamantha joined the firm in 2013 and is an Account Manager. She works primarily with large group clients. In her role, she assists account managers with all aspects of customer service, including proposals, audits, renewals, client collateral, open enrollment meetings and day-to-day support. She researches, reviews and resolves claim and enrollment issues promptly and offers valuable support for clients’ group administrators, the human resources department and is an advocate for the employees. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Salisbury University as well as a Life and Health License.
Katie Rivera
Account CoordinatorKatie joined Alera Group in 2023 as an Account Coordinator. Working with both small and large clients, Katie assists with customer service inquiries and day-to-day support for the team. Before coming to Alera, Katie was Head Optician for a pediatric ophthalmologist and has extensive experience in vision benefits, as well as customer and patient care.
Trisha Schwab
Senior Account CoordinatorTrisha joined the firm in October 2020 and is a Senior Account Coordinator. She assists Account Managers and other Account Coordinators with customer service, claim issues, audits, open enrollments, renewals and day-to-day support. Trisha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a Business Administration Minor. She has over 10 years of experience in nonprofits, operations and healthcare. Trisha received her Life & Health Insurance License in January 2022.
Wendy Solomon
ReceptionistWendy joined the firm in 2016 and is the Receptionist. Wendy supports the SIG team by providing exceptional customer service, administrative assistance, and marketing team support by updating the company intranet and preparing client collateral.
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
Meeting the Needs of an Aging Workforce
Our experts will provide tips and insights about how to incorporate Medicare, menopause benefits, retirement, communications best practices and other hot topics for older workers into your program successfully and without breaking the bank.
October 17, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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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
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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
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Insights
Employee Benefits
Webinar: Meeting the Needs of an Aging Workforce
Why is recognizing and addressing the priorities of older workers an imperative? Because, as Bain’s analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data determined, workers 55 and older will exceed a quarter of the workforce among G7 nations, including the United States, by 2031. Older workers typically have different priorities and needs compared to their younger colleagues, as Alera Group will examine and discuss on October 17 during the next event in our Engage series of employee benefits webinars, “Meeting the Needs of an Aging Workforce.”
October 3, 2024
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Wellbeing Fair Sessions — When and Where You Like
Themed “Live for Tomorrow,” Alera Group's 2024 Employee Wellbeing Fair is now available online, where you can access all eight sessions, select which ones you want to view and watch them at your convenience.
October 2, 2024
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Preparing for 2025: Creditable Coverage, Enrolling in Medicare and HSA Contributions
With significant changes coming in 2025 to creditable coverage determinations, employers and employees may have questions on what that means for them, whether they make the decision to enroll in Medicare Part D or continue to have coverage under their group health plan.
September 5, 2024
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Webinar: Better Benefits Administration and Lower Costs
If you don’t have expert assistance to guide you and your organization in the in using a sophisticated benefits portal, you’re wasting a lot of the money your business has invested — and probably frustrating the employees you mean to serve. Working with a brokerage that offers not only a leading-edge benefits portal but also year-round support and services enables your employees to seamlessly access, understand and navigate the portal, creating a positive benefits experience.
September 5, 2024
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