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.
Trisha Schwab
Senior Account Coordinator
Trisha 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
Receptionist
Wendy 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.
Blair Stackhouse
Senior Benefit Technology Analyst
Blair graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in 2008. She had a double major in History and Classical Civilizations and triple minor in Women and Gender Studies, Philosophy, and Theater. She has been in the insurance industry since 2011. Prior to joining Alera Group, she worked at another agency for five years where her most recent position was the Marketing Coordinator. Blair joined Alera Group as a Customer Service Representative in April 2017 before moving to the role of Account Manager in January 2018. In October 2018, the Benefit Technology Analyst role was created. She began working in a shared position with the Rochester office as a Benefits Administration Team Lead in 2021. Blair has been licensed in Life, Accident, and Health since 2013.
Jennifer Starbard
Client Operations Manager
Jennifer joined the firm in 2005 and currently serves as a Client Operations Manager. In this role, she specializes in supporting our clients throughout the entire benefits lifecycle—from onboarding to renewal. Jennifer collaborates closely with Account Managers and Producers to ensure a seamless, client-focused experience. She leads new client onboarding, coordinates internal RFPs, and manages a select book of business with care and precision. Jennifer also facilitates renewal documentation, oversees open enrollment processes, and maintains accurate plan information for each client. She ensures that every operational detail aligns with client goals and compliance standards. With over 20 years of customer service experience and a Life and Health license, Jennifer is committed to operational excellence and building strong, lasting relationships through proactive, detail-oriented service.
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
Foundations – Understanding the Multigenerational Workforce
In our three-part webinar series, Designing Benefits That Work – A Data-Driven, Multigenerational Focus, we’ll explore multigenerational workforce insights, debunk generational myths, share early- and late-career planning strategies, review legal and compliance trends and provide actionable tools and resources.
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 am CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
The 2026 Market Reality: Why Costs Feel Uncontrollable — and Where Leaders Still Have Leverage
A clear map of where leaders can act in 2026 and how to prioritize decisions that move cost and outcomes.
January 22, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
Designing Benefits for Early - and Mid-Career Employees
In our three-part webinar series, Designing Benefits That Work – A Data-Driven, Multigenerational Focus, we’ll explore multigenerational workforce insights, debunk generational myths, share early- and late-career benefit strategies, review legal and compliance trends, and provide actionable tools and resources.
February 4, 2026 at 10:00 am CT | Virtual
Sign Up
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
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
Find out more
Employee Benefits
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
Find out more Employee Benefits
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
Find out more Employee Benefits
2025 Leave Report: Insights to Guide 2026 Leave Planning
Explore Alera Group’s 2025 Leave Report. Benchmark PTO, parental leave, and holiday policies to strengthen employee retention and recruitment as you plan for 2026 and beyond.
October 1, 2025
Find out more