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.
Cole Wixted
Senior Account Manager
Cole joined the firm in 2022 and is now a Senior Account Manager, primarily focusing on small- to mid-size clients. Prior to joining Alera Group, Cole held various leadership and healthcare administration roles, giving him a unique understanding of the healthcare industry. This industry experience is invaluable in supporting clients’ group administrators and advocating for their employees. In his current role, Cole analyzes employee benefit plan arrangements and provides detailed comparisons to help clients make informed decisions about their benefits packages. He is dedicated to building strong client relationships and managing daily communications, ensuring client retention. Cole also facilitates and conducts open enrollment meetings, utilizing employee communications materials and coordinating with carriers. He takes pride in serving as an extension of clients’ HR teams, helping employees understand, navigate and utilize their offered benefits. Cole is a valuable resource for both clients and their employees. He holds Life & Health licenses in the states of Maryland and Delaware.
Paula Wohlfort
Account Executive
Paula works with both large and small group fully insured clients as well as self-funded clients. In her role, she assists with everything from client and employee support to renewals and open enrollment. She has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry.
In addition, Paula also works with individual clients regarding service issues as well as processing individual life applications to ensure the policy is issued.
Paula holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore
and holds a Life & Health license in the state of Maryland.
Gale Woods, LUTCF, RHU
Senior Vice President
Gale joined the firm in 1989 and is Senior Vice President. Gale provides strategic account development and vital support for large regional and national self-funded employers, and is considered an expert in the field. She is dedicated to the account management of current clients and the development of new client relationships. Using her expertise, Gale is able to formulate a detailed plan design analysis of various benefits to aid clients in making informed decisions regarding their benefits. Gale holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Denison University. Gale is a current board member of the American Red Cross, Central Maryland and a former board member of Baltimore County Department of Social Services. She holds the Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) and Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designations as well as her 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
Benchmarking That Drives Decisions: Why Averages Mislead — and What Best-in-Class Data Reveals
A clear, data-driven view of the 2026 employee benefits landscape grounded in benchmarking results.
June 16, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
GLP-1s at Scale: Why Weight-Loss Drug Decisions Are Now a Financial Strategy
A GLP-1 decision framework plus scenarios.
July 21, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
Open Enrollment That Works: Why Employees Do Not Engage — and How Modern Communications Drive Better Choices
Practical communication strategies to strengthen open enrollment effectiveness and employee decision-making.
August 18, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st
Reminder: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st
February 26, 2026
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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
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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
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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
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