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.
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.
Lynn Struck
Account Manager
Lynn joined the firm in 2021 as an Account Manager and brings with her with 20 years of industry experience. In her role, she assists clients will all aspects of customer service, including being a day to day contact and problem solving any issues that may arise. She also assists with benefit plan design and advises, educates, and coordinates internal and external resources to meet clients' needs and expectations. She also facilitates open enrollment meetings and employee education throughout the year. Lynn holds a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University as well as a Life and Health License.
Dave Tomasic
Senior Financial Consultant
Dave joined the firm in 2022 and is a Senior Financial Consultant. Dave works with clients to design, implement, and support high-performing benefit plans. He has over 20 years of experience in working with self-funded clients, including forecasting and ongoing plan management. Dave enjoys reviewing claims data to look for trends and cost drivers, and proposing solutions that are tailored to each individual client. He also has extensive experience with actuarial modeling to assist clients with selecting benefit plans that help them attract and retain employees. Dave has a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Mathematics from the Pennsylvania State University and is a Group Benefits Associate (GBA) from the ISCEBS.
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
Navigating Medicare: Educational Webinar
The knowledgeable team at Alera Group is here to help you navigate your Medicare options to ensure you feel confident in your post-65 healthcare coverage.
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
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
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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
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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
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Legal Alert: IRS Issues Affordability Percentage Adjustment for 2026
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Rev. Proc. 2025-25, which contains the inflation adjusted amounts for 2026 used to determine whether employer-sponsored coverage is “affordable” for purposes of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) employer shared responsibility provisions and premium tax credit program.
July 23, 2025
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