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.
Janet Weitkamp
Vice President
Janet joined the firm in 2000 and is a Vice President. Janet provides strategic account development and support for group clients of all sizes. She ensures retention of clients by establishing strong relationships and managing daily communications while managing internal and external resources to assist with her clients needs. Janet prepares detailed plan design analysis of various benefits to aid clients in making informed decisions regarding their benefit package. She facilitates and conducts open enrollment meetings through the development of employee communication materials and carrier coordination. Janet has been in the industry since 1988 and holds Life and Health Licenses in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Janet is a current member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and the Baltimore Association of Health Underwriters.
Chris Wiley
Manager of Data Analytics and Financial Analysis
Chris joined the firm in 2008 and is the Manager of Data Analytics and Financial Analysis. As an analyst, Chris uses a proprietary suite of analytic tools to recommend financial solutions. Chris prepares financial/clinical reporting and also works with consultants to examine results of complex financial modeling and analytics. In his current role, he provides detailed analysis to clients concerning their benefit costs, proposed benefit plan designs and deduction modeling scenarios. He designs concise reports illustrating the financial impact of multiple strategies. Chris is an integral part of the strategic team in assisting clients with their budgetary needs in preparing cost per head reports, historical claim analysis, catastrophic claimant breakdowns, and deduction modeling. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree from Towson University as well as a Life and Health license.
Brooke Wingate
Benefits Administrator
Brooke joined the firm in September 2021 as a Benefits Administrator. In her role, she assists the Administration Team with various administrative functions for small, large, and multi-site groups and by conducting benefit audits. She is a graduate from the University of Kentucky, where she studied Communications.
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.
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
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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Employee 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
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Employee 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
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THOUGHT 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
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Employee 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
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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
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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
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