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.
Nikki Glass
Graphic Designer
Nikki joined the firm in 2019 and is a Graphic Designer. Nikki is primarily responsible for the development and creation of benefits overviews, employee communication materials, PowerPoints, websites, and other marketing collateral. Nikki holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Advertising and Integrative Arts from the Pennsylvania State University.
Alex Gregorie-Cope
Proposal and Financial Analyst
Alex joined the firm in 2021 as a Fully Insured Proposal and Financial Analyst. Alex prepares client cost-sharing analyses to include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Ancillary lines of coverage. With a focus on client financials, Alex is often working on employee deduction modeling, executive summaries, and HRA utilization projections. Alex holds a Life and Health license.
Jasmine Hemphill
Account Coordinator
Jasmine joined the office in April 2024 as an Account Coordinator with the Fully Insured Department. She assists Account Managers with all aspects of customer service including claim issues, audits, open enrollments, renewals, benchmarking and day-to-day support. Jasmine brings a wealth of experience, with more than 6 years working in employee benefits.
Emily Heuler
Senior Account Manager
Emily joined the firm in 2020 and is currently a Senior Account Manager. She brings with her 6 years of insurance industry experience. Emily works with primarily small group clients. In her role, she assists clients with all aspects of customer service, including proposals, claims, renewals, and day-to-day support. She researches, reviews and resolves claim and enrollment issues promptly and offers valuable support for group administrators and employees. She ensures retention of clients by establishing strong relationships and managing daily communications. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing from Virginia Tech as well as a 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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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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