About Us
Our History
Since 1975, GCG Financial, LLC, has been a trusted partner for our clients. Our mission has been to enhance the financial security of the businesses and families we serve through exceptional employee benefits, risk management, and wealth management solutions.
In 2017, GCG Financial 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 2022, 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.
Our Team
Trusted. Smart. Passionate.
Our team has a sincere commitment to the long- term success of our clients. With an emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, we create unique solutions that fit the distinct needs of each client. We are passionate about doing what is right for every client, driven by the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, character, fairness, trust, and confidence.
Our Presence
Our clients benefit from the expertise and resources of a large national firm, while still maintaining the advantages of local service and relationships. We leverage powerful relationships, industry experience, and resources with the goal of supporting our clients’ business strategies and elevating the experience of working with us.
Above all, our firm believes in empowering people – our clients, our team, and the individuals in the communities where we live and work.
We are headquartered in Deerfield, IL, with offices throughout Illinois and Colorado, along with more than 150 Alera Group locations across the country. Wherever you are, we can meet your needs.
Meet Our Team
David Levitz, CLU®, ChFC®, RHU
Managing Partner
P: (847) 457-3003
David Levitz serves as a Managing Partner for the firm. In his role, David is focused on corporate growth and new business development. David’s background as a senior leader at has positioned him perfectly to understand the various facets of employee benefits, risk management and wealth accumulation.
David’s broad expertise will allow him to help organizations navigate the complexity and uncertainty that exists in today’s environment. His area of focus centers around the design, marketing, negotiation, and financial analysis of employee benefit programs. Additionally, David has managed care experience in ASO, self-funded contracts and alternatively funded group insurance programs.
David is active in numerous charities and civic organizations. He is a Million Dollar Round Table ("MDRT") Foundation Knight. The Foundation works to increase volunteerism and provides funds to worthy charities worldwide. David has earned a Life Membership in the MDRT and is a past qualifier of MDRT’s Court of the Table and Top of the Table awards. David is also a past President of the Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods Chambers of Commerce and currently is on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Council.
David is currently a member of several professional organizations, including NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) and NAHU (National Association of Health Underwriters). He is a past President of the North Branch CALU (Chicago Association of Life Underwriters).
David is married with two grown children and devotes quality time to family life. When time permits, David is an avid golfer, skier, and sports enthusiast.
Education: University of Denver
Credentials: Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and Registered Health Underwriter (RHU®)
LinkedInRichard S. Levitz, CLU®, CHFC®, CFP®
Managing Director, Midwest Region
P: (847) 457-3004
In his role as Managing Director, Rick provides leadership to 26 locations covering roughly 600 employees. In addition to regional management, his responsibilities include setting strategic initiatives, relationship management with key producers and staff, providing input on client acquisition and retention, and overseeing the overall growth of the region. He also oversees the integration of affiliate firms and works to make connections across Alera Group. Rick’s areas of focus include life insurance, estate planning, business succession, and executive compensation strategies. In addition, Rick continues to work directly with clients focusing on complex planning needs for high-net-worth individuals.
He enjoys golfing, running, paddle tennis, and skiing. He has been married for roughly 30 years and is a proud father of three adult children. He is passionate about supporting organizations that help teens with financial assistance for higher education.
Rick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) professional, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).
He holds registrations for Series 6, 7, 24, 63 and 65. Rick is a member of the Society of Financial Services Professionals, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Financial Planning Association and the Association for Advanced Life Underwriters.
Rick received his BSBA in Finance from the University of Denver in 1985 and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1988. Upon completion of law school, he spent four years at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, Illinois.
Advisory Services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Triad Advisors LLC is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Triad Advisors.
Carla DeMello
Employee Benefits Practice Leader | Midwest Region
P: (847) 457-3007
Carla serves as the Employee Benefits Practice Leader for the Midwest Region. In this role, Carla is responsible for driving strategic direction along with all aspects of client service. She focuses on ensuring Alera Group professionals have the tools, resources and support to meet the needs of an ever-evolving benefits landscape and deliver an exceptional client experience.
With many years of leadership, operations and benefits experience, Carla helps organizations think about business strategy through a people-first approach. With relevant prior experience in human resource, labor, benefit administration and insurance carrier environments, her background provides a breadth of perspectives when it comes to understanding the interests and intricate operations of each stakeholder.
Carla is passionate about organizational and leadership development. She believes the team builds capacity and momentum through continual process improvement, keen awareness of metrics, and opportunities to innovate. Similarly, Carla strives to identify and develop rising talent, helping others achieve their career aspirations. She is active in DEI initiatives and is a member of Alera’s Women’s Leadership Committee.
Carla is currently pursuing her EMBA through Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She holds a BA in Benefits Administration and Compliance from DePaul University.
Certifications: Managing People to Perform (Predictive Index), Project Management, FMLA and ADA Compliance, Producer License for Health & Life
Steve Felker
Property & Casualty Practice Leader | Midwest Region
P: (847) 457-3213
Steve started the Risk Management practice in Chicago in 2009. Under his leadership, the practice has grown rapidly, acquiring key talent, and deepening its relationships with leading industry carriers to provide broader markets to clients. Steve’s innovative and customized client solutions have helped build strong client relationships for the firm. His colleagues and clients value his technical focus and sound business advice. His expertise is in medium- to large-sized businesses with an additional emphasis on personal insurance for individuals.
Steve began his career at Lawton-Byrne-Bruner Insurance Agency (LBB), the largest insurance brokerage firm in St. Louis at the time. During his 12-year career there he was elected Senior Vice President and then became an owner of the firm. In 1986, Steve was instrumental in the sale of LBB to Marsh & McLennan, Inc., at which time Steve was named Managing Director (the firm’s highest professional designation). Over the next 24 years, he held numerous positions including head of the St. Louis office for 15 years. During that time the office had 200-250 employees and achieved revenues exceeding $50 million annually. Steve was also responsible for serving many of the largest corporations in St. Louis.
Steve and his wife live in Lake Forest, Illinois and they have four grown children. Steve is active in several clubs and other organizations in the Chicago area.
Education: B.A., Bowdoin College, 1974.
Resources
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Driving Communications and Engagement: Open Enrollment
Our experts will walk you through a strategic planning process to make sure you’re sharing in a way that not only drives employee awareness and engagement but also reaches your workforce across platforms with what they need to know about choosing the right benefits for them and their families.
August 15, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
Q3 Compliance Update
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
September 3, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
Collaborative Conversations: 2025 - What to Expect and What You Need to Know
Save the date for a conversation in September where we will discuss the impending PLO changes by BOLI and the Employment Department, their impacts, and other critical considerations.
September 12, 2024 at 08:30 am PT | Virtual
Sign Up
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Property and Casualty
Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Sector Vulnerable to Cyber Threats and Staffing Mandates
After a challenging 2023, Property Insurance rates are more stable midway through 2024. However, environmental exposures, new staffing mandates and cyber threats persist. And with over 16,900 skilled nursing facilities and 30,600 assisted living communities in the U.S. accommodating millions of residents, the sector faces unique challenges.
July 23, 2024
Find out more
Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks were under pressure last week as investors appeared to rotate out of mega-cap tech stocks and into areas that may benefit from lower interest rates.
July 22, 2024
Find out more
Property and Casualty
Why a Crop Insurance Broker Is an Essential Partner for Agricultural Producers
In a volatile environment for agriculture business, a thorough, customized program of risk management and property and casualty insurance ― including Crop Insurance ― is essential. And for that, farmers, ranchers and other growers need to work with a certified Crop Insurance broker.
July 16, 2024
Find out more Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks advanced last week as market leadership shifted amid fresh inflation data and quarterly corporate reports starting to roll in.
July 15, 2024
Find out more