Meet Our Team
Melvin Johnson
Risk Consultant
Melvin specializes in helping middle-market organizations develop strategic commercial insurance and risk management programs, with particular experience serving manufacturers, contractors, hospitality organizations, and other complex-risk businesses. He is known for taking a consultative, relationship-focused approach, working closely with business owners and financial leaders to better understand their operations, identify key exposures, and align insurance strategies with long-term business goals.
Prior to joining Alera Group, Melvin built his career in commercial property and casualty insurance, advising organizations across manufacturing, construction, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, energy, and professional services. His experience includes evaluating coverage structures, uncovering coverage gaps, restructuring insurance programs, accessing specialized markets, and helping clients manage their total cost of risk. Clients value his ability to bring together carrier partners, specialty resources, and service teams to solve complex insurance challenges while serving as a trusted advisor throughout periods of growth and change.
Melvin studied Marketing at Hampton University. Outside of work, he enjoys fitness training, competing in HYROX endurance events, traveling, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends.
LinkedInTony LoRicco
Risk Consultant
Tony draws on more than 15 years of oil field experience to help businesses address risk across the oil and gas, renewable energy, construction, manufacturing, and distribution industries. He began his insurance career at BCH after holding several positions in the oil field, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the challenges organizations face. Tony’s firsthand industry knowledge provides a practical foundation for understanding clients’ operations, exposures, and coverage needs.
He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Outside of work, Tony enjoys golf and spending time with his wife and three children, including helping coach and cheering on his children’s teams.
LinkedInMason McEntire
Risk Consultant
Mason is dedicated to helping businesses in construction, real estate, multifamily development, and manufacturing/distribution navigate today’s complex insurance landscape. He combines industry knowledge with a pragmatic approach, designing customized strategies that not only protect his clients’ assets but also streamline operations and provide peace of mind.
Based in Houston, Texas, Mason began his insurance career at State Farm before expanding his experience in commercial property and casualty at Assured Partners and BCH. Mason earned his degree from Texas Tech University and is a lifelong golf enthusiast, having competed in the sport throughout his youth. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and visiting his family’s ranch in the Texas Hill Country.
LinkedInHeather Eshaghpour
Regional Vice President, Employee Benefits Practice Leader
Heather is the Regional Employee Benefits Practice Leader. In her role, Heather collaborates with firms across the region leading initiatives on our client experience, our people, growth, and operational efficiencies. Heather sits on our national employee benefits leadership team working with other practice leaders to drive innovation and growth within the employee benefits practice.
Heather has over 25 years of experience in employee benefits having worked previously for both small and national consulting firms in client-facing and leadership roles. Heather lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, son, and two Labrador retrievers. She is an avid Nashville Predators Hockey fan.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
AI Advantage in Benefits: Practical Use Cases That Support HR and Employees
A practical view of how AI can support benefits teams while improving the employee experience.
November 17, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
The Compliance Pathway Q4
Don't miss this ongoing opportunity to ensure you comply with current regulations and are prepared for what's ahead.
December 2, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: IRS Adjusts Health Flexible Spending Account and Other Benefit Limits for 2027
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Revenue Procedure 2026-35, which increases the health flexible spending account (FSA) salary reduction contribution limit to $3,500 for plan years beginning in 2027, an increase of $100 from 2026. Thus, for health FSAs with a carryover feature, the maximum carryover amount is $700 (20% of the $3,500 salary reduction limit) for plan years beginning in 2027. When carrying over funds from 2026 to 2027, 20% of the $3,400 salary reduction limit for 2026 is $680.
November 10, 2026
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Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: IRS Issues ACA Affordability Percentage Adjustment for 2027
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Rev. Proc. 2026-26.
July 24, 2026
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Commercial Real Estate Insurance Market Shows Signs of Relief, With Conditions
There are emerging signs that the commercial property insurance market is beginning to soften. However, the benefits of this shift are not being felt uniformly across all real estate portfolios.
July 16, 2026
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Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: Clients With Massachusetts Private PFML Plans Renewing After July 1, 2026
Alert for any employer with at least one employee in Massachusetts, even if the employee is remote.
June 30, 2026
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