About Us
Since 1987 you may have known us as AIA, or American Insurance Administrators, or as one of our three core divisions: AIA Property & Casualty (P&C), Benefits Resource Group (BRG), or as Benefits Broker Solutions (BBS). You may have heard something about us becoming part of Alera Group in 2017. But we are all one company, and now we are aligning our name, our brand, our new look, and our new website to reflect that strong one-company story.
Work With Us
We are passionate about collaboration and growth. Enjoy working in a highly collaborative culture? Looking for an exciting environment that is constantly growing and improving? If you care about providing outstanding client service while serving local communities, then we may be looking for you.
Meet Our Team
Debra Somma, CISR
Account Manager, Large Commercial Accounts
Debbie joined the team in November 2021 as a Large Commercial Lines Account Executive and brought with her 34 years of insurance experience. She has been licensed insurance agent since 1993 and received her CISR designation in 1995. Her responsibilities include marketing new and renewal business, handling insured’s policy changes, assisting with audits, compiling client information for their renewal reviews to the agent, and servicing the day-to day client needs. She enjoys speaking to her insured’s so she can become more acclimated with their business, and be more familiar with their daily operations, as she believes this builds a stronger client / agent relationship.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and kayaking whenever she has the chance.
Rob Striewig
Senior Vice President, Property & Casualty
Rob is a Senior Vice President of the Property & Casualty division. He specializes in managing and negotiating the domestic and international contract/commercial surety programs between clients and surety companies throughout the United States. Rob is known as a trusted, professional, and confidential business partner. He is able to provide ongoing strategic advice, working closely with clients and their other advisors.
Rob served as President of the Striewig Bonding Agency for over 30 years prior to joining Alera Group in 2017. He currently serves as a director on several boards within the industry and also has been involved on several national advisory boards. Rob is a past president of the MBX (Mid-Atlantic Builder’s Exchange) and is currently chairman of the Central PA chapter of CFMA’s (Construction Financial Management Associate) annual scholarship event.
Bill Straw
Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits
Bill Straw is a Senior Vice President, serving as an executive consultant on large employer clients and participates with the new business development team bringing our unique GameChanger portfolio to self-funded employers. Bill combines his long-standing business experience with a passion for people.
Previously, Bill spent 23 years with Highmark in various actuarial and underwriting roles with a unique focus on client consulting and providing client facing support to the sales team.
As a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in actuarial science, Bill also holds his Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation, along with a state of Pennsylvania producer license for accident and health, a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and Health Rosetta Associate Advisor Certification.
Besides enjoying his career, Bill lives in Bethel, PA with his wife and two sons and has served as Chairman of the Bethel Township Planning Commission since 2013.
Kimberly Tyhurst
Senior Account Manager, Property & Casualty
Kim serves as a Senior Account Manager in the Property & Casualty division. Prior to joining our team in 2019, she managed commercial accounts at a Central PA insurance agency for 6 years. Her past experience includes positions such as Technical Operations Center Supervisor, Telephone Premium Auditor, Premium Audit Analysts, and a Commercial Lines Rater, which further enhances the knowledge she brings to clients.
Kim is known for providing courteous and accurate service to insureds, prospects, underwriters, and insurance carriers. She maintains a current P&C Insurance License, INS 21, 22 & 23 as well as her CISR Designation.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Property and Casualty
2025 Property and Casualty Market Outlook
Join our property and casualty experts for an exclusive look at the trends and challenges shaping the insurance landscape in 2025.
January 15, 2025 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" 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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Employee Benefits
The Value of Voluntary Benefits
In this session, our experts will showcase the value of voluntary benefits, from financial savings to improved retention to addressing the specific needs of their employees.
March 20, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
State of the Market for Employee Benefits in 2025
What are the needs and priorities of those in the workforce and the employment market? What are rival businesses offering to attract and retain the best the market has to offer? And what shifts are taking place in the market that employers should anticipate and prepare for? Alera Group’s 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook, scheduled for release on January 16, provides answers to those essential questions.
December 19, 2024
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Property and Casualty
It’s Here! — Alera Group’s Fifth Annual 'Property and Casualty Market Outlook'
Alera Group's "2025 Property and Casualty Market Outlook" is your guide to making informed decisions regarding your business and personal insurance coverage.
December 12, 2024
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Employee Benefits
Don’t Forget About Your Gag Clause Attestations
When the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) was enacted on December 27, 2020, it included a provision that prohibits group health plans and health insurance carriers from entering into certain agreements that, either directly or indirectly, restrict the release of certain information related to provider networks and de-identified encounter data, among other things. Such restrictions are commonly referred to as “gag clauses.” The CAA also requires plans and carriers to attest annually that their agreements do not include such impermissible gag clauses.
November 20, 2024
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Avoiding an Employee Lawsuit Over a Tobacco Surcharge Claim
Tobacco surcharges on health insurance premiums for employees who use tobacco products are attractive options for employers looking to keep their workforce healthy while lowering their organization’s healthcare costs. But surcharges can go too far, and many employers may be unaware of the limitations. Alera Group's new whitepaper on tobacco surcharges is designed to assist employers in complying with federal regulations.
November 19, 2024
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