About Us

    For over a century, our agency (formerly Insurance Underwriters Limited, IUL) has served clients throughout the New Orleans Metro area and across the Gulf South with comprehensive risk management solutions designed to protect against the unexpected. As a locally based firm, we understand the unique challenges facing businesses in our region. 

    We go beyond traditional insurance by taking the time to understand your industry and what matters most to your organization. Our relationship-focused, one-on-one approach ensures you have the insights needed to make informed decisions about risk mitigation while maintaining your peace of mind. 

    Drawing from extensive experience with organizations of all sizes—from local enterprises to global corporations—we recognize that every business faces distinct challenges. We carefully assess your specific circumstances, evaluate your risk tolerance, and develop a customized strategy that combines risk transfer, retention, reduction, and elimination to meet your organization's exact needs. 

    Meet Our Team

    Jeff Kropp

    Risk Consultant
    Jeff Kropp

    Jeff specializes in risk management solutions for the construction industry and bonds, with over sixteen years of dedicated experience serving construction professionals. Before entering the insurance industry, he worked with Hilti North America, supporting critical rebuilding projects across Louisiana and Mississippi during the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort, which provided invaluable firsthand insight into the complex insurance and bonding challenges facing the construction industry. Jeff leverages this unique combination of field experience and insurance expertise to help construction clients navigate the surety landscape while driving growth, managing risk, and supporting long-term profitability. He is a University of New Orleans alum with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and enjoys outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, photography, and music. 

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    Jonathan Landry

    Risk Consultant
    Jonathan Landry

    Jonathan focuses on the unique coverage needs and risk management challenges construction professionals face, especially with workers’ compensation. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, Jonathan brings valuable insights into human behavior and workplace dynamics that enhance his ability to understand and address the complex issues and safety requirements within the construction industry. He enjoys traveling and staying active through strength training. 

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    James Richardson

    Risk Consultant
    James Richardson

    James specializes in commercial property, construction, workers’ compensation, and high net worth personal lines coverage. With deep expertise across multiple insurance disciplines, he provides comprehensive risk management solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of commercial and high-net-worth clients. A Louisiana State University graduate with a degree in business administration, he holds both Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Workers Compensation Advisor (CWCA) designations, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence and industry knowledge.  Outside of the office, he is an avid LSU sports fan, enjoys playing golf, and coaches youth basketball in the community. 

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    Jill Tucker

    Risk Consultant
    Jill Tucker

    Jill specializes in construction surety bonds, with a strong background in leadership and industry expertise. She holds both Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designations, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. Jill currently serves as Chair of ABC Women in Construction and previously held positions on the Associated Builders and Contractors Board of Trustees (2015) and Board of Directors (2011-2015). As a Loyola University New Orleans graduate with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in Communication and Journalism, she combines strong communication skills with deep industry knowledge to effectively advocate for clients' bonding needs. Jill enjoys exploring new restaurants and volunteering at the local animal shelter. 

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    EXPERT EDUCATION

    Events and Webinars

    Employee Benefits

    Benchmarking That Drives Decisions: Why Averages Mislead — and What Best-in-Class Data Reveals

    A clear, data-driven view of the 2026 employee benefits landscape grounded in benchmarking results.

    June 16, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Register Here
    webinar

    Employee Benefits

    GLP-1s at Scale: Why Weight-Loss Drug Decisions Are Now a Financial Strategy

    A GLP-1 decision framework plus scenarios.

    July 21, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Register Here
    webinar

    Employee Benefits

    Open Enrollment That Works: Why Employees Do Not Engage — and How Modern Communications Drive Better Choices

    Practical communication strategies to strengthen open enrollment effectiveness and employee decision-making.

    August 18, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Register Here
    webinar

    Quote from Koren Douglas

    I was fortunate to meet you at the USACE Industry Day at UNO last week. I am sure you hear this often in your profession, but building a small business has its challenges. Recently, I have been navigating the procurement of bonding and insurance for my company, Anerok. Last week you introduced me to Jill Tucker of IUL. The introduction proved extremely beneficial as Jill contracted me by the end of the day to begin the procurement of bonding for my company. Seven days after the “Industry Day” event, I had bonding. I am beyond excited as this enables my company, Anerok, to pursue opportunities that otherwise would have been out of reach.
    Koren Douglas Owner Anerok LLC

    Quote from Lisa Ryals

    We have trusted IUL with our insurance and bonding for years, very knowledgeable and efficient.
    Lisa Ryals Ryals Construction

    Quote from Alex Hernandez

    Jill has been our surety partner since inception and was an integral part of our growth. She is our trusted business advisor and source for market intelligence, project opportunities, professional referrals, and much more.
    Alex Hernandez Managing Partner and CEO Hernandez Consulting & Construction

    Quote from Chris Combs

    Jeff Kropp has been a vital asset to the continued growth and success of C M Combs Construction. He applies his vast knowledge and tireless efforts to the pursuit of his client’s success.
    Chris Combs Owner C M Combs Construction, LLC

    Quote from Debbie Simeon

    IUL bond department is the best! Their staff is very knowledgeable and has always gone above and beyond to assist us with everything we need. It is a pleasure working with them!
    Debbie Simeon Office Manager RWB Contracting, LLC

    THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

    Insights

    Employee Benefits

    Legal Alert: IRS Releases 2027 HSA Contribution Limits and Other Limits

    In Rev. Proc. 2026-24, the IRS released the inflation adjusted amounts for 2027 relevant to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs). The table below summarizes those adjustments and other applicable limits.

    June 3, 2026

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    Employee Benefits

    Legal Alert: PBM Transparency Coming Soon

    Two recent movements on the federal level have paved the way for greater pharmacy benefit manager (“PBM”) transparency for group health plans.

    May 22, 2026

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    Property and Casualty

    Why is umbrella liability getting so expensive?

    While most commercial insurance pricing has softened in 2026, umbrella liability has not. In fact, it’s moving in the opposite direction.

    May 4, 2026

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    Property and Casualty

    AI Isn’t Liable for the Mistake. You Are.

    Artificial intelligence is powerful. It’s also wrong more often than people want to admit.

    If you use AI to support or deliver professional services, any mistake it makes is still your responsibility. Not the software’s. Not the vendor’s. Yours.

    April 1, 2026

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      Alera Group, Inc. is aware that there are persons fraudulently impersonating our company by using fake internet domains that appear to look like our legitimate services. If you are contacted by someone claiming to work for Alera Group, or any of our partners, please carefully review the email address and domain. If you have a relationship with our company, please contact us directly and not through any information that is provided in such an email. Please be extremely careful in responding to such emails with personal and financial information, sharing passwords, or any other information of value. Alera Group, or any of our partners, will never send ACH instructions via email and thus we strongly recommend that you verify the authenticity of each wire transfer request by calling your Alera Group contact using the number you have previously called.