About Us
ABOUT US
For over 30 years, we have provided consulting, compliance, and administrative services for employee benefit programs to clients of all sizes. Our approach is predicated on designing employee benefit programs that are both comprehensive and cost-effective…maximizing the expected return on investment.
Our mission is to be committed to protecting our clients’ human assets through creative insurance solutions.
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Culture: We are committed to serving our clients, our community, and our colleagues.
- Relationships: Relationships create loyalty. For over three decades, we have developed the type of relationships with our clients that have transformed us from just another broker into a brand they know and trust. We do not take this for granted.
- Passion: If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with conviction. What distinguishes us is our passion for putting our clients’ best interests at the forefront of everything we do.
On behalf of our entire team, we're grateful for the opportunity to help you navigate the complex issues of your employee benefit program in an ever-changing landscape.
Meet Our Team
L.P. Buddy Morris
Managing Partner
L. P. Buddy Morris started his career in the healthcare industry in 1989 with Humana, Inc. After a nine-year stint as a large group sales executive, Buddy launched Summit Insurance Group (SIG) in 1998. Specializing in consulting and brokerage for commercial employee benefit programs, SIG grew to become the largest employee benefits firm in San Antonio, with more than 30 employees, 300 clients, and $125 million in annual premium sold.
In 2004, Buddy vertically integrated Summit Administrative Services (SAS), providing COBRA administration and eligibility management services for existing SIG clients. In September of 2008, both SIG and SAS were acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher (NYSE: AJG), where Buddy assumed the role of Area President.
In 2009, Buddy founded Morris Asset Management, Ltd (MAM), where he serves as Managing Director. MAM is involved in venture capital and private equity investments in the real estate, energy, banking, and healthcare industries.
Buddy earned a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University in 1988. He is an active participant in several charitable, civic, and business boards, including The Bank of San Antonio, Texas A&M University (Mays Business School), Witte Museum, and University Health System, to name a few.
LinkedInDiane Vandersyde
Senior Partner
Diane has built her career in employee benefits since 1988, beginning as a marketing representative for a third-party administrator and later serving as Director of Account Services for Humana Insurance Company across the Southwest. She subsequently led sales and marketing efforts with Aetna Health Care, partnering with insurance brokers to deliver national solutions.
In 1999, Diane became Principal Managing Partner of her own agency focused on the sales and service of employee benefit programs. Known for exceptional client service and creative cost‑saving strategies, she has also held leadership roles with the San Antonio Health Underwriters Association and currently serves on the Executive Board of the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
She volunteers with nonprofit organizations—including the SAWCC Foundation—supporting scholarships for non‑traditional students. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, walking her dogs, and wine tasting with her husband.
LinkedInPete Villemain
Senior Partner
Pete focuses on mid- and large-group key accounts, with deep expertise in self-funding. Since 1995, he has worked full-time in the employee benefits space, including ownership of a regional TPA administering self-funded medical plans, COBRA, FSAs, and HRAs—experience that gives him a practical, operational perspective on plan design and administration.
Pete holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University. Away from the office, he’s a former professional country music drummer and enjoys restoring cars, 4x4 off‑roading, and traveling the U.S. with his travel trailer.
LinkedInDennis Wagner
Senior Partner
Dennis brings a broad strategic focus spanning self-funded and fully insured programs, captives, PEO consulting and extraction, preventive health strategies, and plan health optimization.
Dennis’s career foundation includes eight years of honorable service in the U.S. Marines, followed by leadership roles on the Board of Finance Committee for Generations Federal Credit Union, District Sales Manager for Paychex (PEO and software), and service on the National Advisory Board for Hartford Insurance. These experiences shape his consultative style and outcomes-driven approach for complex employer needs.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Human Resources from the State University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY). Beyond work, Dennis enjoys golf, travel, family time, and college football games and events.
LinkedIn#6 in Best Places to Work!
We’re proud to share that our office has been ranked #6 in Best Places to Work!
This recognition is a direct reflection of our incredible team and the culture we’ve built together — one rooted in support, collaboration, and shared success. When our employees are happy, it shows — in the work we do, the way we show up for each other, and most importantly, in how we serve our clients.
Thank you to our amazing team for making this such a great place to work! Here's to growing, thriving, and continuing to raise the bar together.
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
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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Employee Benefits
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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Legal Alert: IRS Issues Affordability Percentage Adjustment for 2026
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Rev. Proc. 2025-25, which contains the inflation adjusted amounts for 2026 used to determine whether employer-sponsored coverage is “affordable” for purposes of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) employer shared responsibility provisions and premium tax credit program.
July 23, 2025
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