About Us

    Alera Group - Arizona, formerly Benefit Commerce Group, helps organizations strengthen and support their businesses through employee benefits, retirement plan services, and property & casualty solutions. As part of Alera Group, we combine local market knowledge, long-standing client relationships, and the expanded resources, collaboration, and specialty expertise of a national firm.

    Our teams based in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Flagstaff, AZ, are known for strong client partnerships, customized solutions, and a service approach built on national scope and local service. Our mantra is simple: We say what we’ll do, and we do what we say. In each of our business lines, we focus on partnership with our clients, customized solutions to meet their needs, and delivering access to the resources and expertise they need with the responsiveness of a local team.

    Our History

    Benefit Commerce Group was co-founded in 2009 by our current Managing Partner & Principal, Scott Wood. Originally focused solely on employee benefits consulting and brokerage, the firm built its reputation on helping employers lower healthcare costs through data-driven, sustainable strategies without reducing employee benefits. Along the way, the organization earned recognition as a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree and was ranked #2 among Phoenix-area employee benefits consulting firms by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2025 and 2026.

    In 2019, BCG joined Alera Group to support continued growth and expand its capabilities. Since then, the Arizona team has grown beyond employee benefits to include Property & Casualty and Retirement Plan Services, while also expanding its geographic footprint across Arizona and beyond.

    Our Team

    With professionals across Scottsdale, Chandler, and Flagstaff, our team serves employers throughout Arizona and beyond. Because our capabilities span multiple specialties, we have organized our team by area of expertise so you can quickly connect with the right people. Explore the links below to learn more about our:

    Across each of these areas, our professionals are united by a relationship-driven approach and a commitment to delivering thoughtful, customized solutions. We are proud to serve as trusted partners to employers throughout Arizona and beyond.

    Our Expertise

    Today, Alera Group - Arizona continues to serve employers with the same trusted relationships, practical insight, and accountability that have defined the organization from the beginning. 

    Across our three areas of expertise, we help clients navigate complex challenges with confidence:

    • Employee Benefits: Advice, advocacy, and results to help employers design benefit strategies that support employees, manage rising costs, and strengthen their organizations.
    • Property & Casualty: Commercial insurance, executive lines, and risk management solutions that help businesses protect their people, operations, and long-term stability.
    • Retirement Plan Services: Retirement plan guidance focused on maximizing outcomes, strengthening fiduciary support, and increasing plan effectiveness for employers and employees alike.

    We are passionate about what we do, and we hold ourselves accountable to delivering meaningful, measurable results.

    Our Culture

    We have intentionally built a culture that is respectful, supportive, and passionate — one where team members feel appreciated, empowered, and committed to the work they do.

    That culture is a big part of who we are. It is why Alera Group - Arizona is a place where people enjoy their work, value their colleagues, and take pride in the company’s growth and success. It also helps fuel the high level of consulting, service, and support we provide to our clients every day.

    Read more about the ways we go above and beyond for our employees in our Culture Flyer

    Alera Group Cares - Giving Back Is In Our DNA

    Community involvement is an important part of who we are at Alera Group - Arizona. Through the Alera Group Cares Committee, our employees help plan and lead service opportunities that support meaningful causes across our community. 

    This year, the committee includes 10 active members, and each member leads or co-leads at least one event. From planning and communication to participation and sharing event recaps with the broader team, the committee plays an important role in bringing our community efforts to life.

    The group meets monthly from January through August and then shifts to email coordination later in the year. Each January, the committee plans the year’s activities based on employee feedback, past successes, and new ideas.

    We strive to offer a variety of ways for employees to participate, whether by giving time, money, or needed goods. This year, we are proud to support nonprofit organizations including Maggie’s Place, Goodwill, United Food Bank, and The Centers for Habilitation.

    Our Rankings & Awards

    We are proud to be recognized for the culture we’ve built and the results we help support for both our employees and clients.

    Best Places to Work

    Ranked No. 10 in the 2025 Phoenix Best Places to Work awards in the Small Company category. 

    A 9-time honoree, reflecting our long-standing commitment to a people-first culture rooted in trust, flexibility, wellbeing, and professional growth.

    Healthiest Employers

    Ranked No. 2 in our category in the 2026 Phoenix Healthiest Employers awards. 

    Recognized in the Top 2 for six consecutive years, including three straight years at No. 1. 

    In 2026, 16 clients were named finalists and 10 placed in the Top 10 in their categories.

    Team Awards

    Healthiest Employers
    BPTW
    Blue Zones Project

    Meet Our Team

    Meet our Arizona Leadership Team. With professionals across Scottsdale, Chandler, and Flagstaff, our team serves employers throughout Arizona and beyond. Because our capabilities span multiple specialties, we have organized our broader team by area of expertise to make it easy to connect with the right people. In the About Us section, you’ll find links to explore our Employee Benefits, Retirement Plan Services, and Property & Casualty teams.

    Scott Wood

    Managing Director, West and Northwest Regions
    Scott Wood

    Scott Wood is a solution-oriented executive with more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. As Managing Director of Alera Group’s West and Northwest Regions, Scott partners with firm leaders and consulting teams to deliver integrated solutions that help employers manage risk, control costs, and build sustainable benefit strategies. Scott is overseeing the integration of Alera Group’s Northwest region into West.

    A former CEO of multiple large organizations, he brings firsthand experience addressing financial, operational, and human capital challenges. In 2009, Scott founded Benefit Commerce Group with a mission to improve the quality, transparency and sustainability of employer-sponsored health plans. In 2019, BCG joined Alera Group and Scott has continued to champion a collaborative, people-centered culture focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and colleagues.

    LinkedIn

    Chris Hogan

    Executive Vice President & Principal
    Chris Hogan

    Chris is a solution-oriented insurance professional with 30 years of experience working with employers on benefit plans and alternative funding analysis. He develops long-term strategies to save money for employers and employees, simplifies implementation and increases wellness program participation. Throughout his career, Chris has been instrumental in product development, financial analysis, marketing management and sales training.

    He is a speaker at business and industry events and is a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL), the region's premier organization of CEOs and business leaders dedicated to improving the greater Phoenix area and the State of Arizona.

    LinkedIn

    Stephanie Bukata

    Chief of Staff
    Stephanie Bukata

    With over 17 years of experience in client account management and insurance relations, Stephanie uses her expertise to create and implement training programs for Alera Group - Arizona’s Client Services personnel to continue their professional development.

    She has performed all aspects of benefit program service and has established excellent relationships with insurance companies, other program vendors and our clients. Promoted to Chief of Staff in September 2021, she provides operational support to Alera Group - Arizona's Managing Partner and day-to-day leadership on strategic initiatives and large organizational projects.

    She previously was Director, Training and Education, in which she created and implemented training programs for Alera Group - Arizona's Client Services personnel to continue their professional development. Stephanie also worked closely with many Alera Group HR leaders to help implement their learning management system companywide.

    LinkedIn

    Seth Vandegrift

    Vice President, Strategy & Growth
    Seth Vandegrift

    Seth has over eight years of analytics experience and a strong knowledge of employee benefits, plan structure and modeling. He has been involved in financial analysis for clients and prospects, client reporting, and coordination with our in-house actuarial team. His primary job responsibilities are to support our consulting team in driving innovative benefit strategies that improve employee benefits and reduce costs.

    LinkedIn

    Resources

    2026 Arizona Employee Benefits Benchmarking & HR Symposium

    Alera Group - Arizona provides a comprehensive employee benefits benchmarking resource for Arizona employers, helping organizations compare their plans, identify strengths and gaps, and uncover opportunities to improve value while managing costs. Since 2014, this tool has helped employers make more informed decisions and strengthen their benefits strategies through actionable market data and insights. Participating employers also receive an individual custom report at no cost. Learn more here.

    Company News 

    Read the latest press releases, announcements, and company updates from Alera Group - Arizona. From milestones and events to important local news, this section reflects the growth and momentum of our Arizona team. Read more.

    Success Stories 

    Our success stories showcase how we help clients solve challenges, improve outcomes, and create meaningful results. Explore examples of strategic partnership, measurable impact, and client-focused solutions in action.

    • Client Service Success Stories
    • Employee Benefits Success Stories

    EXPERT EDUCATION

    Events and Webinars

    Employee Benefits

    The Compliance Pathway Q2

    Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.

    May 14, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Register Here
    Webinar Graphic

    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

    Quote from Tom Parker

    Working with you and your team has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since being with this organization.
    Tom Parker Chief Transformational Officer Make-A-Wish Foundation

    Quote from Craig Leblanc

    I have had the pleasure of working with [Alera Group - Arizona] for over 10 years now, and I can confidently say that their expertise and dedication have made a significant impact on our businesses. Over the course of our partnership, I have moved three companies to [Alera Group - Arizona], and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to [Alera Group - Arizona]'s strategic guidance and deep understanding of the benefits landscape, we have saved millions of dollars. Their proactive approach, attention to detail, and commitment to finding the best solutions for our needs have consistently exceeded our expectations. [Alera Group - Arizona] is not just a broker; they are a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about our success. Their ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver tailored solutions has been invaluable. I highly recommend [Alera Group - Arizona] to any organization looking to optimize their benefits program and achieve substantial cost savings.
    Craig Leblanc Chief People Officer Denova Collaborative Health

    Quote from Jeff Bernick

    In my nearly six years of leading one of Arizona’s largest social service non-profits, partnering with [Alera Group - Arizona] is among my very best decisions. Not only has [Alera Group - Arizona] saved us money on our insurance spend, but they have introduced us to new products and benefits which have been difference makers for our employees. Whether it’s helping us drive our culture or networking and supporting us philanthropically, [Alera Group - Arizona] has always answered the call. They just get it.
    Jeff Bernick CEO TCH/ The Centers for Habilitation

    Quote from Cindy Woodward

    Since retaining the [Alera Group - Arizona] team in 2016, [Alera Group - Arizona] has been a true partner to Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona (GCNA) in every sense of the word. We have complete confidence in [Alera Group - Arizona]'s support for benefits strategy, compliance obligations, and day-to-day operations. Their clear view into our plan financials allows us to regularly make data-driven, informed decisions, including advising us on benefits-related financial and compliance components of merger transactions we completed. Our GCNA team members work tirelessly to build pathways out of poverty. So, it is extremely gratifying to me that my team, working with [Alera Group - Arizona], has been able to give back to our team members and families in the form of benefits.
    Cindy Woodward VP of Human Resources Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

    Quote from Brad Casper

    Matt Moore and I had a lot of tough decisions to make getting Heart & Soul up and running. But one of the easiest calls was deciding that [Alera Group - Arizona] would be our Benefits Advisor partner.
    Brad Casper CEO and Co-Founder Heart and Soul Marketing

    THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

    Insights

    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

    Find out more

    Property and Casualty

    Identity hijacking is surging. Here’s what leaders need to know.

    Cyber incidents across our client base have been sharper, faster and more costly this year. Even organizations with strong controls are being hit in ways that look very different from past attacks.

    March 13, 2026

    Find out more

    Employee Benefits

    Legal Alert: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st

    Reminder: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st

    February 26, 2026

    Find out more

    Property and Casualty

    AI-Powered Cyber Attacks, Why Yesterday’s Defenses Aren’t Enough.

    The widespread availability of AI technology, combined with the ease of manipulating video calls, makes phone and Zoom calls susceptible to exploitation by threat actors.

    February 2, 2026

    Find out more

      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.