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 specialized insight 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 knowledge 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 Approach
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 practice areas, 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.
*Investment advisory services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC.
Team Awards
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.
Christy Wood
Vice President, Client Services
Christy has more than 25 years of experience in insurance and TPA operations, providing customer support and all other aspects of project management. She has a record of consistently exceeding client expectations. At Alera Group - Arizona, she leads a team of client services professionals. Central to the firm’s quality service is a proactive and ongoing Process/Project Management program that provides meaningful and measurable tracking and results. Her team uses well-established project management skills and principles, including annual calendar of activities, regularly scheduled meetings, documented to-do and task lists, milestones and priorities. With advance planning and open communication, Alera Group - Arizona remains proactive for its clients, rather than reactive.
LinkedInStacy Ketcham
Vice President, Senior Client Executive
Stacy has 35+ years of insurance industry experience in both carrier and TPA environments, 25 of those years in senior level positions. Her insurance product knowledge spans individual and group medical, specialty and ancillary lines. Her expertise in relationship management, project management, technology development and many other areas provides additional support for our clients. Stacy and the entire Client Services team at Alera Group - Arizona build strong and lasting relationships with clients, assisting them in managing their employee benefits programs, controlling their healthcare costs and engaging employees in healthcare consumerism.
LinkedInNatalie Beck
Director, Communications
Natalie is a seasoned communications professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications within financial services and small to mid-sized businesses, as well as non-profits. At Alera Group - Arizona, she leads client engagement, marketing and strategic communication efforts across the organization.
LinkedInJustin Bein
Director, Financial Reporting
Justin has more than 16 years of experience in data analytics, providing comprehensive analyses, technological vision and effective interpretation of information for executives and managers. He joined Alera Group - Arizona in 2022 to design, implement and manage our processes for financial reporting to clients and prospective clients. In interacting with clients, he leverages our team’s competencies and advanced knowledge of benefits, insurance services, financial/actuarial/accounting functions and plan designs.
LinkedInResources
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 & Insights
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.
Client Impact, Results & Success Stories
Our client impact and success stories showcase how we help organizations solve challenges, improve outcomes, and achieve meaningful results. Through real examples of strategic partnership, thoughtful plan design, measurable cost savings, and client-focused service, these stories highlight the value of practical solutions in action.
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
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
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
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
What the 2026 Benchmarking Data Reveals — and Why It Matters Now
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, Alera Group will host Benchmarking That Drives Decisions: Why Averages Mislead — and What Best-in-Class Data Reveals, a live webinar designed for HR, finance and executive leaders involved in benefits planning, budgeting and long-term strategy.
June 11, 2026
Find out moreEmployee 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
Find out moreEmployee 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
Find out moreProperty 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
Find out more