About Us
Our team of private equity experts is recognized for its strategic insight and transaction fluency, serving as a trusted partner to firms navigating the complexities of M&A.
Who We Serve
Private equity firms, family offices, independent sponsors, and strategic buyers nationwide rely on our team to protect their investments and streamline deal execution. Our experience spans thousands of transactions, with a track record of delivering fast, high-quality outcomes from LOI to exit.
Our Approach
Every deal is different. Our approach is not. We consistently focus on:
• Protecting the private equity fund
• Safeguarding the transaction
• Building and executing post-close brokerage strategies
• Providing ongoing M&A advisory
What We Deliver
We offer tailored insurance programs across critical areas of business risk, including:
• Business Insurance
• Human Capital Protection
• Executive Risk & Liability
• Transactional Liability (Reps & Warranties)
• Key Person Life Insurance
Our dedicated teams in transaction diligence, and brokerage, and client relationship management collaborate to deliver responsive service and cost-effective solutions.
Whether you’re structuring a new acquisition or optimizing an existing portfolio, we ensure every program is timely, strategic, and aligned with your investment goals.
Meet Our Team
Nick Koenemann
Managing Partner
Nick is an expert in mergers and acquisitions, insurance, risk management, and employee benefits consulting. With nearly two decades of insurance experience, he combines strategic insights and industry knowledge with a client-first approach to deliver exceptional results.
Nick began his insurance career as a Strategic Client Advocate at Lockton before transitioning to a Client Advisor role at Marsh McLennan. There, he developed a deep understanding of how to craft tailored solutions for complex client challenges. Nick then joined Risk Consulting Partners (RCP) in 2015 as a Producer and served as President when acquired by Alera Group in 2021. Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from George Washington University.
Jim Myer
Senior Partner - Managing Director, Private Equity
With over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, Jim specializes in delivering comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. He leads a team of dedicated colleagues in the St. Louis office. Jim began his insurance career with Corroon & Black of Missouri, now Willis. Throughout his career, he has held senior roles at several leading firms, including Senior Director of Aon’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, Managing Director for Krauter & Company, and Vice President and Senior Sales Executive at Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Jim was a founder of Risk Consulting Partners, now Alera Group.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Colorado. He is active in the St. Louis community, serving on the board of the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and previously as President of the Gateway Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Sara Carroll
Private Equity Diligence Practice Leader - Human Capital
Sara brings deep expertise to her role, helping clients identify, quantify, and mitigate benefit-related exposures during mergers and acquisitions. With over 25 years of experience in human resources management and employee benefits, her background includes managing thousands of transactions, making her a trusted advisor in navigating the complexities of human capital in deal environments.
Before joining Alera Group, Sara spent nine years building and leading the Human Capital M&A practice at Hauser, and over a decade in HR roles aligning compensation and benefit strategies with business growth and integration goals. She also worked for more than seven years at CBIZ as a health and welfare benefits consultant, overseeing comprehensive employee benefit programs for diverse clients.
Sara holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Spanish from Nebraska Wesleyan University, as well as an MBA from the University of Kansas. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the lake with her family and following Gopher football.
LinkedInKen Rhoads
Private Equity Practice Leader - Commercial Lines
Ken specializes in transactional insurance due diligence. Ken provides pre-close analysis on mergers & acquisitions with a keen eye for identifying risks and structuring insurance programs, to help clients navigate complex deal environments. He brings nearly two decades of deep expertise in M&A and risk management, having previously served as Managing Director of M&A – Corporate Risk at Hauser from 2016 to 2024. Prior to that, he spent ten years as Director of Risk Solutions at Aon, supporting clients through strategic risk evaluations and insurance planning.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois College and completed the prestigious Advanced Management Development Program at Harvard Business School. Known for his practical, solutions-oriented approach, he plays a key role in aligning insurance strategies with transaction objectives. Outside of the office, Ken enjoys golf, fishing, hunting, and cooking for family and friends.
LinkedInEXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Property and Casualty
Unlocking Our 2026 P&C Market Outlook: High Level & Field Level Insights for Clients
Join EVP and Property and Casualty Practice Leader Justin Foa for an informative conversation on key findings and takeaways from Alera Group's annual flagship 2026 Property and Casualty Market Outlook Report.
January 20, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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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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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Property and Casualty
Are you prepared for 2026? Property and Casualty Trends Uncovered
The sixth annual Property and Casualty Market Outlook from Alera Group sets the stage for how organizations can recalibrate their risk strategies in 2026. Built on thousands of data points — including a nationwide survey of insurance company partners and wholesale intermediaries — this report delivers actionable insights for insurance buyers, risk managers and business leaders.
December 17, 2025
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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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Property and Casualty
Top 5 Insurance Surprises Businesses Face in Q4 — and How to Prevent Them
As year-end approaches, many organizations focus on closing out financials and planning for the year ahead. It’s also the time when insurance programs often reveal unexpected challenges, some avoidable, others the result of shifting market conditions or overlooked details.
October 30, 2025
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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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