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
Nadia Cruth
Benefits Consultant
Known for combining strategic insight with a strong focus on the client experience, Nadia has led benefits growth initiatives, supported association and affinity programs, negotiated carrier and technology arrangements, and developed communication strategies that strengthened participation and retention. She advises employers on fully insured, level-funded, captive, reference-based pricing, and self-funded strategies, while helping organizations evaluate technology, vendor relationships, enrollment approaches, and scalable benefits solutions.
Her recognition includes the Lockton Cares Award, Most Requested Benefits Counselor, and the highest regional close ratio for long-term care products. She also serves on the executive board of Newhouse, a domestic violence shelter in Kansas City.
LinkedInChris Hoefert
Vice President - M&A Diligence
Chris specializes in risk analysis and due diligence for private equity-sponsored transactions. Chris plays a key role in evaluating insurance programs and effectuating the proper risk management strategies for our private equity group clients and their portfolio companies.
Before joining Alera Group, Chris spent four years at Hauser, where he served as Vice President, M&A-Corporate Risk and led over 250 diligence projects. Prior to Hauser, he spent 14 years with Assured Partners and Hays Companies, where he serviced mid-market commercial insurance programs and managed the property & casualty portions of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and other specialty insurance programs.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master of Business Administration from Missouri Baptist University. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and two small children. He loves being outside and enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Jackson Myer
Director - Private Equity
Jackson specializes in all aspects of mergers & acquisitions, including employee benefits, property & casualty, and transactional liability. He works closely with private equity and family office clients to ensure seamless coordination between Alera Group’s transaction diligence and portfolio brokerage teams. Jackson focuses on driving value through high-quality service and strategic advisory, helping M&A clients navigate all aspects of their transactions and ongoing portfolio needs.
Before joining Alera Group, Jackson spent five years with various SaaS start-ups, where he honed his client-first approach and analytical expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance with a minor in Spanish from the University of Missouri. Jackson enjoys spending time with his family and friends and enjoys playing golf & hockey (Let’s Go Blues).
LinkedInJim Martin
Employee Benefits Practice Leader
Jim brings a deep understanding of employee benefits with a specialized focus on private equity - delivering customized, forward-thinking benefit strategies that align with client goals and elevate employee satisfaction. Known for his collaborative style and deep market insight, Jim plays an integral role in supporting Alera Group’s clients through complex transactions and long-term planning.
Before joining Alera Group, he was Director of Sales for the Middle Market at Aetna. He previously served as an Account Executive at Lockton Companies and a Consultant at Aon Corporation, developing innovative benefits solutions for clients of all sizes.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Truman State University. Outside of work, Jim is an avid fan of skiing, cycling, and golf. A proud St. Louis native, he’s a dedicated supporter of the St. Louis Blues and St. Louis City SC.
LinkedInEXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Primary Care as a Strategy: How Direct Primary Care Can Lower Costs and Improve Outcomes
A clearer understanding of how Direct Primary Care can be used as a strategic lever to improve outcomes while controlling total cost of care.
October 20, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
AI Advantage in Benefits: Practical Use Cases That Support HR and Employees
A practical view of how AI can support benefits teams while improving the employee experience.
November 17, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
The Compliance Pathway Q4
Don't miss this ongoing opportunity to ensure you comply with current regulations and are prepared for what's ahead.
December 2, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: IRS Issues ACA Affordability Percentage Adjustment for 2027
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Rev. Proc. 2026-26.
July 24, 2026
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Property and Casualty
Commercial Real Estate Insurance Market Shows Signs of Relief, With Conditions
There are emerging signs that the commercial property insurance market is beginning to soften. However, the benefits of this shift are not being felt uniformly across all real estate portfolios.
July 16, 2026
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Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: Clients With Massachusetts Private PFML Plans Renewing After July 1, 2026
Alert for any employer with at least one employee in Massachusetts, even if the employee is remote.
June 30, 2026
Find out more Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: PCORI Fees Due By July 31, 2026
This alert is of interest to all employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). Note that the PCORI fee does not apply to most health FSAs.
June 29, 2026
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