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
Chris 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).
LinkedInJohn Higdon
Risk Consultant
John has served property and casualty clients for 20 years, focusing on cyber insurance, management liability, and complex casualty risks. Known for his market experience, thoughtful approach, and dedication to protecting clients from emerging and evolving risks, John takes pride in delivering tailored solutions that protect clients while aligning with long-term goals.
John holds a degree in finance from Missouri State University and has earned the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, underscoring his deep coverage knowledge and commitment to professional excellence. Outside of the office, John enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and competing in racquetball, squash, and golf. He is also an engaged member of Rotary International.
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
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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