We are so proud to introduce you to this year’s Influential Women of Cincinnati. These women are using their unique talents and abilities to make our region a better place. Whether it’s starting nonprofits, creating new communities, or feeding and caring for the less fortunate, these women are making a difference.
Q. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
A. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, went to the University of Cincinnati, and spent some of my early career working with my father at Northwestern Mutual before joining Strategic Benefits. I saw the passion in my dad for helping people, and I knew that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I have found that in my career at Strategic Benefits.
I am the mother of two children and a soon-to-be empty nester. My husband and I are embarking on this new chapter with a new home in a new neighborhood in Old Milford.
Q. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
A. Having worked at Strategic Benefits for 25 years now, I have had the opportunity to work with many different types of businesses. Our typical clients are small and medium privately held companies. In recent years we have seen a growth in the number of nonprofit businesses we work with. My primary role is to help the employers design and communicate benefits to the company’s plan participants. I focus on the implementation and renewal processes, working with employers to establish cost-effective and high-quality benefit programs. We provide ongoing support to clients by advising them on the administration of employee benefits including the navigation of HIPAA, COBRA, and continually changing legislation.
Q. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU OVERCOME RECENTLY?
A. In the last 11 years, we have seen significant changes in benefit plans due to the Affordable Care Act, COVID and the compliance pressures that accompany them. Things are continually changing. We have learned to tackle one day at a time.
Q. HOW ARE YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION GIVING BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY?
A. We focus on volunteering and sponsorship to support our clients. In COVID times, when contact has been limited, we’ve changed our approach and worked individually with our clients to help them in any way we can.
For our nonprofit clients such as Ohio Valley Goodwill, YWCA and Bethany House, our team members are encouraged to volunteer during business hours to support the efforts of these amazing organizations.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT CINCINNATI?
A. Cincinnati is my home and always has been. There are so many unique neighborhoods, the restaurant scene is fantastic, and the many sports teams offer so much variety. At Strategic Benefits, our business comes from referrals. Having always lived in Cincinnati has afforded me the opportunities to make so many amazing connections, both professionally and personally.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF STRATEGIC BENEFITS?
A. Staying true to who we are will always be the future of our company. The growth areas in 2022 will be focusing on possible acquisitions and our Medicare business to support the baby boomer population. We will continue to work to best serve the needs of our clients and their employees. What is important to them, is important to us.