You need to know Sheri Alexander: an employee benefits guru whose ledger of experience is longer than her young-at-heart vigor might suggest. Sheri wakes each morning driven to seize every opportunity the day affords. Add to that an insatiable hunger for learning, and you have an influencer who not only understands the complexities of the healthcare system but will also inevitably be a part of making it better.
Sheri has decades of experience in the employee benefits world. Before retiring in 2022 Sheri served as Chief Strategy Officer and President of Employee Benefits for Gregory & Appel Insurance in Indianapolis. Prior to joining Gregory & Appel in 2005, she spent 15 years with Marsh & McLennan/Mercer and nearly 10 years with Gardner & White. Throughout her tenure, she has cultivated experience in group captives, employer clinics, value-based and reference-based benefits design, price transparency tools, voluntary benefits, benefits administration, joint-purchase programs, and more. Additionally, she has served on the Advisory Councils of Anthem, Boston Mutual, and United Healthcare, to name a few—not to mention countless memberships and board service for industry-related organizations and not-for-profits.
What is your background and how did you get into this line of work?
In the summer of 1980, I was approached by one of my regular customers at a restaurant where I was waitressing. She said, “I know this sounds cliché but what is a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” She then gave me her business card and asked me to give her a call when I was ready for a “real job.” She was a recruiter and wanted me to apply for an entry-level position in a local agency’s claims department. My mom didn’t think it was such a good idea so naturally, I did it 😊. The rest is history.
What are your leadership principles?
Honesty, transparency, and clear and consistent communication. And don’t forget there are two things you should never mess with – a person’s time or their money!
Why are you passionate about BAN? What value has it brought you/your business?
BAN is blessed to have some of the best and brightest in the business as employees and members. The ability to collaborate in a safe and protected environment is invaluable. The ROI my former agency realized from our BAN membership was incredible.
With ongoing inflation, higher interest rates, and a shaky economy, are you worried about the economy? If so, are you taking steps to prepare for a recession?
I’m not personally concerned as the Fed appears to be cooling its rate-hiking jets.
Where do you see the industry headed for the balance of 2023 and 2024?
I believe many employers will come out of their Covid-induced fog and begin to evaluate their advisor relationship(s) seriously. The best advisors will be armed and ready with up-to-date information on legislative/compliance topics and the ever-changing hospital and pharmacy price transparency movement. Look for advancements in direct-to-employer contracting with hospitals and physicians.
What are the industry’s biggest challenges?
Attracting and retaining diverse talent, especially in the advisor and producer roles.
What are one or two lessons you’ve learned that you can share with the younger generations?
a. Under promise and over deliver
b. Immediately own any mistake made
c. ALWAYS keep your promises
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