About Us
Unmatched Focus
We are focused solely on the rural healthcare community. No other risk management or insurance agency focuses 100% on rural healthcare. Our insight fuels a passion for finding ways to deliver service and value that others won’t and can’t.
Our Purpose
Because we believe people living in rural communities deserve the best possible health care, our purpose is to ensure the people, services, and facilities they depend upon are protected from risk and empowered to thrive.
Our motto, “Never Go It Alone”, describes our commitment to encouraging and facilitating collaboration among rural healthcare leaders who share our purpose.
Core Values
- Do what you say you are going to do
- Respect yourself and one another
- Seek first to understand then to improve
- Earn and give trust
- Serve with a servant's heart
Meet Our Team
Daniel Warden
Sales Team Lead
Daniel leads our team with over 20 years of experience driving growth and leading high-performing teams in HR, compliance, and workforce management. As Sales Leader at Alera Group, he delivers innovative, scalable solutions for enterprise clients. Previously, Daniel held senior roles at Safeguard Global, including National Director of Large Enterprise Sales and VP of Global Sales, where he led international strategy and consistently exceeded revenue goals. Earlier, he contributed to the success of Workplace Answers, Empower, AonHewitt, and Paychex, building long-term client relationships and expanding market presence. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative leadership, Daniel is passionate about helping organizations solve complex challenges with tech-enabled solutions.
LinkedInJesse Garcia
Risk Consultant
Jesse lives by the motto “Always Be Learning Everywhere (ABLE).” With over 10 years of experience in Benefits, HR, Payroll, and Staffing, he helps small businesses and rural hospitals thrive by offering tailored solutions. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development, Jesse is passionate about supporting rural communities and building long-term client relationships through innovative problem-solving and research.
LinkedInHeidi Hughes
Risk Consultant
Heidi is passionate about building strong client relationships. With over 16 years of experience, she combines creative problem-solving with a commitment to exceeding expectations. At Alera Group, Heidi has been instrumental in driving nationwide growth. A skilled presenter and facilitator, she brings clarity and value to every engagement. Her success is rooted in prior business development roles at leading payroll and service firms and her B.S. in Business Administration from San Diego State University.
LinkedInAustin York
Risk Consultant
Austin helps organizations move beyond “good enough” to strategic benefits planning. With expertise in Employee Benefits, HR, and Total Rewards, Austin delivers solutions that maximize savings, improve employee engagement, and drive measurable ROI. He is passionate about tackling complex challenges, thinking outside the box, and aligning strategies that help clients grow and thrive.
LinkedInEXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
GLP-1s at Scale: Why Weight-Loss Drug Decisions Are Now a Financial Strategy
A GLP-1 decision framework plus scenarios.
July 21, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
Open Enrollment That Works: Why Employees Do Not Engage — and How Modern Communications Drive Better Choices
Practical communication strategies to strengthen open enrollment effectiveness and employee decision-making.
August 18, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
Employee Benefits
The Compliance Pathway Q3
Don't miss this ongoing opportunity to ensure you comply with current regulations and are prepared for what's ahead.
September 2, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Register Here
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
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
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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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What the 2026 Benchmarking Data Reveals — and Why It Matters Now
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, Alera Group will host Benchmarking That Drives Decisions: Why Averages Mislead — and What Best-in-Class Data Reveals, a live webinar designed for HR, finance and executive leaders involved in benefits planning, budgeting and long-term strategy.
June 11, 2026
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Legal Alert: IRS Releases 2027 HSA Contribution Limits and Other Limits
In Rev. Proc. 2026-24, the IRS released the inflation adjusted amounts for 2027 relevant to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs). The table below summarizes those adjustments and other applicable limits.
June 3, 2026
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