About Us
Our Firm
Founded in 1988 by Brett D. Houston and Mark E.LeCompte, New England Employee Benefits Co., Inc, (NEEBCo) is a full-service employee benefits brokerage firm that is a trusted leader in the New Hampshire and New England marketplace. NEEBCo is known for its customer service, professionalism, expertise and solid commitment to its clients and community. NEEBCo’s mission is to provide superior cost-effective benefit solutions for its customers backed by service and employee advocacy that is second to none.
In 2021 NEEBCo joined the Alera Group allowing it to expand its service offerings including retirement services and property and casualty coverage. As an Alera Group firm, its clients benefit from the expertise and resources of a large national firm, while still maintaining the advantages of local hands-on care and relationships.
Our People
Based upon the foundation of customer service since its inception, NEEBCo’s team of consultants, account managers and administrative professionals are among the most experienced in the industry. Our customer-focused team treats its customers and their employees with highest regard and is readily available for prompt and professional employee assistance and problem solving. NEEBCo’s quoting and benefits analysis specialists provide an annual comprehensive review of all employee benefits coverages to provide the best and most cost-effective solutions available.
By constructing a strategic synergy of funding solutions, technology, compliance, and health initiatives, NEEBCo delivers long-term benefit management, talent retention, and corporate sustainability goals.
Technology
NEEBCo delivers a broad spectrum of technological solutions.
- Health Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Cost Forecasting
- Benchmarking
- Population Health Management
- Employee Engagement Platforms
- Integrated Payroll
- Electronic Enrollment
- Onboarding
- PTO Management
- ACA Administration
- Compliance
Administration
NEEBCo has extensive expertise in managing administrative business functions and guiding clients through state and federal requirements. Our customizable products and systems enable an efficient enrollment and communication process between employees, administrators, and carriers.
Strategic Planning
NEEBCo’s strategic planning philosophy encompasses a multi-year perspective positioning employers to meet both short and long term goals, capitalizing on their employee benefits investment.
Strategy development includes:
- Data-driven plan optimization
- Risk assessment & management
- Alternative funding solutions
- Captive solutions
- Cost forecasting & management
- Recruiting & Retention
- Wellness initiatives
- Employee engagement
- Compliance consulting
- HR Technology
Wellness
NEEBCo’s health and wellness initiatives take a big picture perspective to healthcare engagement, health risk, claims reduction, and employee benefit enhancement by using clinically supported data and technology.
Wellness initiatives include:
- Lifestyle based premium incentives
- Health risk assessments
- Biometric screening and evaluation
- Nutritional counseling
- Employee education and coaching
- Health fairs
- Competitions
Employee Benefits
NEEBCo takes a progressive approach to support the ever-changing workforce and benefits landscape by designing plans and engaging employees while monitoring efficiencies and costs.
Employee benefits products include:
- Employer-sponsored plans
- Tax-sheltered products
- Voluntary products
- Individual products
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Meet Our Team
Michael Connelly
Consultant
Michael Connelly is a Consultant with NEEBCo/Alera Group and brings more than 30 years of employee benefits experience to his clients and colleagues. Since joining NEEBCo in 2000, Mike has built a reputation as a knowledgeable, dedicated, and trusted advisor who is committed to delivering exceptional service and strategic benefits solutions.
Mike began his career with NEEBCo as a Customer Service Representative, quickly advancing to Account Manager before ultimately becoming a Consultant. Throughout his tenure, he has earned the respect of both his clients and fellow associates for his professionalism, responsiveness, and willingness to share his extensive knowledge and experience.
Prior to joining NEEBCo, Mike worked in employee benefits roles with Healthsource, Inc. and CIGNA, building a strong foundation in the healthcare and insurance industries. Before entering the benefits field, Mike proudly served his country in the United States Army as an active-duty Infantryman from 1989 to 1991 and continued his military service with the Army National Guard Mountain Infantry from 1991 to 1996.
Mike earned an Associate Degree from New Hampshire Technical Institute and a Bachelor's Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. His diverse background, commitment to service, and decades of industry experience make him a valued resource for both clients and the NEEBCo/Alera team.
JENNIFER DICKEY
Benefits Analyst
Jennifer joined NEEBCo in 1999 after earning a degree in Marketing from Plymouth State College. Over her tenure, she has held several roles within the company and has been a Benefits Analyst for more than 20 years. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her family.
SABRINA GALLANT
Senior Support Specialist
Sabrina joined the client services team at NEEBCo in 2018. Prior to being a part of Alera Group, Sabrina held various roles at multiple large organizations including Fidelity Investments, Connection IT and United Health Group. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Daniel Webster College. In her off time, Sabrina enjoys spending time with family.
GERARD GONZALEZ
Account Manager
Gerard Gonzalez joined Alera Group in December 2025, as an Account Manager serving clients from our Concord, NH office. Prior to joining Alera Group, Gerard served as Vice President/Director of Operations for Public Consulting Group where he was responsible for TPA/ASO operations and business development. Gerard has held numerous senior leadership positions in the health & life insurance and TPA industry spanning a period of over 40 years encompassing operations management, organizational development and strategic planning. His career background includes broad benefits and health insurance knowledge, expertise in self-funded and fully insured administration, product development, and a strong background in developing and leading companies. Gerard is a graduate of Augsburg College, with an M.A., Organizational Leadership, as well as a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN with a B.A., Legal Studies/Pre-Law. Gerard has also completed executive level coursework from Advanced Management Systems and the Gallup Organization. When not working, Gerard enjoys volunteering with organizations in Portsmouth, NH, where he lives. Gerard served on Portsmouth City Council Subcommittee for Arts & Culture and remains active in community events as time permits.
Resources
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EXPERT 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
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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
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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
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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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