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Alison Neilson
Employee benefits consultant and actuary
Professional Background
Alison Neilson is a distinguished health and benefits professional who possesses a strong background as an actuary. With a career that spans various roles in the health and benefits industry, Alison expertly blends her comprehensive understanding of actuarial principles with keen insights into organizational culture and employee needs. Currently serving as a Health & Benefits Consultant and Lead Actuarial Consultant at Burnham Benefits, Alison plays a pivotal role in delivering tailored solutions that help organizations navigate the complexities of employee benefits management. Throughout her career, she has developed and maintained vital relationships with clients and carriers, ensuring that her clients receive strategic, actionable guidance to meet their short-term and long-term goals.
Prior to her current position, Alison honed her skills at Mercer, where she worked as a Health & Benefits Actuarial Consultant. In this role, she applied her expertise in risk assessment and management to optimize benefit programs for clients. Additionally, her formative experience at the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board as an Actuarial Intern provided her with valuable insights into the workings of the compensation system, further enriching her understanding of the health benefits landscape in Canada.
Education and Achievements
Alison's education forms a robust foundation for her professional accomplishments. She earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Actuarial Science from the University of Regina, a program that prepares future actuaries with the analytical skills and technical knowledge required to succeed in the field. Complementing her specialization in actuarial science, Alison also obtained a Diploma in Business Administration from the same institution. This combination of actuarial expertise and business acumen allows her to assess benefits programs with a unique perspective that considers the broader organizational context and goals.
As an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA), Alison remains actively engaged in her professional development. She continuously seeks knowledge that enhances her ability to drive best practices in health and benefits consulting, ensuring that her clients receive the most informed guidance available. Her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth underscores her dedication to providing exceptional service in her field.
Key Skills and Expertise
Alison's ability to intertwine big-picture thinking with meticulous attention to detail is one of her standout skills. She is adept at evaluating and providing counsel on all aspects of employee benefits programs, particularly for self-funded clients in both the public and private sectors. Alison excels at distilling complex, technical information into digestible and actionable guidance, empowering her clients to make informed decisions regarding their health and welfare programs. Her passion for helping others is evident in every interaction, as she strives to create solutions that not only address current issues but also proactively prepare for future challenges.
In her role, Alison collaborates closely with subject matter experts to identify opportunities for enhancing her clients' benefits strategies. She is committed to understanding the unique dynamics of each client's organization, ensuring that her contributions align with the organization’s culture and objectives. This two-pronged approach is key to her success as she delivers tailored solutions that drive meaningful results.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Alison has made significant contributions to the health and benefits industry. Her work at Burnham Benefits has been particularly noteworthy, as she has developed comprehensive strategies that address the evolving needs of her clients. Her ability to cultivate and maintain strong client relationships is a testament to her interpersonal skills and her dedication to her clients' success.
By being involved in the health benefits space, Alison has positioned herself as a thought leader in risk management and benefits consulting. She leverages her extensive knowledge and practical experience to help organizations develop sustainable health and welfare programs while managing risk effectively. Through her continuous improvement mindset, Alison keeps abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes, further enhancing her clients' programs.
Alison Neilson stands as a prominent figure in health and benefits consulting, characterized by her unique blend of technical expertise and personalized client service. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and proactive approach to problem-solving ensure that she remains a trusted advisor in the industry.
Her compassion for helping others, combined with her analytical prowess, allows her to make a lasting impact on her clients' organizations. As her career evolves, Alison will undoubtedly continue to influence the health and benefits industry positively and help many organizations achieve their objectives through innovative benefits solutions.
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