Burnham Benefits Expands Wellness Program Service With New Account Executive, Cathy Rodriguez

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - May 29, 2013) - Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, one of the largest employee benefits brokerages in California and one of the few to specialize solely in strategic employee benefits consulting and brokerage services, welcomes Cathy Rodriguez as its newest account executive and expert in the strategic management of wellness programs.

Rodriguez will put her depth of experience with wellness initiatives to work in new business development for Burnham. As an expert in the strategic implementation of wellness programs, she will construct 3- to 5-year wellness programs and coach clients through Burnham's seven foundations of wellness program success: gaining C-level support, creating cohesive teams, collecting data, using the data to create an operating plan, choosing appropriate interventions, creating a supportive employee environment and ensuring that the programs continue to improve with constant evaluation and ROI analysis.

"We're excited about the strategic capabilities Cathy brings to our expanding wellness team," says Kristen Allison, founder and CEO of Burnham Benefits Insurance Services and a 30-year veteran of the employee benefits industry. "She's a proven force in evaluating carriers, negotiating with vendors and guiding clients through every step in establishing, maintaining, and evaluating the ROI of excellent programs. She's a welcome addition to our expanding team." 

Rodriguez was attracted to Burnham Benefits' unique combination of boutique-style, personal service and the powerhouse resources of a big firm. It's an environment that's ideal for an employee benefits specialist who takes pride in exceeding client expectations.

"Working side by side with clients is incredibly rewarding," says Rodriguez. "I spent many years working in the human resources field which gave me a clear understanding of what our clients really need in terms of both logistics and results. Collaborating with them allows me to design the best, most effective wellness programs to fit their individual needs. The resources and support Burnham provides, allow me to deliver a level of service I'm extremely proud of."

Rodriguez has spent 15 years in the employee benefits industry, most recently as a senior account manager at HUB International. She's a member of the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), through which she was granted a faculty status designation.

Burnham Benefits is an industry leader in providing cutting-edge, innovative employee wellness programs. California employers look to Burnham to develop customized programs that improve the health of their employees and prove cost-effective against rising healthcare costs.

ABOUT BURNHAM BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES: Based in Irvine, Calif., Burnham Benefits Insurance Services Inc. is a leading employee benefits brokerage in California, and one of the few to specialize solely in employee benefits insurance. Kristen Allison, CEO of Burnham Benefits and a 30-year industry veteran, acquired the firm in 1995 from John Burnham Insurance Services, an Orange County mainstay for more than 50 years. Boasting the in-depth industry knowledge and Fortune 500 resources of a large firm, Burnham Benefits prides itself on retaining the flexibility, creativity and consultative service of a boutique. California employers across all industries and in various growth phases trust Burnham to provide the counsel and cutting-edge resources to meet the needs of the unique market. After steady 20 percent annual growth and 97 percent client retention for the past 10 years, the company serves more than 300 corporate clients throughout the United States and manages more than $1 billion in premiums. Working with its colleagues at Burnham Gibson Financial Group, and having the added expertise of in-house underwriters, compliance officers and communications specialists, Burnham Benefits provides an integrated approach to managing a client's full spectrum of employee benefits. Named Best Place to Work by the Orange County Business Journal in both 2011 and 2012, the company has four offices in California: Irvine, San Rafael, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, as well as offices in Oregon and the Washington D.C. metro area. For more information, visit www.BurnhamBenefits.com.