Description:

Join us for an insightful session exploring the evolving benefits landscape from both carrier and broker perspectives. Melanie Nowak, Account Executive with Kaiser Permanente, alongside Matt White and Jonathan Lamb, Vice Presidents at NFP (the #1 Benefits and Retirement Broker in the DMV), will guide attendees through current benefit trends, strategic approaches to carrier and broker partnerships, and innovative solutions for optimizing your benefits program in 2026.

This program is designed to give HR practitioners practical, real-world insights from both sides of the benefits table. Whether you're evaluating carriers, selecting broker partners, or managing your overall benefits strategy, you'll walk away with actionable perspectives and strategic frameworks that you can apply immediately to strengthen your employee value proposition.

Learning Objectives

• Understand current trends shaping the benefits landscape in 2026
• Gain insight into carrier perspectives on product innovation and pricing strategies
• Explore broker approaches to evaluating and optimizing benefits programs
• Discover how integrated partnerships between carriers and brokers create value
• Enhance your ability to make strategic, informed benefits decisions

About the Speakers

Melanie Nowak is an Account Executive with Kaiser Permanente, an integrated managed care consortium that combines health insurance and health care services into one coordinated system. Melanie works with local business leaders and HR professionals in evaluating Kaiser Permanente as a potential solution for employees, partnering with brokers like NFP to find the correct product and pricing solutions.

Matt White and Jonathan Lamb are Vice Presidents at NFP, the #1 Benefits and Retirement Broker in the DMV. Matt works with new clients evaluating broker partners and manages ongoing client relationships. Jonathan leads a service team and oversees client relationships at NFP.

Approved HR Knowledge Area: Benefits

SHRM PDC: 1.0 Credit

Thank you to our Sponsor Elevare Corporate Coaching: Leadership Development Designed for Real-World Complexity