What’s the good news, ladies?  December edition 

As we close out this year, I feel it’s important to express some gratitude.  I know that the 4^th Quarter has been a special kind of monster this year, but we would not be nearly as informed in our industry if it wasn’t for the fantastic people who work incredibly hard throughout the year to bring information to us.  This is a very special edition of “What’s the Good News, Ladies/?” as it spotlights some unsung heroines in our industry.  I know if you are reading this, you’re probably a big fan of BenefitPro, like I am!

As they say, “if you want to get something done, you give it to a busy woman.”  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of Tamara, Lily, Erica, Lynn and Emily as they work diligently behind the scenes in our industry to keep us informed and to provide stellar content through their news channels and events across the country!

Tamara Gentry, Vice President of Sales, Insurance & Real Estate Divisions BenefitsPRO, PropertyCasualty360 & GlobeSt

“The saying “the only constant in life is change” rang especially true this year.

Personally, my husband and I became empty nesters as both of my stepsons went off to college. With that we sold our house and moved across the country, including eight months of “limbo” while we searched for, and then waited for, our new home to be completed. 

Professionally, BenefitsPRO said goodbye to our beloved print magazine, which opens possibilities to focus on more dynamic digital content. A mentor with whom I truly enjoyed working departed from ALM, our parent company, a change that led to my promotion to Vice President. I now manage sales for three business divisions.  All good, but change nonetheless.

Reflecting on 2023, I’m proud of navigating these significant changes with grace and humility. With change and challenge, there are always opportunities for growth. The small stuff keeps me sane.  Breathe. Show gratitude (I have an incredible team!).  Buy flowers at the farmer’s market. Walk my dogs. Explore a restaurant in my new hometown.

I’m excited for a new year. Bring it on! I’m ready for you, 2024!”

Lily Peterson, Managing Editor, BenefitsPro

“This year I have really settled into my post-grad life (now two years). I celebrated my one-yearanniversary working as the managing editor for BenefitsPRO in July and it’s truly been a blessing. I work with an amazing team who pushes me outside of my comfort zone.

I came into BenefitsPRO as a creative writing major and it’s really awesome to experience a different type of writing, especially in a field that I never thought I would cover. It’s funny now, because I find myself feeling really passionate about broker and HR subjects. I want to help change this industry and if my part is giving individuals voices, I am happy to do that.”

Erica Queen, Account Executive, Property Casualty Group, Employee Benefits Group 

“Growing up, whenever I couldn’t find something, my mom would always say to me, “seek and you shall find.” I would always roll my eyes and tell her it was annoying when she told me that because OF COURSE I was looking!

But I’ve come to realize that, as I go through life milestones, I am constantly muttering that phrase, whether to myself,  to my daughter when she can’t locate her phone, or to my husband when he can’t find the remote control (typical).

I have also realized how crucial that phrase is to me in everyday life, especially with my 20 + years in sales. Sales is not what it was when I first started. Back then, budgets were stronger, agencies and companies were fully staffed, mergers and acquisitions were less frequent, and the overall landscape was a bit calmer. Now more than ever, I am constantly seeking. Seeking out new relationships, seeking out connections and companies, seeking out new product launches, competitive information, industry news, and seeking to always strive to a better team member, employee, friend, mother, wife and daughter. 

The world has been a crazy place lately. My daughter recently asked me, “Is there any good in the world? Is there any kindness?” And my reply was, “seek and you shall find.””

Lynn Varacalli Cavanaugh, Managing Editor of BenefitsPRO, ALM

“As a seasoned pro, I’ve seen a lot in the publishing industry since joining it in the late 80s. I’m sure some in our industry cannot imagine a world where there wasn’t online media!  Not only have I seen a lot of change in how the industry works, but I have also seen a lot of changes within the field itself.  When I came in, there were few women sitting at the table with me.  It’s exciting to see an immense shift from the 80s to today.  Previously, I was the editor-in-chief of “What’s New in Benefits and Compensation” and Senior Editor at Willis Towers Watson “Health and Benefits.” My time with these entities provided me with a wealth of experience that I was able to bring to BenefitsPRO when I joined in 2022.  I’m proud of the work we are doing, and I personally take pride in seeing the trending stories on the homepage that I have taken part in.  With my eye on the future, I look forward to providing more breaking health care and retirement industry news stories and to keep all of you on your toes with some catchy headlines!”

Emily Payne, Director, Content Analytics, ALM Business & Finance Division

“It’s been a year and a half since I transitioned out of my role as Managing Editor for BenefitsPRO. Although I miss being on the front lines covering the latest developments in employee benefits and health insurance, I’m still hard at work behind the scenes, finding ways for BenefitsPRO and its sister publications in the insurance and finance industries to better understand their audiences and create more impactful content. 

My first step was into the role of Deputy Editor for BenefitsPRO and its sister sites, where I spearheaded some bigger-picture projects, including the development of a set of newsroom policies for all of the brands under the ALM umbrella. By synthesizing piecemeal policies developed over the past couple of decades, I created a set of guidelines that define who we are as a newsroom.

I changed gears once again this past summer to focus on content analytics. “Spreadsheeting” might be a dirty word in the benefits industry, but I wield the power of Excel to uncover trends in data and to both create and solve my own complicated math problems. I love the sense of accomplishment whenever one of our brands sets a new record for monthly website visits or has an article go viral.”

As we push into 2024, I’m excited about the new women we will feature and the new friends we will make.  As always, if you know of any incredible women in our industry, I’d like to know them too. Just shoot me over an email at:  scombs@combsandco.com so we can get them featured and invited to our Wonder Woman Crew!  Happy Holidays!