Katy Kennedy
Benefits Manager
Aurora
Summary
Results-driven Benefits Manager with over a decade of experience in HR and benefits. Specializes in overseeing intricate multi-state benefits programs for large employee populations. Skilled in ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing employee satisfaction, and implementing budget-friendly wellness initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in fostering teamwork across departments, streamlining processes, and effectively managing external vendors.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Manager
Sage Hospitality Group
2022.05 - Current
- Lead benefits programs for 6,000+ employees across 60+ properties in 19 states
- Own full-cycle benefits administration: open enrollment, new hires, life events, COBRA, LOA and acquisitions
- Collaborate with payroll and HRIS to ensure data integrity and accurate deductions
- Coordinate with brokers and vendors on renewals and wellness programs
- Ensure regulatory compliance and manage audits, filings, ACA and 5500s
- Develop employee-facing communication and benefits training for People & Culture team
Benefits Administrator
DispatchHealth
2021.05 - 2022.05
- Managed benefits for Dispatch and acquired companies with 2,500+ employees
- Streamlined LOA/FMLA processes and ensured timely carrier communication
- Led multi-plan open enrollment with tailored communications and 1:1 support
- Enhanced data accuracy in UKG and coordinated daily 401k updates
Benefits Specialist
G&A Partners
2020.12 - 2021.05
- Administered benefits for 60+ clients, maintaining excellent client and broker relationships
- Supported annual renewals, new hire orientations, and day-to-day benefit escalations
Benefit Transfers Advocate
Gusto
2019.08 - 2020.12
- Migrated clients' existing benefit plans to Gusto's platform for small businesses
- Built and validated benefit policies, enrollments, and deductions per ACA guidelines
- Communicated daily with clients to guide transitions and resolve benefit issues
Insurance Administrator
Colorado PERA
2018.07 - 2019.08
- Assisted retirees and active members with health, dental, vision, and Rx plans
- Audited eligibility files, resolved billing discrepancies, and coordinated with Medicare
Benefits Representative
Denver Public Schools
2018.03 - 2018.07
- Supported Open Enrollment execution and employee benefits education
HR Generalist
Hoag Hospital
2017.09 - 2018.01
- First point of contact for HR inquiries; managed onboarding, I-9s, LOAs, and separations
Benefits Coordinator
Guitar Center
2015.10 - 2017.09
- Managed benefit communications, billing, and ACA tracking for 300+ locations with 10,000+ employees
- Developed documentation and tracking systems to streamline operations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources Management & Business Administration
California State University, Fullerton
Skills
- Benefits Administration (H&W, 401k, COBRA, LOA)
- HRIS & EDI Systems (UKG, PlanSource, ADP)
- Compliance (ACA, HIPAA, ERISA)
- Open Enrollment Strategy & Execution
- Employee Engagement & Wellness
- Payroll Coordination & Billing Reconciliation
- Data Analysis & Reporting
Timeline
Benefits Manager
Sage Hospitality Group
2022.05 - Current
Benefits Administrator
DispatchHealth
2021.05 - 2022.05
Benefits Specialist
G&A Partners
2020.12 - 2021.05
Benefit Transfers Advocate
Gusto
2019.08 - 2020.12
Insurance Administrator
Colorado PERA
2018.07 - 2019.08
Benefits Representative
Denver Public Schools
2018.03 - 2018.07
HR Generalist
Hoag Hospital
2017.09 - 2018.01
Benefits Coordinator
Guitar Center
2015.10 - 2017.09
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources Management & Business Administration
California State University, Fullerton