Ernest Strickland

About Ernest Strickland

I help company CFO\'s and CHRO\'s transform employee benefits from an annual surprise into a strategic advantage.Too often, companies manage benefits reactively—waiting for renewal, absorbing unexpected cost increases, scrambling for quotes, and repeating the cycle year after year. This approach drains budgets, frustrates employees, and undermines competitiveness.I take a different path. By leveraging Marsh’s Strategic Forecasting Model and enterprise analytics, I empower CFOs and HR leaders to get three years ahead of the renewal cycle, enabling them to:Plan proactively with clear multi-year cost visibilityAlign benefits strategy with evolving business and workforce prioritiesMake confident, data-driven decisionsDemonstrate measurable ROI in retention, productivity, and talent acquisitionYour people are your greatest asset. I help you invest in them with intention and foresight.My BackgroundWith nearly 20 years in executive leadership and business development—including serving as CEO of a local Chamber of Commerce in Memphis—I’ve learned that sustainable success comes from trusted, strategic partnerships. When I saw Memphis organizations blindsided by benefits volatility, I joined Marsh to deliver a higher-value, future-focused approach.What I Bring Deep Memphis business relationships Expertise in three-year strategic forecasting and scenario modeling Access to Marsh’s global resources and advanced analytics Two decades of leadership, problem-solving, and community impact A partnership-driven approach focused on long-term valueEducationMBA, Bethel UniversityBA, University of MemphisBeyond WorkFather of four. Music collaborator with my son. Golf enthusiast who thrives on solving challenges on the course.Let’s Connect If You’re Ready To:• Eliminate renewal surprises• Understand your 2026–2027 cost trajectory• Partner with a strategic advisor—not just a broker• Elevate benefits as a true talent and financial assetI don’t pitch—I plan. Let’s explore what’s possible. e••••••••@MarshMMA.com 90••••••17

Experience

1. Vice President, Employee Benefits

   Marsh McLennan

   Dec 2025 — Present · Memphis, TN, US

   I specialize in helping CFOs and HR leaders transform employee benefits from a reactive cost center into a proactive, strategic advantage. Using Marsh’s advanced Strategic Forecasting Model and enterprise analytics, I provide multi-year cost visibility and scenario planning that empowers organizations to align benefits with business goals, control costs, and enhance talent retention and productivity. My role involves building trusted partnerships, delivering data-driven insights, and guiding CFOs through complex benefits decisions to drive measurable ROI and long-term workforce success.

Education

• University of Memphis

  Bachelor's degree

• University of Memphis

  B.A., Real Estate

• Bethel University

  M.B.A., Business Management

  2009

• Bethel University

  Executive MBA

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Marketing
• Business Development
• Marketing Communications
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Customer Service
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Social Media
• Negotiation
• Sales
• Contract Negotiation
• Strategic Planning
• Finance
• Workforce Development
• Public Relations
• Business Strategy
• Project Management