Rachel Owens

About Rachel Owens

I help executives and HR leaders turn employee benefits from a cost burden into a strategic advantage. My approach is straightforward: smarter benefit strategies that cut waste, manage risk, and strengthen the employee experience.With expertise across self-funded, fully insured, and captive solutions, I tailor strategies that align with each organization’s goals, risk tolerance, and budget. Every client deserves a solution that works for their unique workforce and bottom line.Data drives everything I do. From contribution modeling to claims analysis, compliance management, and plan design, I deliver insights that move beyond surface-level fixes and into long-term value creation. The result? Benefits programs that perform today and adapt for tomorrow.I’m passionate about challenging the status quo and delivering results that matter: lower costs, healthier employees, and stronger organizations. My clients know me as a trusted partner who brings clarity, confidence, and strategy to every stage of the process.

Experience

1. Vice President of Employee Benefits

   Higginbotham

   Jan 2026 — Present

   I help executives and HR leaders transform employee benefits from a cost center into a strategic advantage through disciplined risk management, smart plan design, and data-driven decision-making.With expertise across self-funded, fully insured, and captive solutions, I design benefit strategies aligned to each organization’s goals, risk tolerance, and workforce needs.As a Vice President, I provide leadership across Employee Benefits, guiding strategy, advising clients, and driving accountability for results. I lead, mentor, and develop team members while recruiting and supervising interns, with a strong focus on talent development, education, and building the next generation of benefits professionals.Data drives every recommendation I make, from claims analysis and contribution modeling to compliance and plan optimization, delivering sustainable results today and long-term value for the future.Known as a trusted advisor, I challenge the status quo and deliver outcomes that matter: lower costs, healthier employees, and stronger organizations.