Ruth Edwards

About Ruth Edwards

After 9 years of helping employer groups navigate employee benefits I see very clearly that Health Insurance isn\'t simple anymore. The waters are muddy and murky with increasing premiums, high risk pools in the ACA marketplace and a stressed out healthcare system. It\'s time to stop pretending that doing the same thing every year is going to work. Most employer groups are on a squirrel wheel trying to figure out how to get off. It\'s time to get creative and explore all options out there in the wide world of Employee Benefits. Every day, of every week, of every month there are new vendors knocking on my door to provide you services; some, you probably need. On top of that, USI provides me with AI tools, tenured partners, and value added services to benefit my mid-market clients.• Insurance Underwriting and Analytics• HR Services• Population Health and Wellness• ERISA (Compliance/Health Care Reform) Advising• Healthcare Cost Management• Pharmacy Benefit Consulting• Ancillary Benefit Consulting. Benefits Resource Centerand so much more.Learn how USI\'s employee benefits practice offers highly specialized solutions and services to drive better value for your benefit spend. To learn more about USI, our capabilities, and our resources, please contact me at r••••••••@usi.com or at 50••••••55.

Experience

1. Assistant Vice President - Employee Benefits Consultant

   USI Insurance Services

   Feb 2024 — Present · Portland, OR, US

   I love business, math and science. I bring analytical precision and data-driven insight to the dynamic and seemingly complex world of employee benefits. My academic background empowers me to forecast trends, and tailor strategic solutions that align with both employee needs and business goals for mid-market employers. I thrive on solving problems and helping organizations make smarter, more sustainable benefits decisions with the greatest impact to their finances and employees.COMPETENCIES & TRAITS: include but not limited to:• SHRM/PHRMA member - Helping me to better understand the needs and wants of my clients and their employees. Reputation as a client-centric sales professional. Technical knowledge of insurance and risk management products and services. Problem Solving: I view situations objectively and choose the best solution accordingly to fully meet the clients purposes. • Analytical Skills: Analyze quantitative or qualitative data and form actionable conclusions• Building Relationships: Invest in relationships to achieve shared results and gain the trust of stakeholders• Communication: Actively listen, share information, and propose suggestions and solutions• Adaptability: Quickly adapt to new technology and processes, and effectively manage change

Education

• University of Northern Colorado

  Bachelor’s Degree, Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist

  2004 — 2006

• University of Alaska Southeast

  Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General

• Mt. Hood Community College

  Hybrid Nutritional degree received from University of Northern Colorado, Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist

  2004 — 2005

• Oregon State University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Environmental Chemistry + Minor Advanced Mathematics

  1993 — 1995