2024: Benefits for a Distributed Workforce

Our 7th annual conference for bold benefits leaders took place this year in April to great success! Together with Collective Health was back in person, meeting our client and partner community in Lehi, UT and Plano, TX. Our event brought together forward-thinking HR and benefits leaders, their ecosystem partners, and C-suite executives for a day of deep discussion and actionable information. Conference attendees will also be able to visit the heart of Collective Health, our Lehi and Plano Customer Experience Centers.

Lehi and Plano

Collective Health hosted our 2024 Together Conference in two locations: Lehi, Utah, and Plano, Texas. This year’s event highlighted our expanding office footprint and allowed us to proudly feature our newest location in Plano. From the innovative energy of Silicon Slopes to the dynamic spirit of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, we celebrated our commitment to growth, community, and excellence. Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey with us!

See the sessions

Driving engagement in a new workforce model


The employer panel explored strategies for driving engagement in a new workforce model by sharing insights on adapting to hybrid and remote work environments, enhancing cultural and benefits engagement, and measuring success. Panelists discussed methods to maintain positive cultural engagement despite isolation, combat resistance to returning to the office, and effectively communicate with employees to avoid burnout and communication fatigue. They also highlighted the importance of benefits in fostering company culture and addressing challenges in engaging dispersed populations, ultimately sharing key takeaways for keeping employees engaged and satisfied.

Supporting the mental health needs of a distributed workforce


The fireside chat explored factors influencing mental health, including burnout and work-life balance, and provided recommendations for employers. The discussion highlighted Lyra’s strategies for enhancing productivity, retention, and offering clinical insights into mental health implications. They also suggested additional supportive programs employers could implement to bolster mental health support for their workforce.

Supporting the physical health needs of a distributed workforce


The fireside chat explored the partnership between our partner, Tria Health and mutual client Academy Sports in addressing diverse workforce health needs. Tria Health detailed their comprehensive care model for chronic conditions, focusing on education, drug optimization, and personalized support. Academy Sports shared insights into implementing Tria Health across their corporate, distribution, and store teams to manage chronic conditions effectively. Discussions included employer goals, strategies for driving utilization, and outcomes achieved, highlighting Tria Health’s pivotal role in meeting evolving health challenges in the workforce.

Your extraordinary starts now


Led by Shannon Bahrke, a two-time Olympic medalist freestyle skier, the keynote session was a dynamic exploration of empowering individuals in the workplace. Attendees engaged deeply with topics such as developing mental toughness, fostering high-performing teams, embracing collaborative leadership, setting sensory-driven goals, overcoming fears, and integrating mindfulness practices for comprehensive personal and professional growth.

Connecting diverse populations: the balance between productivity & culture


The session explored the balance between productivity and culture, highlighting strategies for linking factory and desk workers while enhancing productivity through infrastructure and flexible policies. It emphasized adapting culture to remote work and evolving workforce expectations, using innovative online tools for cohesion. Leadership's pivotal role in fostering trust and flexibility to inspire a motivated workforce was a central theme.

Group discussions


Employers participated in roundtable discussions where they delved into two main themes, engaging in open and organic dialogue with their peers. These sessions provided a platform for sharing insights and learning from each other's experiences, fostering a collaborative environment. This interactive format allowed for deeper understanding and collective wisdom, empowering attendees to enhance their practices effectively.

Speakers

Join healthcare experts, innovative company leaders, and Collective Health at Together 2024, our annual customer conference, as we discuss what it takes to provide a health benefits experience that will set you apart.

Abbie Buck

Abbie Buck Chief People Officer, Collective Health

Abbie Buck

Abbie Buck

Chief People Officer, Collective Health

Abbie serves as Collective Health’s Chief People Officer. She is passionate about engaging and developing employees, unlocking the capability of leaders, and protecting and evolving company culture as key levers to grow businesses. Abbie has spent more than 20 years working for companies like IBM, eBay, PayPal and most recently, Splunk.

Ali Diab

Ali Diab CEO, Collective Health

Ali Diab

Ali Diab

CEO, Collective Health

Ali has a strong personal motivation to improve the quality and cost of healthcare after experiencing a major health problem. He has more than 15 years of technology startup and executive management experience, including VP of Product Management and Business Operations at AdMob, which was acquired by Google in 2010.

Andor Molnar Headshot

Andor Molnar Vice President of Human Resources, Daikin

Andor Molnar Headshot

Andor Molnar

Vice President of Human Resources, Daikin

Andor Molnar, VP of Human Resources at Daikin, brings 35+ years of HR expertise having run Compensation & Benefits as well as Human Resources for various companies including Bell Canada, Dell, Westinghouse, and Goodman Manufacturing.

Dane Thorwaldson_HEADSHOT

Dane Thorwaldson Head of Global Benefits, Cornerstone OnDemand

Dane Thorwaldson_HEADSHOT

Dane Thorwaldson

Head of Global Benefits, Cornerstone OnDemand

Dane, Head of Global Benefits at Cornerstone OnDemand, brings over 15 years of HR and Benefits expertise. Acknowledged by Employee Benefits News, Dane's approach prioritizes technology-driven solutions, employee-centric communication, and innovative strategies to streamline benefits practices and enhance employee satisfaction. His career has been colored by diverse experiences including offshore roughnecking, nonprofit leadership, tech startup strategy, and property management.

Dr Alethea_Aarra_HEADSHOT

Dr. Alethea Varra Sr. Vice President, Clinical Care, Lyra Health

Dr Alethea_Aarra_HEADSHOT

Dr. Alethea Varra

Sr. Vice President, Clinical Care, Lyra Health

Alethea Varra, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Senior Vice President of Clinical Care at Lyra Health. With over 15 years of experience, she leads therapy programs and shapes clinical strategy, focusing on innovative healthcare solutions and improving access to evidence-based mental health care, particularly for underserved communities.

Jacqueline Ludwig

Jacqueline Ludwig Sr. Director of Total Rewards and People Operations, Collective Health

Jacqueline Ludwig

Jacqueline Ludwig

Sr. Director of Total Rewards and People Operations, Collective Health

Jacqueline brings 15+ years of Total Rewards and compensation experience having worked for companies such as Charles Schwab and McKesson prior to joining Collective Health.

Jessica Lea_2

Jessica Lea CEO, Tria Health

Jessica Lea_2

Jessica Lea

CEO, Tria Health

Dr. Jessica Lea, CEO of Tria Health since its inception in 2009, is driven by her PharmD expertise to revolutionize patient-centered care and improve health outcomes for those suffering from chronic conditions. Lea, a Doctor of Pharmacy with board certification in psychiatric pharmacy and an Executive Masters in Business, is recognized locally and nationally as an inspiring leader in healthcare innovation.

John Capshaw_HEADSHOT

John Capshaw Director of Benefits, Service Corporation International (SCI)

John Capshaw_HEADSHOT

John Capshaw

Director of Benefits, Service Corporation International (SCI)

John Capshaw, Director of Benefits at Service Corporation International (SCI), brings over three decades of expertise spanning the insurer, consulting, and employer sides, across diverse industries including high-tech, water & wastewater management, biotech, and oil & gas. With a passion for benefits and effective communication, he aims to enhance employees' understanding and appreciation of their benefits.

Johnny Martinez Bio Photo

Johnny Martinez Director People & Change, Protiviti

Johnny Martinez Bio Photo

Johnny Martinez

Director People & Change, Protiviti

Johnny, a seasoned Director in People & Change at Protiviti, brings 25+ years of expertise specializing in global team scaling and performance enhancement across various industries. Led Global Benefits and Total Rewards at RH, CoCreativ, Netflix, and Indeed.

Justin Padilla

Justin Padilla Benefits Manager, The Container Store

Justin Padilla

Justin Padilla

Benefits Manager, The Container Store

Justin Padilla is the Benefits Manager at The Container Store where he oversees the benefits program. He is responsible for navigating the challenges of Open Enrollment, participant communications, plan design, and education campaigns. Prior to his current role, he was a Benefits Advisor and Federal Investigator for 10 years at the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration. During his tenure he collaborated with plan sponsors, participants, and beneficiaries to understand ERISA, secure benefits, and achieve compliance. His experience in enforcement and administration provides a complementary perspective to Employee Benefits.

Kim Shepard

Kim Shepard Sr Vice President of Client Success, Collective Health

Kim Shepard

Kim Shepard

Sr Vice President of Client Success, Collective Health

Kim serves as the SVP of Client Success and brings 40 years of healthcare industry experience to positively impact Collective Health clients, consultants, and brokers. She is passionate (some might say obsessed) with ensuring that Collective Health is delivering the best possible experience to clients and customers. Kim joined Collective Health most recently from Cigna where she was the Arizona Market President and prior to that was the VP of Sales and Account Management for Cigna in both the Arizona and Texas markets. In addition to her time at Cigna, Kim has held leadership positions at United Healthcare and Hewitt Associates.

Kirk McConnell

Kirk McConnell Vice President of Sales, Collective Health

Kirk McConnell

Kirk McConnell

Vice President of Sales, Collective Health

Kirk McConnell brings over 15 years of healthcare and tech experience, specializing in product marketing and sales. Kirk is dedicated to addressing the challenges within the American healthcare system.

Manar Bustami

Manar Bustami Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Collective Health

Manar Bustami

Manar Bustami

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Collective Health

Manar Bustami brings over a decade of experience in digital health and sales leadership. As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Manar oversees the growth and evolution of Collective Health’s ecosystem and network partnerships.

Matt Baki_HEADSHOT

Matt Baki Senior Vice President, Tria Health

Matt Baki_HEADSHOT

Matt Baki

Senior Vice President, Tria Health

Matt Baki, Sr. Vice President at Tria Health directs all strategic accounts and partnerships. Over his 11 years with the company, Matt has worked with national employers, brokerage and consulting firms, and overseen the expansion of Tria’s strategic partnerships including the integration with Collective Health.

Rhonda Wright_HEADSHOT

Rhonda Wright Sr. Benefits Manager, Academy Sports

Rhonda Wright_HEADSHOT

Rhonda Wright

Sr. Benefits Manager, Academy Sports

Rhonda Wright, Senior Benefits Manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors, brings over 25 years of experience in benefits administration, renowned for implementing cost-effective solutions and fostering strategic partnerships. She is dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions and ensuring they understand and value the benefits offered to them.

Sam McLeod

Sam McLeod Head of Global Benefits and Mobility, Confluent

Sam McLeod

Sam McLeod

Head of Global Benefits and Mobility, Confluent

Sam McLeod, Global Head of Benefits, Mobility & HR M&A at Confluent, brings over 15 years of experience drawing from an extensive background in both public and private sectors, including roles at Mercer as a commercial lawyer and consultant.

Sasha Yamaguchi

Sasha Yamaguchi Vice President of Sales, Collective Health

Sasha Yamaguchi

Sasha Yamaguchi

Vice President of Sales, Collective Health

Sasha brings over 23 years of health benefits industry experience with a background in leading both retention and new sales efforts. Sasha believes that employers should be provided with the opportunity to have flexibility to design a program that works for their population.

Scott Murray

Scott Murray Chief Operating Officer, Collective Health

Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Chief Operating Officer, Collective Health

Scott is passionate about developing and unlocking the potential in people, creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and succeed, and bringing this same passion to solving complex problems. He spent 15+ years at eBay where he was most recently Vice President of Customer Service Technology Solutions. He played a key role in expanding their operations in Utah and co-led the transformation of eBay’s global customer service with a focus on improving the customer experience while decreasing costs annually.

speaker-1

Shannon Bahrke Two-time Olympic medalist freestyle skier

speaker-1

Shannon Bahrke

Two-time Olympic medalist freestyle skier

Two-time Olympic medalist freestyle skier, World Champion, entrepreneur and inspirational speaker whose "Dream, Believe, Achieve" model focuses on developing a high-performing and empowered workplace.

Program Details

See Collective Health in action — Take a tour of our Customer Experience Centers


Intimate Welcome Reception


Savvy Customer & Client Panels


Insights Ecosystem Partner Discussion


Engaging Employer Roundtables


Lively Keynote Speaker


and more

Sign up to receive details for the Together 2025 Employer Conference, the exclusive Benefit/HR Leader-only event!

Huge thanks to our partner sponsors:

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