Meet the Team
Sales Team
Nearly 500 companies provide ARAG® legal plan coverage to nearly one million individuals in the U.S. If you would like to join the list of companies who have chosen to protect their employees, with no cost and little administrative effort, please contact one of our Sales Directors today.
Dennis Healy, Vice President Group Sales
Phone: 855-422-1673
Email: Dennis.Healy@ARAGgroup.com
As a member of the executive team, Dennis leads the organization in building a strong and diversified distribution system. He has over 20 years of insurance industry experience, with a primary focus in the sale of group voluntary benefit products to employer groups of all sizes. He is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with distribution partners and employers to position legal solutions as an important part of an employer's overall benefits offering.
Dennis is driven to make a difference by exploring new directions for growth. He believes that ARAG has "a tremendous opportunity to provide a benefit that people genuinely need at any age and can afford at almost any income. As more people become aware of legal solutions, we are well positioned to fill a largely unfilled need."
Having proven that he can generate impressive results in other markets, Dennis is excited to lead a distribution team focused on setting new standards for professionalism and success while providing a truly valuable benefit to our customers.
Education: Dennis has a bachelor's degree in Management from Keene State College in New Hampshire. He has been published frequently in trade publications and is a featured speaker at industry conferences and seminars.
David Bledsoe, Managing Director of Membership Group Sales
Phone: 515-246-1200, ext. 352
E-mail: David.Bledsoe@ARAGgroup.com
As Managing Director of Membership Group Sales, David focuses his efforts on developing opportunities that support revenue growth and expand distribution for ARAG legal plans to associations, credit unions and other affinity groups.
David brings 25 years experience managing marketing and business development programs for both premier insurance carriers and a leading national association. He understands that membership groups need to adapt to changing consumer, demographic and competitive landscapes and he helps them attract and retain members by applying ARAG's knowledge and proven experience helping people resolve legal issues.
Education: David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and political science from DePaul University.
Commitment to Community: David is active in the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA) and has been a member of the Inter-Company Marketing Group (ICMG) for more than a decade. He also volunteers with Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) in the Chicago area.
Rick Cavanaugh, Managing Director, Northeast
Phone: 888-686-6976
E-mail: Richard.Cavanaugh@ARAGgroup.com
As the Managing Director for the Northeast, Rick has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Rick works with clients in a collaborative and consultative manner, and focuses on educating them about the product. Prior to joining ARAG, Rick was responsible for selling and marketing multiple voluntary group products, most notably long term care insurance, in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. He also developed a group brokerage and TPA network where he worked extensively in the design and implementation of self-insured ERISA programs.
Education: Rick graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
Commitment to Community: Rick has coached youth sports and commits time and energy to a number of organizations including the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and the county food bank.
Steve Champion, Managing Director, Southeast
Phone: 502-429-3767
E-mail: Steve.Champion@ARAGgroup.com
As the Managing Director for the Southeast, Steve has more than 25 years of experience in the employee benefits industry. Steve has consulted with some of the nation's largest employers seeking employer-paid and voluntary legal programs including: SEIU Florida Healthcare, Saks Inc., Health Care Service Corporation and EDS.
Prior to joining ARAG in 1998, Steve held supervisory positions in claims administration, customer service, section 125 plans, marketing and direct sales. He was also a licensed independent insurance broker.
Education: Steve attended the University of Louisville and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a minor in business.
Commitment to Community: Steve is a member of Worldwide Employee Benefits Network (WEB), College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA), Louisville Employee Benefits Council and American Legion.
Ed Kearney, Managing Director, West
Phone: 888-485-5444
E-mail: Ed.Kearney@ARAGGroup.com
As the Managing Director of Sales for the West, Ed brings 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to ARAG. Ed provides a blend of extensive sales skills and industry knowledge, along with a collaborative and consultative approach to educate clients and their employees alike about the advantages of an ARAG legal plan.
Prior to joining ARAG, Ed worked for The Ayco Company, L.P., A Goldman Sachs Company. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of National Sales and Marketing, selling financial planning services to large corporations.
Education: Ed graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He earned his ChFC and CLU designations from the American College.
Commitment to Community: Ed has volunteered for Habit for Humanity as well as other local organizations. He also plans to get involved in the Junior Achievement education program in his community.
Jerry Turjanica, Managing Director, Midwest
Phone: 888-686-6974
E-mail: Jerry.Turjanica@ARAGgroup.com
As the Managing Director for the Midwest, Jerry has more than 10 years of experience in the employee benefits industry. Jerry has successfully consulted with some of the nation’s largest employers seeking employer-paid and voluntary programs, as well as health plans and insurers setting up private label benefit plans.
Prior to joining ARAG, Jerry was the Director of National Sales with EyeMed VisionCare, LLC, a Luxottica Group Company, where he was responsible for national sales relating to health and dental plans and ancillary insurers. Jerry also spent 15 years with Anthem BCBS (WellPoint) and several years with UnitedHealth Group.
Education: Jerry graduated from Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio, with a Masters of Business Administration in finance and a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration in accounting.
Commitment to Community: Jerry is actively involved in coaching youth sports, including baseball, softball and basketball.
Client Management Team
We know you don't have time to manage every project on your plate. That's why we give you a dedicated Client Manager to lead your ARAG program. As your single point of contact and your advocate, your Client Manager is your one-stop resource.
Ann Dieleman; Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer
Phone: 816-891-9888
E-mail: Ann.Dieleman@ARAGgroup.com
Ann is personally committed to educating consumers about their legal rights and empowering them to act. She brings this passion for lifelong learning to her role leading the Product Development, Marketing, Client Management and Business Development teams.
With nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the financial services industry, Ann applies both insight and intuition to developing new markets, products and distribution channels. She believes that whether customers connect with us over the phone, through social media, or our interactive website, the underlying relationship is what matters most – and she focuses extensively on building and maintaining relationships based on trust and respect.
Education: Ann received her bachelor's degree in business and communications from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and her Master's from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She holds an associate's degree in customer service designation from the Life Office Management Association.
Commitment to Community: Ann is an executive member of the Creative Good Council. She is a member and former board member of the American Marketing Association, a member of the Direct Marketing Association; a member of LIMRA International, Professional Insurance Marketing Association and Inter-Company Marketing Group (ICMG).
Inspired by the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, Ann's heart, and her spare time, is committed to helping the hungry and disadvantaged. She continually finds ways to make a difference by organizing collections for domestic violence shelters, food bank donations, coats and blankets for the homeless and other efforts in the community.
Mary Ward, Director, Client Management
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 285
E-mail: Mary.Ward@ARAGgroup.com
As Director of Client Management, Mary is responsible for creating and implementing the strategic direction of ARAG’s client management team to ensure long term client satisfaction. Mary works with the client management team, driving the development and growth of staff to build and maintain strong partnerships with ARAG's clients. She has spent more than 20 years of her career in the insurance industry, developing expertise in health plans, group and individual lines. Prior to joining ARAG, Mary worked with a major health care firm and drove strategic efforts to increase member retention.
Education: Mary earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management and Personnel from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She also holds an insurance license in Nebraska and Iowa.
Commitment to Community: Mary is an active volunteer with the Hy-Vee Triathlon and the Iowa Games. She also supports 100+ Women Who Care and Dress for Success.
Lou Greenberg, Director, National Clients
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 333
E-mail: Lou.Greenberg@ARAGgroup.com
As the Director for National Clients, Lou is responsible for developing strategic relationships and managing activities for national clients. He also advises consultants, benefits planners and insurance producers on plan design and implementation of consumer-oriented legal programs that attract and retain corporate customers and employees.
Education: Lou has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He received his bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Washington and holds an Associate in Risk Management Designation from the Insurance Institute of America.
Laura Lanigan, Supervisor, Client Management
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 291
E-mail: Laura.Lanigan@ARAGgroup.com
As a Supervisor of Client Management, Laura is responsible for assisting large corporate customers. She serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. Laura will develop, implement and coordinate strategies to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Her responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment and enrollment strategies and day-to-day plan sponsor activities.
Education: Laura has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, and earned her bachelor's degree in Business Management from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.
Commitment to Community: Laura is currently involved with the PTO program at Valerius Elementary School and has also been involved in Junior League.
Laura Kares, Senior Client Manager
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 337
E-mail: Laura.Kares@ARAGgroup.com
Laura serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. She will develop, implement and coordinate strategies to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Laura’s responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment, enrollment strategies and day-to-day plan sponsor activities.
Education: Laura earned her bachelor's degree in Applied Economics from University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California and was awarded the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. She received her Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in Birmingham, Alabama.
Commitment to Community: Laura volunteers and is active with Oakmont High School's Parent Teacher Club and is a former Board Member and President of the Parent Teacher's Club for Sargeant Elementary School in Roseville, California.
Mary Mahon, Senior Client Manager
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 326
E-mail: Mary.Mahon@ARAGgroup.com
Mary serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. She will develop, implement and coordinate strategies to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Mary's responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment, enrollment strategies and day-to-day plan sponsor activities.
Education: Mary received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ashland College. Mary joined ARAG in 2006 and has 24 years cumulative account management and customer service experience in the retail credit, mail order and manufacturing industries and more than nine years of experience in the legal insurance industry.
Commitment to Community: Mary has served on the board of several parent associations and is currently on the board of the North Coast Feis Association serving as Vendor Coordinator. Mary participated on the Crazy 8's Team in a local American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Lola Mramba Ngatia, Senior Client Manager
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 346
E-mail: Lola.Ngatia@ARAGgroup.com
Lola serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. She will develop, implement and coordinate strategies to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Lola's responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment and enrollment strategies and day-to-day plan sponsor activities. She will meet with you at least semi-annually (and is available more often at your request) to provide a summary of your plan's effectiveness and strategically plan for the future.
Education: Lola holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from the United States International University and received her master's in Business Administration from the University of Tampa.
Commitment to Community: Lola is a volunteer for the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program (GAL), also known as National Court Appointed Special Advocate. GAL volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system.
Mindy Anfinson, Client Manager
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 265
E-mail: Mindy.Anfinson@ARAGgroup.com
Client Manager Mindy Anfinson serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. She'll work with you to develop, implement and coordinate available ARAG resources to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Mindy's responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment, enrollment and day-to-day plan sponsor activities.
Education: Mindy is currently working towards the completion of her associate degree. Prior to joining ARAG in 2005, Mindy spent 10 years working in the entertainment industry, primarily in managerial, sales and marketing roles.
Commitment to Community: Mindy has been very active with United Way through previous employers; she served as a team lead/coordinator and helped to raise awareness and excitement amongst her co-workers, as well as exceeding the company's monetary goal two years in a row. She has been a volunteer at Y.E.S.S. (Youth Emergency Services Shelter) mentoring youth and at a local library reading to young children. She is also a member and volunteer for Lutheran Church of Hope.
Sharyl Dilling, Client Manager
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 261
E-mail: Sharyl.Dilling@ARAGgroup.com
Sharyl serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. She'll work with you to develop, implement and coordinate available ARAG resources to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Sharyl's responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment, enrollment and day-to-day plan sponsor activities.
Education: Sharyl has more than 20 years of experience building and maintaining strong relationships with ARAG's clients.
Commitment to Community: Sharyl is involved in volunteering for a number of church activities and donates blood regularly. She has also been active at her son's high school, helping with sports, chaperoned events, and other school related activities.
Tennille Mead, Client Manager
Phone: 515-246-1200 ext. 264
E-mail: Tennille.Mead@ARAGgroup.com
Tennille serves as your advocate, ensuring your benefit objectives and long term needs are met. She'll work with you to develop, implement and coordinate available ARAG resources to ensure you and your employees are satisfied with the legal plan. Tennille's responsibilities include managing implementation, communications, pre-enrollment, enrollment and day-to-day client activities.
Education: Prior to joining ARAG, Tennille gained 10 years of sales and account management experience in the travel industry. She possesses an associate degree in Leadership Studies from William Penn University and is currently attending Simpson College to obtain a bachelors degree in Business Management.
Commitment to Community: Tennille also volunteers as a coach for the Carlisle Girls Softball Association and donates her time at various church activities in her community.