We hope you and a guest will join us for our Employee Benefits Summit!
Is Employee Healthcare Broken Beyond Repair?
Strategies You Are Not Being Presented
Rising healthcare costs continue to challenge employers.
The question is no longer if change is needed - but what actually works.
What You’ll Take Away:
- A clear view of state-level legislative impacts from Springfield
- Innovative strategies from a leading national healthcare advisor
- Real-world approaches to reducing prescription drug costs
- Direct access to experts during an interactive Q&A session
- Plus! Stay for a post-event reception and continue the conversation.
Agenda
3:00 - Introduction, Chris Zion, LUTCF, First Vice President, FNIC
3:10 - Legislative Discussion, Laura Mizner, President, IL Life & Health Insurance Council
3:45 - Strategy Discussion, Buzz Hannum, Sr. VP Sales, Crumdale Speciality
4:15 - Principal Presentation, Mirza Gonzalez, Specialist
4:30 - Break
4:40 - Taunia May, Business Development, Cora Physical Therapy
4:55 - TriNet
5:15 - Panel Discussion with:
Buzz Hannum, Crumdale Specialty
Bob McMillin & Michael Barley, TriNet
Laura Mizner, IL Life & Health Insurance Council
Matt Marshall, Rockford Gastroenterology
Brad Smith, FNIC
5:55 - Closing Remarks
6:00 - Reception
Chris Zion, LUTCF, First Vice President, FNIC
Chris is the team leader for the Rockford, IL office. He has over 30 years of insurance experience. For the last 20 years he has focused on employer benefits planning, strategy and implementation. Chris also brings an extensive knowledge and background in the business owner, executive benefits and estate planning areas. Relationship building and continual communication with his clients is a key aspect of his business model.
Chris is very engaged locally and believes in giving back to the community that has been so generous to him and his family. Chris is President of the Rockford Cosmopolitan Club and has chaired their widely recognized charity golf event for a number of years. He also serves on the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois grants committee, on the board of the Parks Chamber, S.A.F.E. Winnebago board member and is past president of the Rockford Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, where he has also been a member nationally since 1994.
Chris and his wife have been married for over 30 years and their daughter is a graduate of Boylan High School and the University of Iowa. You will find them enjoying time outdoors and traveling whenever possible.
Laura Minzer, President of the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council
Laura Minzer currently serves as the President of the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council, a state trade association that advocates on behalf of life and health insurers in state legislative and regulatory affairs. Laura has over 25 years of experience working in and around Illinois state government with background and expertise on public and private health care policy and insurance regulation. She came to the Council in February 2019 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois where she served as the Executive Director of Health Policy overseeing development and execution of the company’s strategic positioning and advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues. She also served as Director, State Government Affairs for Cigna managing legislative and regulatory issues of interest in Illinois and 8 other midwestern states.
Prior to her experience in the private sector, Laura served as the Associate Vice President of Government Affairs and the Executive Director of the Healthcare Council for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. While in that role, she served as the Chamber’s lead on health reform, interpreting and responding to state and federal legislation and regulatory issues regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act and other issues that impact the health insurance market and the broader healthcare system in Illinois.
Laura got her start as a legislative analyst for the Illinois House Republican Caucus, handling policy and budget issues for health and human services and K-12 education committees. She has a B.A. in political science and international relations from Boston University and currently resides just outside of Springfield, IL with her husband and two boys.
Buzz Hannum, Sr. VP Sales, Crumdale Specialty
Buzz has over 20 years of health insurance expertise focused on alternative risk financing and self-funded programs. At Crumdale, Buzz leads the Sales team in providing self-funded solutions through our limited distribution model. Prior to joining Crumdale in 2018, Buzz worked for a regional broker in the Mid-Atlantic region working with employers ranging in size from 5 to 5,000 employees.
Mirza Gonzalez, Enrollment Specialist, Principal
Mirza Gonzalez has been an Enrollment Specialist with Principal for 11 years. Mirza is passionate about educating employees on their benefits and truly enjoys engaging with people. In her free time, Mirza likes to take long walks and spend time gardening.
Taunia May, Business Development Manager, CORA Physical Therapy
Taunia May is the Business Development Manager - Workers' Compensation for CORA Physical Therapy. She partners with employers, safety teams, case managers, and healthcare professionals to support injury prevention, early intervention, and effective return-to-work strategies. Taunia is passionate about helping employers create healthier workplaces through education, communication, and proactive injury management solutions.
Robert McMillin, Sales Consultant, TriNet
Robert McMillin is an experienced HR and business solutions professional with a strong background in helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of workforce management, compliance, payroll, and HR technology. With years of experience working alongside small and midsize businesses, Robert has developed deep expertise in aligning HR strategy with operational growth, helping leadership teams streamline processes while improving the employee experience. Known for his consultative approach and strong understanding of both PEO and ASO solutions, he works closely with business owners, brokers, and advisors to deliver practical, scalable solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs. Robert is also recognized for his thought leadership around HR compliance, workforce strategy, and the growing role of technology in modern human capital management.
Michael Bartley, Director Of Revenue, TriNet
Michael Bartley is an HR solutions specialist focused on designing and implementing scalable, end-to-end HR infrastructure. He helps organizations streamline operations across HR consulting, risk mitigation, benefits, and employee technology from hire to retirement.
Leveraging TriNet’s resources and strategic partnerships, Michael delivers customized, growth-ready solutions that drive operational and financial improvements. Known for his client-first approach, he is committed to exceeding expectations through strong service, long-term partnerships, and measurable results.
Matthew Marshall, Director of Finance, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates
Matthew Marshall serves as the Director of Finance for Rockford Gastroenterology Associates. In this role, Matthew oversees financial operations and helps guide strategic decision-making for the organization. Known for a strong attention to detail and a results-driven approach, Matthew is committed to supporting organizational growth and efficiency through sound financial management.
Brad Smith, Executive Director of Employee Benefits, FNIC
Brad is the Executive Director of Employee Benefits at FNIC, where he helps employers navigate rising healthcare costs and understand their impact on employees and communities. He began his insurance career as an intern with Mass Mutual in 1989 and later returned to employee benefits after gaining experience in consumer and commercial credit, agriculture manufacturing sales, and auto industry finance and insurance. Brad went on to hold roles at The Harry A. Koch Co., Inspro Insurance, Lockton, and BCBSNE before joining FNIC in 2025.
Brad values working with people who are open to collaboration and new approaches. He is passionate about promoting transparency in healthcare and has worked closely with a national organization focused on reducing fraud, waste, and abuse. One highlight of his career included helping organize a regional, 7 State Attorney General conference addressing excessive healthcare costs.
A proud Nebraskan, Brad enjoys golf, outdoor activities, biking, hiking, riding his Harley Davidson, and watching sports and documentaries. He is an active member of the Omaha Exchange Club, where he has spent 18 years supporting efforts to prevent child abuse. Brad also enjoys spending quality time with his family, including three children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren.