Kingston, PA— August 23, 2021 — Creative Benefits, Inc. proudly announces and welcomes Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq. as a Benefits Consultant. In this capacity, Gert will serve as a strategic partner guiding clients through the procurement and implementation of their benefits package using their short- and long-term objectives as a compass. Calling on over 25 years of experience, Gert will provide organizations with customized solutions that consider cost containment, diverse employee populations, and ever-changing legislation.
Founded by Ruth Graham in 1983, Creative Benefits, Inc. is a consulting and brokerage firm whose mission is to “create optimal solutions in employee benefits that insure the right coverage for every stage of life.” With expertise in benefits including health care, dental, vision, disability as well as FMLA administration work, Creative Benefits, Inc. works with small, mid-sized and large employers in the tri-state area and across the country in a variety of industries. Creative Benefits, Inc. operates out of offices located in Newtown Square and Kingston, PA. Carolyn McLaughlin-Smith, Senior Benefits Consultant responsible for opening the Kingston branch over 15 years ago, is excited for the team’s newest addition. “Gert will bring a wealth of experience to the Creative Benefits team allowing us to deliver innovative solutions to our clients in this complex world of employee benefits. Our new partnership with Gert truly underscores the company’s commitment of continuously investing in our pool of talented individuals,” she said. When asked what excites her the most regarding her new role, Gert says, “I am very excited to join the Creative team because of its long history of collaborative relationships, exceptional customer service, and expertise in consultative service.”
Gert comes to Creative Benefits, Inc. from Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) where she has served as their CEO since 2019. FSA is a non-profit organization serving the region for over 125 years providing diverse services to children, individuals, seniors, and families, empowering them to achieve their full potential through building healthier relationships and stronger communities. In her role at FSA, Gert maintained oversight of all day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives while sustaining and growing programs and funding. She successfully led the organization through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, never ceasing services or turning away clients. In fact, under Gert’s direction, FSA launched additional services and programs in response to the community’s needs.
Prior to her tenure at FSA, Gert worked with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BCNEPA) and Highmark Inc. for a combined service of 18 years, most recently as the Vice President of Legal and Deputy General Counsel. During this time, she was responsible for compliant integration of BCNEPA into Highmark Inc., provider initiatives and operations across Pennsylvania and Delaware, state-wide Delaware legal operations and governance, and Pennsylvania and Delaware self-insured contracting. McGowan also served as general legal counsel at Wyoming Valley Health Care System from 1997 to 2001, representing the region’s largest integrated delivery system.
When reflecting on her previous experience Gert says, “I feel well prepared to continue the Creative Benefits, Inc. tradition of collaboration with insurers and employers to make insurance as affordable and efficient as possible.”
Gert resides in Jenkins Township with her husband, Kevin, and two children, Owen and Tessa.
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Creative Benefits, Inc. is a consulting and brokerage firm operating to design, implement, and manage employee benefits programs for companies of all sizes, using the most appropriate funding techniques and product strategies.