MEET THE TEAM
We Are Here for You
ABOUT US
Benefits Exchange Northwest (BEN) is an independent insurance managing general agency (MGA) and insurance technology solutions provider. Established by Mark Fisher and other investors, BEN is a privately held Limited Liability Corporation located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
BEN was founded in 2013 as a solution for companies needing online benefit enrollment, consumer driven healthcare solutions, and COBRA Administration. Since our inception, we have grown in our offerings and our technology solutions.
Today BEN also offers a robust HRIS system that manages benefit administration, payroll integration, asset tracking, paid time-off management, ACA reporting, variable hour tracking capabilities, and more. With our easy to use portals, mobile applications, and superior customer service, we give human resources the edge they need to succeed.
MARK FISHER
President
Mark Fisher has been in the employee benefits industry for over 25 years with over 20 years in Coeur d’Alene. Mark is a co-founder of Peak1 Administration, a successful benefits administration company that is now separately owned. Mark is the owner of Advanced Benefits in Coeur d’Alene, one of Idaho’s largest independently owned insurance agencies across the state.
Mark spent 7 years on the Coeur d’Alene Chamber board, including being board chair in 2009. Mark is an ACA Certified Professional and is CMS Marketplace registered producer. Mark was a District 2 primary candidate for the Idaho State House of Representatives.
KELSEY MOEN
Operations Manager
Kelsey brings over 15 years of customer service with her and is a licensed Health and Life Insurance Agent, Certified COBRA Administrator, and holds her Consumer Directed Health Care Certification. Kelsey has the pleasure of working hand in hand with our wonderful clients. From start to finish, she is with them every step of the way, whether it is building the online platform for their company, providing training for the HR department, or assisting employees as they walk through their benefit enrollment and compliance acknowledgement. She also assists in navigating COBRA compliance and COBRA administration. Kelsey enjoys seeing the value our product can bring to these employers.
KATELYN WESALA
Customer Support Specialist
Katelyn moved to Coeur d’Alene from Western Washington after graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Business Administration. She is eagerly starting her career in customer service, while in her free time she is exploring her new home in the inland Northwest.
KAELINA SCHUELLERMAN
Sr. Account Manager
Kaelina comes to BEN with a superior background in customer service and the mindset that the customer comes first. When Kaelina isn't helping our customers, she can be found in the big outdoors of beautiful North Idaho hunting, camping, and fishing.
ASHLEY BLESSING
Account Manager
Ashley has worked in the Benefits Administration field for almost 5 years. She has obtained her Flexible Compensation Specialist Certification, COBRA Administration Specialist Certification and her HIPAA Compliance Certification. Outside of work, Ashley can be found spending time with her family and friends.
KERRI STRAW
Human Resources/Compliance Consultant
Kerri Straw has been in the medical field for over 20 years. During that time she has worked for doctor’s offices, hospitals, insurance carriers, and third party administrators. Kerri currently holds her Life & Disability License, HIPAA Security and Privacy certified, and is a certified professional in Human Resources (PHR and SHRM-CP).
Always seeking to further herself, Kerri graduated with a Technical certificate in Business with Human Resource emphasis from North Idaho College, and is currently pursuing further education in Business Leadership. With a background in human resources, training, and employee benefits, Kerri can provide direction and guidance throughout all phases of employee benefits. Dedicated to providing full support to her BEN team, Kerri prides herself in assuring that all clients experience the highest level of customer service and support.