who we are

an advocate for employers + the well being of their employees

BENPRO is dedicated to helping HR teams, plan sponsors, and executive teams offer benefit programs that promote a positive company culture, increase engagement, and promote the health and financial wellness of their employees and executives, all while consciously controlling costs. After over 100 years of experience in the industry, our team knows that successful and growing companies are built by healthy, happy, worry-free employees.

Our team of independent consultants and support staff combine years of benefits expertise and field-tested strategies with an innovative and entrepreneurial, service-centered approach to each client’s unique goals and culture. Our goal is to never become complacent and always deliver cutting edge solutions, advice, technology, and well vetted vendor partners. For our team, it’s not enough to just provide service; we become a part of your team, focusing on your success and helping the people you care about.

MEET OUR TEAM

Trevor Kebodeaux | Managing Partner

With over 15 years of industry experience in employee benefit administration, Trevor specializes in understanding critical areas of need within each of his clients organizations.

For 13 years Trevor worked with First Financial Group of America, a regional TPA, servicing K-12 insurance and security programs for 22 parishes within LA (roughly 2/3 of the states educational employees). He then transitioned into the Managing Director role for a national employee benefits practice that serviced clients in the U.S. from coast to coast, before founding BENPRO.

Trevor is a third generation Financial Advisor and insurance professional with a sole concentration in employee benefits. He specializes in alternative funding strategies that help bend the cost curve for his clients and give the ability for greater employee recruitment/retention with lower cost, higher value benefits. He is available 24/7 ensuring a timely response for any issues that may arise with plan administration that need immediate attention and is adamant about instilling an urgent, service first mentality throughout the BENPRO team.

Trevor is well versed in voluntary benefits, HRAs, HSAs, MERPs, Stop loss evaluation and consultation and plan partner integration. In addition to his Group life and Health Licenses, Trevor also holds the following securities licenses: Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65.

Cliff Cheatwood | Partner/Co-Founder

Cliff’s 17 years of experience in employee benefits plan administration reflects a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in managing comprehensive benefits programs. His tenure overseeing the benefits for 16 parish school systems in Louisiana showcased not only his ability to navigate complex systems but also his dedication to the diverse needs of his clients.

During this time, Cliff successfully managed accounts, orchestrated seamless open enrollments, and skillfully navigated the intricacies of risk management. This hands-on experience in a challenging environment equipped him with a unique perspective, honing his problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

Before joining BENPRO, Cliff’s stint as Vice President at a top ten National Insurance Brokerage afforded him a high-level perspective on the industry. His focus on business development during this period not only expanded his professional network but also deepened his understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of insurance and employee benefits.

In his current role at BENPRO, Cliff’s primary mission is to bring value and cost savings to his clients. His approach involves leveraging both his extensive industry expertise and established relationships with insurance carriers. By tailoring solutions to the specific needs of each client, Cliff is able to deliver meaningful results, whether it be through optimizing existing plans or introducing innovative approaches.

Cliff’s proficiency in assessing the cost/benefit dynamics of company plans sets him apart. His keen analytical skills allow him to identify opportunities for improvement, ensuring that the benefits packages he oversees not only meet but exceed the expectations of his clients.

Above all, Cliff places a strong emphasis on providing excellent service as the cornerstone of building enduring relationships. His commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each client fosters a sense of trust and reliability. As he continues to navigate the complex landscape of employee benefits, Cliff remains a valuable asset to BENPRO and a trusted advisor to those he serves.

Patrick Pennefather, CLU, ChFC, CEBS, LUTCF |
Vice-President

Patrick began his insurance career with the Prudential Insurance Company of America in October 1977, and was promoted to Sales Manager in January, 1979. Serving in several offices throughout Michigan, Pat specialized in group insurance, which at the time, was a new offering for companies with less than 1000 employees.

In 1985, Pat started his own employee benefits and group insurance business under the name of Professional Planners. In 1986, the business was incorporated under the name of Professional Benefit Planners, Inc. In 1988, BenAdmin, Inc. was formed as a Michigan Third Party Administrator to enhance the agency’s offerings of voluntary benefits through flexible benefit plans and perform COBRA administration. In 1992, Professional Benefit Planners, Inc., acquired BenePro, Inc. (Detroit area benefits agency), and changed its’ name to BenePro, Inc. BenePro regularly ranked in the top ten producers for the carriers who were competitive in the Michigan market.

Following the sale of BenePro in 1997, Pat has continued in Employee Benefits as a Managing General Agent for a large voluntary benefits company, Director of Benefits for a Michigan agency, as well as Vice President at the largest privately held benefits agency in Michigan. In late 2019, Pat moved to New Orleans to be closer to his two grandchildren. Pat continues to be an involved member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) in New Orleans, as well as Past President of the Michigan Chapter and Metro Detroit Chapter. He is also a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and Self Insured Institute of America. Pat moved to BenPro with the rest of the initial team in October of 2022 from Risk Strategies where he was Team Leader/Senior Director.

He and his wife, Corinne, live in New Orleans, and are enjoying spending time with his two grandchildren.

Justin Burgess | Consultant

Justin Burgess is a highly motivated and results-driven professional with over 10 years of experience in the Employee Benefits Industry. He has a strong track record of success in developing and implementing strategies that drive revenue growth, increase customer satisfaction, and improve overall business performance.

Throughout his career, Justin has demonstrated a strong ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and team members. He is skilled at building rapport and trust and is known for his ability to think critically and solve problems in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

In addition to his professional experience, Justin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from The University of New Orleans and a Masters of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. In his free time, Justin enjoys golf, ice hockey, traveling, and spending time with wife, Lauren, and his son, Brooks.

Melissa Hiller | Account Executive

Melissa has worked in the insurance industry for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of New Orleans and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with minors in both Marketing and Management. She previously worked in the banking industry where she focused on cash management, deposit operations, marketing, and office administration. She has experience as a team leader and enjoys helping clients and co-workers alike.

With a strong research background, Melissa finds the most cost-effective proposals that best serve our clients. She provides daily support in such areas as resolution of escalated issues, billing reconciliation, carrier liaison activities, employee communications, and assistance in the implementation of wellness strategies. She is extremely detail-oriented which adds to her thoroughness in handling client relations. Melissa is also responsible for reconciling health insurance invoices for clients, ensuring payments reflect current monthly activity. She works closely with agency-branded invoicing and can produce invoices tailored specifically for each client and product.

Melissa is particularly familiar with level-funded and fully insured medical and specialty carriers in the local market, and she steps in to assist with experience data, benchmarking and aggregate reporting for self-funded clients. She is responsible for maintaining BENPRO, LLC’s client database and coordinating case setup and testing of our clients’ benefit enrollment platforms.

Crystal LoCicero | Account Executive

Crystal LoCicero is an Account Executive for BENPRO. Crystal is a licensed life and health agent who has 10 years of experience. She has deep knowledge in client service, account management, and claims management of self-funded benefit plans, working with employer groups of all sizes with varied benefit offerings. Her objective is to serve self-funded employer clients with outstanding service and present cost containment solutions that meet their specific needs.

Prior to joining BENPRO, Crystal worked in Account Management for a large TPA, a referenced based pricing vendor and a large brokerage. Crystal graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Outside of the office, Crystal enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Thomas Kehoe | Benefits Analyst

Thomas graduated in 2020 from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance and achieved his MBA at the University of New Orleans in 2021. Thomas has worked in the insurance industry for over 3 years. Thomas currently works with the entire team as a backend support (from service to data analysis, evaluations, benchmarking, and carrier communications.) Thomas works with carriers to provide proposals and assist in negotiating the best terms for clients. He also designs the layout for client-facing materials such as carrier proposals, employee benefits guides, and employer cost projections.

Macey Deleon | Benefits Analyst

Macey, an Account Analyst with a Business Administration degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, brings her effective communication skills and experience in a wide array of industries into her role as a client liaison. During her time at Southeastern and throughout the beginning of her career, she proved to be a perpetual learner who is driven to continuously enhance her skillset. She excels in understanding and fulfilling client needs, while also being a dedicated source of support for her colleagues. Macey consistently demonstrates her passion for client relations and her ability to foster a positive professional ambiance.

Macey’s ultimate driving force is witnessing the tangible, positive impact her work has on her clients. Nothing brings her greater satisfaction than knowing her efforts have led to favorable outcomes, reinforcing her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results in her role as an Account Analyst.

ARE YOU READY TO TALK?

Call today to learn more about our services and how we act as an advocate for the business owners we serve and the well being of the employees that work for them.