Alliant Insurance Services has welcomed Melissa Koontz as the new senior vice president in its employee benefits group, a move that strengthens the company’s reach in the Pacific Northwest. Koontz will be based in Spokane, Washington, bringing her expertise to a national client base.
In her new role, Koontz will focus on creating employee benefits plans that align with both company goals and employee needs. She is known for her skill in handling self-funded benefits, including flexible approaches that can be tailored to different organizations. Koontz has also helped many companies through mergers, acquisitions, ownership changes, and dealings with unions and public entities, serving clients in financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
Kevin Overbey, president of Alliant Employee Benefits, praised Koontz for her ability to connect the priorities of finance and HR. He highlighted her strong background in self-funding and organizational changes, calling her a valuable resource for employers dealing with changes in healthcare.
Before joining Alliant, Koontz was a senior vice president at a global insurance brokerage and employee benefits firm. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and human resources from Gonzaga University and is certified as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) by the Society for Human Resource Management. Koontz also serves as programs director for the Inland Northwest Society for Human Resource Management.
This appointment is part of Alliant’s recent efforts to grow its employee benefits team. Earlier this year, the company added two new executives to the group, appointed another vice president in June, and acquired Johnson Benefit Planning in Oregon. These steps support Alliant’s goal of expanding its presence across the Pacific Northwest.