Young employee benefits leader
oversees firms expansion and initiatives
By Christopher W. Cook
In the insurance industry, certain dedicated
young professionals stand out among their peers and
are members of an elite squad of individuals.
These are their stories. “Dun dun.”
This writer knew that he wanted to work on developing screenplays after graduating from college with my BFA in Creative Writing, but I had no idea what to do for a paying job. I found myself working in the food industry for over a decade, which included relocating back to the Indianapolis area. I never actively sought a career in writing or journalism, and then a connection encouraged me to send my résumé to a place called The Rough Notes Company where she worked. I apparently listened.
Whether it’s location, job availability or a combination of other things, a number of college graduates today have to pivot from their original plans. As for those screenplays that I wanted to develop post-graduation, none made it to a final draft, and all have been shelved for nearly 15 years now. (I’m hoping to change this soon.)
For Liz Yovich, director of global engagement and employee benefits at WBN (Worldwide Broker Network), limited opportunities in her career field led her to make the pivot so many others have made.
“I graduated from the University of Denver with a dual degree, receiving a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an Economics major,” she says.
“After earning my degree, I initially set my sights on hospital management. However, opportunities in that field were limited, and I accepted a role as an account analyst at Gallagher, where I constructed and maintained monthly and quarterly claims reporting and utilization packages for over 35 clients.”
Yovich admits that when she started, she didn’t “fully understand what insurance brokers actually did,” but it didn’t take her long to realize that she wanted a client-facing role in the industry.
“We are in a people-driven business where risk and relationships
go hand in hand, even in the age of AI. Prioritizing clients
and delivering exceptional service remains essential.”
—Liz Yovich
Director, Global Engagement and Employee Benefits
Worldwide Broker Network
After seven months at Gallagher, Yovich accepted an account manager position with IMA Financial Group, where she experienced that client-facing opportunity she desired.
“It was at IMA that I truly learned the business and began to grow into the role I hold today,” she says. Yovich spent seven years at IMA, where she built and led the Global Employee Benefits Practice, supporting over 125 clients and several million in revenue before joining WBN in January 2022.
In her current role, based in Washington, D.C., Yovich supports the group’s headquarters team on business development initiatives and helps drive the success of the firm’s membership. Another duty includes overseeing the expansion and strategic direction of all employee benefits initiatives and resources within WBN, including the recent development of WBN’s proprietary collaboration platform to enhance connectivity and consistency between its members and The Wellbeing Zone, a curated ecosystem of partner organizations that supports all five pillars of well-being.
In 2023, “I was instrumental in establishing WBN’s Client Advisory Council, a thought leadership group composed of senior figures from major brands such as Bose, Intel, Mastercard, and Amazon,” she says.
Education and involvement
To learn more about the industry, in 2018, Yovich completed the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certification in Global Benefits Management in Boston.
“It was a great experience that gave me the opportunity to connect with other members of the insurance industry with a passion for international employee benefits; many people I met during that week-long certificate program are still close friends and colleagues,” she says.
“Designations are a great way to gain credibility in the industry, but more than anything,” Yovich notes that “they provide you with a great network and community of other professionals you can lean on as you grow in your role; I highly recommend them.”
Equally important is staying active in industry groups. “WBN is a member of The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, an organization that I have been involved with since my IMA days,” Yovich says. “I really enjoy being part of this community that is connected through political action and advocacy, which I’m passionate about.
“At IMA, I helped organize the company’s PAC contribution campaign, increasing our overall donation by 75% over the previous year. At WBN we stay involved with The Council by attending events, and it’s always great to catch up with their team.”
Yovich also finds joy in volunteering outside of the office. “I volunteered as a Junior Achievement instructor for a few years, teaching third grade students at a local elementary school about managing their personal finances and city economics. I’m also involved with a group called True Mpowerment for Women, a great community of professional women and entrepreneurs in the D.C. area, and love being a part of the leadership team supporting marketing and sponsorship efforts.”
Appreciation, accolades, advice, et al.
Throughout her career, Yovich values of the support and mentorship from several individuals. “My family has been my guiding light, shaping who I am and providing opportunities that made my journey possible. I would not be where I am today without their unwavering support,” she says.
“I’ve also been fortunate to have exceptional mentors throughout my career. John Kirke, former president of Employee Benefits at IMA, was an incredible advocate. He created opportunities for me to contribute meaningfully—through initiatives like Team Tomorrow, The Council, and CouncilPAC. His trust and guidance have had a lasting impact on my professional development.
“I’m equally grateful to our CEO at WBN, Olga Collins, who empowered me to refine my role, discover my strengths in sales and business development, and grow as a leader,” Yovich continues. “Her support also helped me build confidence in public speaking and take on key initiatives within WBN.
“And I’ll never forget Eli Edgerly, my first boss when I was a college lifeguard, who taught me the true meaning of servant leadership and client service—principles I still live by today. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my growth, and it’s something our industry must continue to invest in to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of talent.”
During her years at the University of Denver, Yovich was recognized with a plethora of honors, including the Chancellor’s Scholarship, Hornbeck Scholar, four-time Dean’s List recognition at the Daniels College of Business, and a Swimming and Diving Scholarship (2008–2012). While she was recently shortlisted for AXCO’s “Rising Star” award, with WBN named AXCO “Network of the Year” in 2024, Yovich says that her personal career highlights aren’t about receiving awards but rather involvement in her company.
“My greatest satisfaction comes from supporting our 4,200-plus global clients, managing strong relationships, and working alongside an exceptional team,” she says. “Since joining WBN, I’ve played a key role in driving growth—adding 30 new members and helping to expand the network by 25%. I’ve become a recognized media resource on employee benefits and a frequent speaker, leading over 60 sessions across nine WBN conferences.
“A career highlight has been our bi-annual global events, including our 72nd conference in Chicago, which brought together 380 attendees from 89 countries. I also regularly attend RIMS’s RISKWORLD to stay ahead in our fast-evolving industry.”
For those starting out their careers in the insurance industry, Yovich advises to “take pride in working in an industry the world relies on, and don’t be afraid to speak up about the value we bring. The industry—and clients’ needs—have evolved significantly, demanding a more consultative, less transactional approach from agents and brokers. This shift presents a real opportunity for young professionals.
“We are in a people-driven business where risk and relationships go hand in hand, even in the age of AI. Prioritizing clients and delivering exceptional service remains essential.”
When she’s not doing “insurance stuff,” Yovich can be found enjoying her passion for sports. “It’s a big part of my life,” she says. “I’m an avid fan of the Colorado Avalanche, enjoy spin classes at my local gym, and love hitting the slopes whenever I can.
“I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember, starting with gymnastics at the age of four and continuing through college as a Division I student athlete on the Swimming and Diving team at the University of Denver.”
Outside of sports, Yovich enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring her love for cooking and traveling, which she says she’s lucky to be able combine with her work. Also taking up a lot of her free time lately, while this article was written, is the planning of her wedding, which will take place later this year.
