Benefit Services

678-786-4011
jvanke@synergybenefits.com

James began working with Synergy in 2015 and serves as the Director of Business Development. He began his career at Ernst & Young providing strategic advice related to companies related to M&A and financing activities. James lives in Dunwoody, GA with his wife and 2 children.

What is the last book you read?
Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink. It is useful wisdom whether you’re leading a family or a Fortune 500 company.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and went to the University of North Carolina – twice. Go Heels!

What is your favorite meal?
Nothing beats steaks and crab cakes for me.

404-256-1700 ext. 222
elhodgson@synergybenefits.com

Ed co-founded Synergy Benefits in 2000. He began his career with MetLife selling benefits and 401k’s to the small to mid-market before transitioning to National Accounts. He later became a Vice President with Dreyfus Retirement service marketing qualified plans to the Fortune 500. Ed has three boys and one daughter. Most of his spare time is used chasing them around.

Last book you read?
You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Felicia Bond-I read it last night to my twin 6 year olds.

What’s your favorite line from a movie?
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
– Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Coke or Pepsi?
This questions makes me laugh. Growing up as a kid my Dad worked for Coca Cola and he would tell us Pepsi would stunt our growth and make hair grow on our nose. Coke all the way!

404.256.1700 ext. 240 
bhodgson@synergybenefits.com

Ben has been with Synergy for over 10 years. He started interning with Synergy during his summer breaks while attending the University of South Carolina. Ben is now the Director of Client Marketing and Plan Analytics. Ben manages a vital group responsible for making sure all our clients are submitted to all viable carriers and also presented in the best way.  His strong computer and technology background plays a crucial role helping Synergy identify ways to create more efficiency in benefit management and employee education. Ben lives in Buckhead and enjoys attending sporting events and is involved in several social clubs.

Favorite Food?
I love Crawfish. It first began when I was 16 years old. I went on a family trip to New Orleans, and managed to eat 11 lbs in crawfish in one sitting! I’ve been addicted ever since.

Coke or Pepsi?
Coke or Pepsi? My dad worked for Coke. If we drank Pepsi, I’m sure I would have been grounded, plus – he scared all of us by saying if you drank Pepsi, it gave you worms! Coke it is!

What is your favorite trip/memory?
Four years ago I went pub hopping with my mom in Dublin, Ireland for Saint Patricks Day. Talk about an authentic St. Pattys Day Celebration – hanging with the Irish. Best trip ever!

404.256.1700 ext. 184
wanderson@synergybenefits.com

Wayne Anderson began his career as a Guardian Sales Associate and later held client management roles with Prudential Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross Blue Shield.  He was also an Account Executive with Willis Towers Watson and a Consultant with Hewitt Associates.  Wayne brings a very strategic approach to his clients and an “inside” understanding of how insurers rate fully-insured and self-funded products.  Wayne was drawn to Synergy because, as a private company, its focus is on doing what’s best for clients not shareholders.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy DIY home improvement projects. I can take apart and rebuild almost anything.

Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from Greenville, SC where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Clemson University.

What is your favorite trip?
Hawaii is my favorite vacation destination. I’ve been to Oahu, Kauai, Maui and The Big Island. It’s the best vacation for adventure, scenery and relaxation.

404-256-1700 ext. 231
kcason@synergybenefits.com

Kevin’s expertise extends from the medial segment to the many ancillary products that make up employee benefit portfolios. He began his career as a sales associate with State Farm Insurance, and then worked in sales for 12 years with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of GA prior to joining Synergy in 2006.  Kevin and his family reside in Dacula GA.

What’s Your favorite movie
Smokey And the Bandit (the first one).

What’s your go-to when you go grocery shopping?
I just got a new Grill so I’m always looking to pick out something to grill at the store. I enjoy cooking out 3-4 times a week.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the small town of Thomasville, Georgia. It was a great place to grow up in as a kid.  It had all the outdoor activities I enjoyed nearby, and it was only a two-hour drive to the Gulf of Mexico!

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404-256-1700 ext. 232
jgordon@synergybenefits.com

Joshua brings over 15 years of experience to his diverse list of clients. He consults clients in best practices related to all aspects of employee benefit programs and administration.  Prior to joining Synergy in 2009, Joshua worked as a Senior Benefits Consultant at Willis for 7 years.  He is from Atlanta, is active in his church and community.

What was your first car?
1966 Ford Mustang – candy apple red.  It had a big V8 and no power breaks! 

Who is your favorite singer?
I’m a big Southern Gospel fan, and Michael English is my favorite singer of all time

Where did you grow up?
I’m a Georgia boy all the way!  Grew up in Stone Mountain

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404-256-1700 ext. 220
rcollier@synergybenefits.com

Rachael began her carrier working at Principal Financial Group and has worked in the employee benefits industry for over 25 years. She is responsible for managing the human capital aspects of her client’s businesses. Prior to joining Synergy in 2011, she worked at Willis for 12 years as a Senior Benefits Consultant.  Rachael is married and enjoys spending time with her 3 children. 

Who is your favorite singer
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been an Elvis fan. I had a closet that my mom let me decorate anyway I wanted – I graffitied it with Elvis EVERYTHING. As an adult, I still have my Elvis space, it’s been moved to my basement. I’ve had pets named Elvis, I’ve impersonated Elvis  and been to Graceland 2x.  I haven’t seen him in the local Dunk’n Donuts though, I’m not one of those. He died. But I still think he’s the King of Rock and Roll!

What is your favorite trip?
When I was a kid, my family would take long cross country trips in our huge Dodge Van. This was when 8-tracks were cool.  We drove to Mount Rushmore, and camped out at Yellow Stone Park. My sister and I were the ones who had to sleep in the little pop up tent, while mom and dad got the Dodge Van. It was so cold one night, when I work up, my teddy bear was frozen. 

What’s your go-to when you go grocery shopping?
Red wine, dark chocolate and organic milk –in that order, every time! Can you tell I’m not the cook in the house?

404-256-1700 ext. 230
tmacey@synergybenefits.com

Tina began her career at UnitedHealthcare and worked there for 12 years.  She joined Synergy in 2008. Tina prides herself in her deep affinity for all of our clients and in establishing multi-layered relationships.  Tina is the proud parent of two sons and three granddaughters. 

She is a fan and season ticket holder of many of the Atlanta sports franchises.

Who Is Your Hero?
Jesus-  One of my earliest memories is a plaque that hung over my bed as a child that had the words from the song “Yes Jesus Loves Me” and my mother, who is not a Christian, and has a terrible singing voice,  teaching me the song.  The song says “Little ones to him belong, They are weak but he is strong”.  He has been my Hero ever since.

What is the Last Book you read?
Milena’ya Mektuplar  (Letters to Milena- Franz Kafka)-  I am trying to learn to speak Turkish.  I began to speak more fluently by watching Turkish soap operas called “Diziler”  On one of my favorite soaps the incredibly good looking shoe designer fell in love with his assistant and he would read books to her.  One of the books was Milena’ya Mektuplar which is by Franz Kafka.  It was so romantic and since people also said another good way to learn the language was to read I bought the book in Turkey.  It is by far one of the most romantic books I have ever read.

Coke or Pepsi?
Coke – I’m addicted, what can I say?

Carrie Lambert, has been a practitioner in the field of Human Resources (HR) for over 20 years. Carrie’s areas of expertise include executive and employee relations, labor laws in all 50 states, regulatory compliance, policy implementation, training, compensation, and risk management. Carrie is instrumental in managing a variety of successful workplace initiatives. Her clients have experienced lowered workers compensation premiums, unemployment rates, and increased retention. Carrie is originally from Rochester, NY. Her family primarily resides in Atlanta and also frequents their second home in Providence, Rhode Island.

Favorite actor?
Meryl Streep. She has played so many roles depicting strong women. She is an amazing actor and seems so humble.

Where did you grow up?
Rochester NY. I don’t really miss the super cold weather blowing off Lake Ontario in the winter but the spring and summers are amazing.

Coke or Pepsi?
…Funny neither. We called it Soda

404-256-1700 ext. 242
rsomerman@synergybenefits.com

Randy brings more than 17 years of experience with group employee benefits to Synergy as the Direct of Operations.  Prior to joining Synergy, he was the training coordinator for AFLAC, worked in business development at CarFax and Ford Motor Co.  Randy currently works in Cleveland OH, where he lives.  He is originally from Philadelphia, he enjoys good cheese steak, gardening and time with his family.

What is your favorite movie?
The Mummy Series (NOT Tom Cruise)

What was your first car?
Green Fiat Spyder Convertible, great car (received at high school graduation from cousin, drove all summer and it caught fire at the end of summer and the engine melted bc it was all plastic, all my cousins tinkering)

What’s your favorite line from a movie?
“You can’t handle the truth!”

404-256-1700 ext. 244
bwallace@synergybenefits.com

Brandon is responsible for managing the human capital aspects of his clients’ business. He started with Synergy in 2013 and prior to that worked at Willis North America for 13 years as a Benefits Consultant. He is from Marietta, Georgia, and attended Kennesaw State University where he earned his Bachelors of Business Administration.

What are your hobbies?
I have a blast doing anything outdoors.  I enjoy boating, jet skiing, camping, fishing, hiking, and running.  However one of my all time favorite things to do is to watch my favorite college football team – GA Bulldogs – Go Dawgs!!

Favorite Food?
Anything Mexican –I realize it’s not part of our corporate wellness program, but anything with salsa and cheese on it is amazing! 

Coke or Pepsi?
I’m a Diet Coke guy for sure, this is Atlanta –  Coca-Cola is King.