We started spring with a fond farewell to Anne Farmer who has retired after 29 years with Group Health and Kaiser Permanente. Anne is off to a well-deserved retirement, and she will be greatly missed. Many of our producer partners and employer groups worked with Anne over her exceptional career in Small Group, where she was known by business partners and peers as a trusted advisor, educator, and tireless advocate for our groups and members. Please join us in celebrating her accomplishments.
Next, we’re excited to announce that Cheryl Alexander has been promoted to account manager on the Small Group team. Cheryl will take on Anne’s previous role and book of business. Cheryl is currently an associate account manager II with Small Group, and she has extensive knowledge of the inner workings of Kaiser Permanente, small groups, and broker partners. Before joining Kaiser Permanente in 2017, Cheryl spent more than 30 years in both the carrier and broker markets, focused on new product sales and account management for small group and individual markets. A Seattle native, Cheryl enjoys planting and growing flowers, socializing with family and friends, and playing with her dog — or anybody’s dog, cat, goat, or any other critter. Please join us in congratulating Cheryl as she stepped into her new role on April 11.
Finally, we’re happy to announce that Karen Nicholson has joined the Small Group team as a new associate account manager. Karen’s first day was March 28, and she supports the new Western Washington sales team, working closely with sales executive Hiwot Tilaye and associate account manager Evalynn Peralta. Many of you may already know Karen through her 25 years of experience in Employee Benefits, most recently from Leavitt Group Northwest. She has exceptional skills, is already licensed, and is well prepared for jumping right into the work at hand. Please join us in welcoming Karen. Not only is she excited to be making a home with Kaiser Permanente Washington, but we are equally thrilled to have such a talent on our team.