GA Benefits Solutions

GA Consulting

Why Outsource?

Contact GA

Executive Biographies

David G. Zick, President
David started Group Associates in 1986. Prior to starting Group Associates, Dave worked for eight years in the insurance industry, first as a financial planner, and then as a benefits consultant. As President, Dave oversees the company's operation and is lead contact for several accounts. With over thirty years of industry experience, he has extensive knowledge in managing employee benefits programs, from strategic planning to implementation and ongoing administration.

Dave earned a Bachelor's degree from The University of Michigan and a Master's from Michigan State University, and several industry designations, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Registered Health Underwriter (RHU). He is a Licensed Insurance Counselor and a member of the National Association of Independent Financial Analysts (NAIFA), and the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) as well as both organizations' state and local chapters, and is a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).

Back to top

Kent M. Grathwohl — Vice President
Kent joined Group Associates in 1995. Prior to joining Group Associates, Kent worked for 15 years in the industry, first with Lincoln National Life managing large accounts, and then as a consultant working with employers helping them manage their benefits programs. As Vice President, Kent is responsible for client support, new business acquisition and assisting in company operation.

Kent is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), and a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). Kent earned a Bachelor's degree from DePauw University and the Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) professional designation from The American College.

Back to top

Judith M. Porter, Director, Benefits Administration
Judi joined Group Associates in 1994. As Director of Benefits Administration, Judi is responsible for directing teams that include Implementation Specialists, Data Integrity Specialists, COBRA Administration, FSA Administration, Employee Service Center Representatives and Benefits Administrators.

Judi has over 15 years of Health and Welfare administration experience and plays a key role in the ongoing development of Group Associates' web-based Eligibility Maintenance System (EMS).

As a member of the Executive Management Team, Judi is involved in product development and guiding the future growth and development of the company.

Judi earned the Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) professional designation through The American College.

Back to top

Paul W. Horalek, Chief Information Officer
Paul joined Group Associates in 1998. As Chief Information Officer, Paul works with both internal and external customers to develop technical strategies, improve service offerings, and manage Group Associates' technology portfolio.

Paul has 12 years of experience developing and leading technology projects. The last 12 years have been dedicated toward developing custom solutions to serve the needs of Group Associates' clients. Paul possesses a deep understanding of both technology and Health and Welfare administration.

As a member of the Executive Management Team, Paul is involved in product development and guiding the future growth and development of the company.

Paul holds a Bachelors degree in Management Information Systems from Oakland University and a Masters of Business Administration with a focus on Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.

Back to top

Carol Rito, Compliance Officer
Carol joined Group Associates in 2008. As our Health and Welfare Compliance Officer, Carol is responsible for providing compliance expertise to internal and external customers. In addition, she is responsible for building long-term strategic partnerships with our clients. Carol works closely with many of Group Associates' departments to ensure we provide compliant service administration.

Carol has over 20 years of experience in benefits compliance, benefit administration best practices, project management, and process engineering. Carol currently manages major projects and product development for Health and Welfare operations.

Carol is a Certified Flexible Compensation Instructor and a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

Carol Rito earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Communications and Psychology from Western Michigan University.

Back to top

John Briskey, Manager of Accounting
John joined Group Associates in 2009. As co-manager of the Accounting Department, John is primarily responsible for the overall management, control and security of client and company funds. In addition to assisting Group Associates develop financial procedures and internal controls, John oversees the secure transfer of funds from clients to carriers, and safeguards the financial assets of the company.

John has over 16 years experience as a Controller and Accounting Manager.

John earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance, both from Walsh College.

Back to top

Rebecca Matthews, SPHR, Manager of Human Resources
Becky joined Group Associates in 2008. She is responsible for the recruitment of qualified applicants and the ongoing professional training of Group Associates' employees.

As a member of the Executive Management Team, Becky is instrumental in coordinating employee training, development and education, ranging from industry classes, to specialized COBRA training, to other programs which enhance employee skill sets to maximize job performance.

Becky earned a Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the HR Certification Institute and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Back to top