Meet the Team
At TIP, we strive to partner and produce uncommon value for your clients and the employees who drive their growth. We’re here to remove the blind spots, simplify the complex, and secure the future. And with decades of industry experience, supreme expertise, and unmatched service, our people are the power to make it all happen.
Leadership
Mike Zimmerman
CEO
mike@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With more than 25 years of industry experience, Mike founded TIP in 2011 to address a critical problem: executives are often unknowingly underprotected by typical compensation benefit plans. Driven by this insight and a commitment to innovation, Mike’s vision is to offer carrier-neutral solutions that prioritize the people at the heart of high-performing organizations, helping employers better recruit, retain and reward top talent. His passion for disrupting the status quo and delivering unbiased, strategic growth has made TIP a trusted partner for businesses nationwide.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The team spirit. Everyone pitches in with an “all hands on deck” attitude and a shared drive for perfection.
Superpower: Patience and strong negotiating skills honed from being a parent of five.
Dog or cat person: Dog. Cali is his 100 lb. Goldendoodle.
Little-known fact: He’s an adventurous spirit; he’s tried skydiving and loves motorsports and travel.
Keith Johnson
EVP of Distribution
keith@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Keith has over 30 years of experience in insurance and benefits, including award-winning success with leading carriers. A strategic, growth-minded leader, he builds successful teams and works closely with brokers all over the country to help their clients recruit, reward and retain top talent through comprehensive solutions.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The amazing crew and unbelievable opportunity to grow in the executive benefits space.
Superpower: Knowledge. He’s seen it all and leverages his experience and insights from the best in the business.
Dog person or cat person: Definitely a dog person.
Little-known fact: He believes the early bird gets the worm. Keith and his wife wake up every morning at 4:40 a.m.
Angela Doherty
EVP of Client Management
angela@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With over 25 years of experience in employee benefits, Angela excels in managing business strategy, team coordination, meetings, employee training and office operations. Her expertise and leadership are instrumental in driving success across various functions at TIP.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The authentic camaraderie among colleagues and the dynamic tasks that keep each day exciting.
Superpower: Innovative problem-solving, driven by a passion for serving others and celebrating their success.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. She adores her rescue dog Rosie, a mix of Black Lab and Blue Heeler.
Little-known fact: Is there a doctor in the house? After binge-watching medical dramas like ER and Grey's Anatomy, she surprises her friends with her accurate medical insights.
Matt Veatch
SVP of Executive Benefits
matt@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Matt has 25+ years in corporate executive benefit consulting, supporting select benefit arrangements of all types and specializing in nonqualified plans. Matt built one of the most successful national executive benefits consulting firms, and his experience as a carrier-side expert and collaborator with employers gives him a deep understanding of our clients and their needs.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Partnering with great brokers and firms nationwide on diverse solutions for corporate clients. Never a dull moment!
Superpower: Explaining complex technical concepts in a simple, easy to understand way.
Dog person or cat person: 100% dog person.
Little-known fact: He loves to cook.
Business Solutions
Darin Beverman
Regional VP
darin@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Darin, a former employee benefits consultant and insurance carrier wholesaler, now focuses on helping brokers develop and manage executive benefit programs for clients, emphasizing TIP's role in educating and protecting employers and key employees during critical events.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Being able to find the right solution for brokers and employers, tailored to their needs.
Superpower: Outgoing personality with a genuine love for connecting with people.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Harley, his 75 lb. rescue, appears to have some Shepherd characteristics in his DNA.
Little-known fact: Competitive runner in his youth, clocking a 4-minute-and-32-second mile in high school, placing 5th in the race.
Lynne Jackson
Regional VP
lynne@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With 28 years of executive benefits experience, Lynne advises our brokers on long-term disability solutions to ensure fair benefits for all employees.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The likeminded focus and collaborative idea-sharing for the betterment of the entire organization and our clients.
Superpower: Outstanding organizational skills.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. She has a 10-year-old rescue dog named Fiona, a sweet 50 lb. Belgian Malinois and Australian Cattle Dog mix.
Little-known fact: Played tennis at Texas Tech in the early 90's and is now an Assistant Coach for the girl's high school team where she lives. She loves to travel and has just 3 more states to visit!
Michael Westerfield
Regional VP
micahel@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Leveraging 15 years of experience running his own wealth management practice, Michael collaborates with firms, brokers and account teams to integrate executive benefits, identify opportunities, drive dialogue and implement strategies to attract, retain and reward top talent.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Developing strong relationships with firms and being a trusted extension of their team.
Superpower: Conveying complex concepts in a clear and easy to understand way, enabling clients to make well-informed decisions that align with their objectives.
Dog or cat person: Neither. His family has 1 parakeet and 2 bunnies.
Little-known fact: Guilty pleasure movie is Con Air. Whenever it's on TV, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to it, wondering why it seems to be on so much.
John Borders
Senior Consultant
john@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With an MBA and a decade of executive benefits experience, John is recognized as a strategic thinker and creative problem solver. He expertly collaborates with employee benefit consulting firms, acting as a conduit between distribution and client management teams to ensure a world-class experience.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The team's unified purpose. It's easy to work hard knowing everyone is doing the same for you.
Superpower: Versatility, making him a valuable resource for his TIP colleagues.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Bonnie is his Bernedoodle.
Little-known fact: If you like satire, you’ll love his Instagram page, @ThisLimeisaCrime, dedicated to exposing ugly fruit garnishes on restaurant cocktails.
Scott Ridge
Senior Consultant
scott@tipadvise.com | Connect on Linkedin
With nearly 30 years of experience, mostly in income protection solutions, Scott negotiates offers and pricing, while providing consultative support for coverage solutions.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Engaging with brokers and clients and prioritizing their needs. We all take pride in our work every day.
Superpower: Dad jokes for days and excellent relationship-building skills.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Murphy is his Goldendoodle.
Little-known fact: Avid Alabama football fan, cheering “ROLL TIDE” every fall with his family.
Brian Leighton
Consultant
brian@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With 27 years in employee benefits—covering roles at Unum, Voya and, most recently, United Benefit Advisors—Brian brings an extensive background to his role at TIP.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The talented people and caring leadership of Mike Z.
Superpower: Relationship-building and empathy, genuinely caring about our brokers and their clients.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. His beloved mixed-breed shelter dog recently passed away at age 16.5.
Little-known fact: Once co-hosted the Waban Telethon (tuxedo included), broadcast across Maine and New Hampshire to support those with developmental disabilities.
Jeff Mohl
Consultant
jeff@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With 40 years of experience in employee benefits distribution across three carriers and multiple product specialties, Jeff brings deep expertise in disability and executive benefit solutions. He excels at fostering relationships and leverages these partnerships alongside his extensive knowledge to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to meet client needs.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The team that supports him by managing market analysis, plan implementation and ongoing support.
Superpower: Simplifying approaches to executive benefit solutions.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. He cherished his Cavapoo, Darwin, for 14 years. Currently taking a pet break to travel but plans to adopt another dog later.
Little-known fact: Has made it to all but 3 states in the U.S. and plans to cover the rest by the end of next year.
Phillip Cooley
Executive Benefits Associate
phillip@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Phillip’s background in distribution and banking led him toward the path of supporting business development with analysis to get to the best available solutions for our clients.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The supportive culture and entrepreneurial mindset.
Superpower: Agility and adaptability, bringing a calming presence and openness to the equation.
Dog person or cat person: Dog person. Molly is his 3-year-old mini–Australian Shepherd.
Little-known fact: An avid landscaper and loves planting – both translating to a willingness to get his hands dirty to see the results.
Client Advocate
Jessica Fisher
Director, Technology and Innovation
jessica@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With her background in automotive, transportation, and insurance technology, Jessica leads TIP’s tech strategy, manages complex projects and drives innovation.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Her coworkers; they’re a great team to work with.
Superpower: Asking questions, whether it be solving a problem or getting to know someone.
Dog or cat person: Both. Beau is a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, and her cats are Louise and Harriet.
Little-known fact: She drove a school bus in college and still has the license.
Brooke Melin
Director of Projects & Development
brooke@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Brooke leverages over 20 years in the benefits industry to drive growth through development and marketing efforts and building partnerships with national alliances and carriers.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The great people who deeply care about their work and results.
Superpower: Turning abstract ideas into actionable processes and clear guides.
Dog person or cat person: Dog person. Tootsie is her 8-year-old rescue mix, and Millie is a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd.
Little-known fact: She’s an enthusiast of astrology. Embracing cosmic influences has brought meaning and guidance to her life.
Allie Sabata
Data Management and Executive Assistant
allie@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Although starting out as an English teacher, Allie has transitioned and currently excels at developing systems and procedures to streamline effective client data management.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The awesome account managers. She loves working with them.
Superpower: Excel guru – ensuring efficient data handling and analysis.
Dog or cat person: She loves all animals, especially her two cats, Fats and Benji, and her turtle, Chug.
Little-known fact: She is committed to learning! Has more than a 4-year streak on Duolingo learning French, German, Swedish, Hebrew and Spanish.
Saja Gregg
Account Manager
saja@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Saja brings over 23 years of experience in both executive benefits and property and casualty insurance. She expertly handles executive life and disability solutions, overseeing plan implementation, enrollment and renewal strategy. She collaborates closely with brokers and clients to ensure smooth service and support.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The people she works with.
Superpower: Detailed-oriented.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. She has two Boxers, Marley and Lola.
Little-known fact: She’s a 10-year breast cancer survivor.
Debbie Boone
Account Manager
debbie@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Debbie brings over 40 years of experience in life and disability benefits, including roles on both the consulting side at a global firm and the carrier side. She now works closely with our broker partners, managing client enrollment and services, overseeing implementation, renewal strategies and providing ongoing support.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Relationship-building with clients.
Superpower: Building deep and enduring connections.
Dog or cat person: She loves all animals!
Little-known fact: Enjoys puzzles and trivia, such as crosswords and Sudoku, for mental challenges outside of work.
Victor Palencia
Account Manager
victor@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Victor brings extensive experience in customer service, underwriting and account management to his role. Following several years at UNUM, he’s skilled in handling executive life and disability solutions, including service inquiries, plan implementation, enrollment strategy and renewals.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Building relationships with carrier partners and clients. He appreciates the friendly, reliable team.
Superpower: Detail-oriented with a knack for out-of-the-box solutions.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Stella is his Shepherd mix.
Little-known fact: Die-hard Celtics and Red Sox fan.
Jill Canales
Account Manager
jill@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Jill has 20 years in the insurance industry, mostly on the carrier side, and currently works closely with our broker partners, assisting with implementation, enrollment strategy, renewals and ongoing service for our clients.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The culture.
Superpower: Ability to multitask.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Sidney is her rescue mutt and Charley is her Morkie.
Little-known fact: Reality TV is her guilty pleasure.
Holly Combs
Senior Case Manager
holly@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Holly brings extensive experience in corporate human resources, complemented by her expertise as an enrollment consultant on the carrier side. She uses her diverse background to guide brokers and clients through the submission process for fully underwritten benefits and provides ongoing support once the policy is in place.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The excellent work/life balance.
Superpower: Humor.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Amos looks like a mix of Whippet and Terrier.
Little-known fact: Even with GPS, she still gets lost.
Lauren Tichacek
Case Manager
lauren@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
NAILBA certified, Lauren guides brokers and clients through submission, underwriting and placement of insurance solutions, ensuring ongoing support and satisfaction.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The supportive and helpful team, always there when you need them.
Superpower: Enthusiasm and a unique perspective, seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Dog or cat person: Both. She has 2 Huskies – Jake (from State Farm, because he's khaki) and Bruce, as well as 2 cats – Loki and Thomas.
Little-known fact: Could not survive without coffee and drinks an obsessive amount of it.
Brittney Bartlett
Case Manager
brittney@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Brittney uses her background in marketing and insurance case management to advocate for our brokers and clients throughout the submission process for fully underwritten benefits and provides them with ongoing care once the policy is in place.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The amazing team and culture filled with outgoing, knowledgeable individuals. Everyone is welcoming, and the support is incredible.
Superpower: Organization and positivity—definitely a glass half full person.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Tank is her 135 lb. purebred German Shepherd.
Little-known fact: No 5-star restaurants needed: her favorite foods are chicken nuggets, French fries and ice cream. Plus, she loves the St. Louis Blues.
Monica Lally
Contracting and Commissions Specialist
monica@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Monica has 21 years of experience in life insurance, mainly in licensing/contracting. She now processes contracts for brokers with carriers and is there to offer guidance when it comes to commission inquiries.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The people – both internally with TIP and our external partners.
Superpower: Empathic mediation, using soft skills to sense and address colleagues' emotions, diffuse tensions and foster harmony.
Dog or cat person: No pets.
Little-known fact: Joined the Army after college and served as an 81 Tango (Terrain Analyst).
Kaylla Combs
Quote Coordinator
kaylla@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
Kaylla manages and compiles fully underwritten proposals, working closely with the TIP team to ensure clear communication and a thorough understanding of details throughout the engagement process.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: Flexibility and the fact that TIP puts family first.
Superpower: Impressive organization.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. Kyah is her Australian Shepherd.
Little-known fact: An avid reader, she finishes at least 1 book a week.
Lindsey Ellsworth
Marketing Coordinator
lindsey@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
With a background in healthcare IT consulting, project coordination and executive assistance in communications, Lindsey works with carriers to gather quotes and creates materials to present data to brokers and their clients.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The amazing people and leadership who support and appreciate their employees.
Superpower: Attention-to-detail and organization.
Dog or cat person: Dog person. She has 5 dogs – 3 German Shepherds named Diesel, Kya and Remi, a Black Lab named Chief and a Cavapoo named Toby – as well as a few outdoor cats.
Little-known fact: Loves thrill rides and has been skydiving.
Leo Glickert
Marketing Coordinator
leo@tipadvise.com | Connect on LinkedIn
After earning his MBA, Leo transitioned from being a marketing intern for TIP into a full-time role. He helps manage the quoting process, prepares client proposals and creates educational materials for our brokers.
Favorite thing about working at TIP: The people.
Superpower: Creativity, simplifying complex topics like employee benefits.
Dog or cat person: No pets, but loves spending time with his fur-nephew, Mac.
Little-known fact: Grandma taught him how to knit (and he still knows how!).