Meet The Phia Group Leadership Team
Our executive team brings together decades of industry experience and a shared commitment to empowering plans and caring for families through effective cost containment strategies. Get to know the leaders driving our mission and pushing boundaries for health plans everywhere.
Executive Team
Adam V. Russo, Esq.
Chief Executive Officer
Adam V. Russo, Esq., Chief Executive Officer
Education: Suffolk University, B.S.; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.; Suffolk University, Frank Sawyer School of Management, Master’s Degree in Finance.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts; U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; Supreme Court of the United States.
Associations: Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA); Board of Trustees at the Inly School; Board of Directors at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South.
Publications: BenefitsPRO; Money, Inc., The Self-Insurer.
Speaking Engagements: SISC Healthcare Symposium (2022); Custom Design Benefits 15th Annual Customer Conference (2022); Annual Captivated Health Member Meeting (2022); Berkley Captive Symposium (2022).
Adam V. Russo, Esq. is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Phia Group, LLC, an experienced provider of healthcare cost containment techniques offering comprehensive claims recovery, plan document, and consulting services designed to control healthcare costs and protect plan assets. The Phia Group’s overall mission is to reduce the cost of healthcare through its recovery strategies, innovative technologies, and legal expertise.
Attorney Russo is also the founder and managing partner of The Law Offices of Russo & Minchoff, a full-service law firm. Attorney Russo’s practice is devoted to representing employers, plan fiduciaries, and administrators in employee benefit matters throughout the United States. He is a frequent speaker on employee benefit topics at webinars, conferences, and seminars across the country.
Attorney Russo obtained a Juris Doctorate degree from Suffolk University Law School and a Master’s Degree in Finance from the Frank Sawyer School of Management at Suffolk University in Boston. He also earned an undergraduate degree from Suffolk University, where he double majored in Political Science and Public Relations. He was recognized by Suffolk University with the 2005 Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
Attorney Russo was the 2019 Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA) and is the Recipient of the Free Market Medical Association 2024 Be A Beacon Award. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for SIIA and on the Board of Directors at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South, Massachusetts. Attorney Russo is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Adam enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly and their four wonderful children, Soli, Maeve, Shae, and Samuel, and rooting for his beloved Cleveland Guardians baseball team.
Ron E. Peck, Esq.
Chief Legal Officer
Ron E. Peck, Esq., Chief Legal Officer
Education: Cornell University, B.S.; Rutgers University School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts; 1st Federal Circuit.
Associations: Society of Professional Benefit Administrators (“SPBA”); The Health Care Administrator’s Association (“HCAA”); The Health Plan Alliance; Self-Insurance Institute of America (“SIIA”); Association of Health Underwriters (“AHU”); Various Client Events and Users’ Conferences.
Publications: The Self-Insurer; BenefitsPRO; Money, Inc.; Fringe Benefit Analysts; Worcester Sun; America’s Benefits Specialist; Healthcare Business Today; The Boston Globe; Yahoo! Finance.
Speaking Engagements: The National Association of Subrogation Professionals (“NASP”) Litigation Skills Conference;
Ron E. Peck has been a member of The Phia Group’s team since 2006. As the Chief Legal Officer at The Phia Group, Ron has been an innovative force in the drafting of improved benefit plan provisions, handled complex subrogation and third-party recovery disputes and healthcare direct contracting, and spearheaded efforts to combat the steadily increasing costs of healthcare.
Considered to be not only one of the nation’s top ERISA lawyers, Attorney Peck is also viewed as one of the nation’s premier self-funded health plan consultants and health benefits attorneys; lecturing at and participating in many industry gatherings including but not limited to The National Association of Subrogation Professionals (“NASP”) Litigation Skills Conference, Society of Professional Benefit Administrators (“SPBA”), the Health Care Administrators Association (“HCAA”), the Health Plan Alliance, the Self-Insurance Institute of America (“SIIA”) and SIIA’s Government Relations Committee. Ron is also frequently called upon to educate plan administrators and stop-loss carriers regarding changing laws and best practices. Ron’s theories regarding benefit plan administration and healthcare have been published in many industry periodicals and have received much acclaim. Prior to joining The Phia Group, Ron was a member of a major pharmaceutical company’s in-house legal team, a general practitioner’s law office, and served as a judicial clerk.
Attorney Peck obtained his Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University. Attorney Peck now serves as The Phia Group’s Chief Legal Officer.
Joseph Montalto
Chief Operating Officer
Joseph Montalto
Chief Operating Officer
Since joining The Phia Group as its Chief Operating Officer in 2015, Joseph Montalto has been a driving force in maximizing client value satisfaction by spearheading enhancements to the company’s technical and operational infrastructure. Behind Mr. Montalto’s efforts to optimize core technical functions including, but not limited to, IT applications delivery, data analytics, and data quality programs, the company has streamlined processes while not compromising quality productivity. In managing The Phia Group’s Operations, HR, IT, and Security departments, Mr. Montalto has overseen improvements to the company’s PMO, Data Center, Data Science and Business Intelligence, and Product Delivery functions as well as the ISO 27000:13 certification of its Information Security Management System. An expert in leveraging innovative techniques to develop new products and ensure product maturity, Mr. Montalto has been instrumental in cultivating an environment of continuous improvement throughout The Phia Group.
Before coming to The Phia Group, Mr. Montalto served as the Vice President of Business and Technology Solutions for Valassis, a publicly traded multibillion-dollar advertising company, whereby he guided senior executives through the execution of transformative projects amid complex changes. At Valassis, Mr. Montalto notably leveraged Lean Six Sigma towards driving process efficiency and higher quality output across multiple platforms of the organization. His earlier professional experiences included serving as Regional Delivery Director at Sierra Atlantic (Hitachi Consulting) and the Managing Principal Consultant at Oracle Consulting, the latter of which involved implementing Oracle E-Business Suite in professional services, high-tech manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, and engineering procurement construction industries. Additionally, Mr. Montalto has a strong background in the healthcare field, having served in numerous roles at Stamford Health Systems and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, all of which lends itself well to The Phia Group’s mission to contain healthcare costs for hardworking Americans.
Mr. Montalto received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and Bachelor of Science in Systems from Providence College. Additionally, he is Six Sigma Black Belt trained and a certified Agile Scrum Master.
An avid golfer, Mr. Montalto has a decade’s worth of experience volunteering at youth golf programs under the leadership of Suzy Whaley, the first female President of the PGA of America. Mr. Montalto resides in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, with his wife and two daughters, both of whom also play golf, one at the NCAA level.
Hemant Dua
Chief Technology Officer
Hemant Dua
Chief Technology Officer
Hemant Dua is the Chief Technology Officer at The Phia Group, where he has been an integral part of the leadership team since 2015. With about 25 years of experience in driving technological transformations, Mr. Dua is widely recognized for his expertise in IT infrastructure, enterprise application development, ETL processes, data analytics, and enterprise architecture. His leadership ensures the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies across the organization.
At The Phia Group, Mr. Dua leads the Applications Development and Data Services Group, overseeing complex projects that span across software development, data management, and analytics. Under his guidance, his teams have consistently delivered innovative solutions that align with business goals, optimize operational efficiency, and improve overall system performance.
Certified as a Chief Technology Officer from The Wharton School, Mr. Dua holds multiple certifications, including Data Analytics from Cornell University and Agile Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance. These certifications reflect his commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and methodologies.
Mr. Dua holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science from Pune University (India). His background, coupled with his certifications, equips him with a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to lead large-scale IT initiatives.
He resides in Simsbury, Connecticut, with his wife and daughter.
Peter Kotsifas, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Peter Kotsifas, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Peter Kotsifas joined The Phia Group as its Chief Financial Officer in 2021. Peter has over 20 years of experience leading accounting and finance teams and helping high-growth companies scale and optimize enterprise value.
Before joining The Phia Group, Peter worked in the IT services industry, public accounting, and the golf industry. Peter credits his work in the golf industry as the spark that lit the fire of his passion for outstanding customer service – which he believes is critical to delivering a world-class, customer-focused approach at The Phia Group. Peter’s work in the IT services industry enabled him to hone many technical skills, including numerous software system implementations, system integrations, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Peter has a passion for excellence in everything he does and brings that winning attitude to his work for The Phia Group.
Peter received his Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts. Besides working at The Phia Group, Peter also serves as the Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors for Aceing Autism, a non-profit on a mission to help children with autism grow, develop and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming.
When Peter is not spending time with his wife, Megan, and two children, Colin and Halle, he enjoys playing golf, guitar, and recording music.
Jason Davis
Chief Revenue Officer
Jason Davis
Chief Revenue Officer
Jason C. Davis is the Chief Revenue Officer at The Phia Group, LLC. Mr. Davis joined The Phia Group in 2014; prior to this, he was Vice President U.S. Markets for another cost containment company, where for nearly 10 years, he contributed at various levels of claim settlement, dispute resolution, R&D, product development, sales, and leadership.
Mr. Davis also founded JCDC in 2014, which is a cost containment company that catered to international payers with exposure in the U.S. In order to expand its reach into international markets, The Phia Group acquired JCDC in 2020. As such, Mr. Davis’ network of industry partners, contacts, and clients is spread all over the world.
Jason or “Jay” (as he is so often called) is a self-professed and proud “nerd.” He is a consistent contributor to industry periodicals and a regular speaker at conferences that address medical cost containment issues for multiple insurance industries. Jason loves to work hard, play hard, travel, and spend time with his wife, Kim, and their four children – Aleithea, Kairus, Xeidan, and Mohzen.
John Blaney
Executive Vice President, Transformation & Recovery Services
John Blaney
Executive Vice President, Transformation & Recovery Services
John Blaney serves as the Executive Vice President of Transformation and Recovery Services for The Phia Group, a position in which he presides over all recovery functions, including subrogation, overpayment, and other cost containment opportunities. With decades of experience as an executive in the healthcare field, John serves as a tremendous resource to Phia in its efforts to streamline operations and automate department-wide processes.
Before joining Phia as Vice President Innovation in April 2024, John served as HealthComp’s Vice President Transformation and Automation. In reporting to the CEO of HealthComp, John was responsible for implementing improvements through process and automation. Prior to HealthComp, John was the President of Strategy & Transformation for Equian, a post that eventually segued into Director of Payment Integrity when the company was rebranded as Optum. During such time, John was instrumental in leveraging robotic processes for generating savings on the commercial side of payment integrity. A true visionary who found his niche developing claims processing software for healthcare, John was previously the president and founder of Advanced System Applications, Inc., a healthcare application software company, and Primax Recoveries, Inc., a healthcare subrogation and payment integrity company.
Now a longtime Chicago resident, John actually grew up on a Maryland farm, a laborious upbringing which instilled in him a relentless work ethic that he has exhibited for over a half-century in the healthcare industry. John has been married for over 40 years to Mary Louise and has four grown children.
Scott Bennett, Esq.
Executive Vice President, Provider Relations
Scott Bennett, Esq., Executive Vice President, Provider Relations
Education: Willamette University College of Law, J.D.; Gonzaga University, B.A.
Bar Admissions: Oregon
Associations: Oregon State Bar; American Academy of Professional Coders; American Health Lawyers Association; Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA); Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI).
Publications: The Self-Insurer; 31 Days Before Your CCNA Exam: A Day-by-Day Quick Reference Study Guide; 31 Days Before Your CCENT Certification.
Speaking Engagements: SIIA; SPBA; TABA.
Scott Bennett is an attorney, data analyst, software developer and a Certified Professional Coder through the American Academy of Professional Coders. Prior to joining The Phia Group, he worked at a national third-party administrator as Vice President of Access Innovation. Prior to his TPA work, Scott was an Associate General Counsel, Director of Dispute Resolution, and designated company witness at a nationwide medical bill review company focused on commercial payor reimbursement and workers’ compensation fee schedules and disputes.
Jennifer M. McCormick, Esq.
Senior Vice President, Consulting
Jennifer M. McCormick, Esq., Senior Vice President, Consulting
Education: Indiana University, BA (with distinction); Syracuse University College of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Publications: BenefitsPRO; The Self-Insurer; The Phia Group Blog.
Speaking Engagements: The Phia Group podcasts and webinars; The Phia Group ICE Forums; SIIA; TABA; SPBA.
Jennifer M. McCormick joined The Phia Group, LLC in 2008. As the Senior Vice President of Phia Group Consulting, Attorney McCormick concentrates on a variety of healthcare and regulatory issues facing employee benefit plans and their administrators while also focusing on health benefit plan regulatory compliance services, including but not limited to self-funded health plan consultation, health plan exclusions, health plan limitations, health plan revisions, definitions of key items such as usual and customary fees, and the entire health plan summary plan description and summary of benefits and coverage. She is a constant contributor to The Phia Group’s webinars and other educational media.
Attorney McCormick earned her J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law, with certificates in Estate Planning and Family Law, and her B.A. in both Psychology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University, graduating with distinction as a National Dean’s List Scholar. While attending Syracuse, Attorney McCormick served as an Intercollegiate Director of the Moot Court Honor Society and as a Student Attorney in the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic where she counseled clients on state and federal tax matters and the U.S. Tax Court appeals process.
Julie Martin
Senior Vice President, Recovery Services
Julie Martin
Senior Vice President, Recovery Services
Julie Martin began her career with The Phia Group, LLC as a Claims Recovery Specialist. Ms. Martin’s primary responsibilities at the time were investigating potential subrogation opportunities, obtaining accident details, and pursuing reimbursement from plan members, insurance carriers, and their attorneys.
In 2005, Ms. Martin proved her mastery of subrogation by earning her Certified Subrogation Recovery Professional (“CSRP”) certification. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to a Case Manager, and subsequently to her current role as Senior Vice President of Recovery Services, in which she supervises all of The Phia Group’s Claim Recovery Specialists. Ms. Martin handles complex cases, such as those involving a class action recovery lawyer or class action recovery firm, third party liability attorneys, Medicare coordination of benefits, third party reimbursement and third party subrogation collection. Julie is an extremely valuable resource for clients and The Phia Group’s team members alike. Ms. Martin has always demonstrated an interest in law, graduating from Bridgewater State College with a degree in Criminal Justice.
Kelly E. Dempsey, Esq.
Vice President, Consulting
Kelly E. Dempsey, Esq., Vice President, Consulting
Education: Muskingum University, B.S. magna cum laude; Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Ohio; United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio.
Associations: Ohio State Bar Association; Chi Alpha Nu Alumni Board.
Publications: The Self-Insurer; BenefitsPRO
Kelly E. Dempsey joined The Phia Group in early 2014. She is the Vice President of Phia Group Consulting, specializing in plan document drafting and review, as well as a myriad of compliance matters involving the ACA and other federal laws and industry issues. Through working for a TPA and an insurance carrier, Kelly has gained experience with balance billing and other provider disputes, COB for Medicare, reference-based pricing, usual & reasonable fees, as well as the other issues TPAs face on a daily basis. Kelly brings a unique perspective to The Phia Group and is an asset to its team of consultants and health benefits attorneys.
Kelly is admitted to the Bar of the State of Ohio and the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Kelly earned her Juris Doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Business from Muskingum University (formerly Muskingum College), graduating magna cum laude. Kelly was a board member for 6 years for Project: LEARN of Medina County (Ohio), serving as President of the Board of Trustees in 2020, and is current President and Board Member of the Chi Alpha Nu Sorority Alumni Board.
Rebekah McGuire-Dye, Esq.
Vice President, Subrogation Efficiency
Rebekah McGuire-Dye, Esq., Vice President, Subrogation Efficiency
Education: University of Louisville, B.A.; University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Kentucky
Associations: National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP); International Disability Society (IDS); Nelson County Kentucky Board of Education
Publications: NASP Subrogator magazine.
Speaking Engagements: Warns-Render Labor Law Institute for University of Louisville School of Law; NAS.
Rebekah McGuire-Dye has worked nearly 30 years in the cost containment industry and now serves as the Vice President of Recovery Services Onboarding & Support for The Phia Group, whereby she ensures the company’s client care service function remains unparalleled in the cost containment industry.
During her extensive career, Rebekah has served over 150 health benefit providers in roles ranging from front line file handler to Group Vice President overseeing all commercial subrogation operations for over 20 million benefit recipient lives. Her nearly three-decade cost containment career, while focused on the healthcare line of business, also includes experience in both disability and property and casualty subrogation matters.
Such in-depth experiences have cultivated her passion for cutting-edge technology and its ability to drive efficiencies for all levels of an organization. She is honored to be sharing her love of modernization with the board of Subrogation Healthcare Alliance as the inaugural Director of Technology.
While not pursuing cost containment endeavors, Rebekah is an avid traveler (some may say wanderer), nature lover and family-oriented resident of rural Kentucky. She gives back to her community at every turn and focuses stewardship efforts on advocating for underserved school children in remote parts of Kentucky.
Scott Byerley, Esq.
Vice President, Business Development, Subrogation Recovery Services
Scott Byerley, Esq., Vice President, Business Development, Subrogation Recovery Services
Education: University of Louisville, B.S.; University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Kentucky
Associations: University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law Alumni Association; University of Louisville, College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association; American Bar Association; Louisville Bar Association; National Association of Subrogation Professionals (“NASP”).
Publications: KJA, The Advocate; NASP Subrogator magazine.
Speaking Engagements: Ringler Radio, National Webinar; Ringler Annual Conference; Trover Solutions Leadership Conference; NASP 2009 Annual Conference.
Scott brings 20-plus years of experience in healthcare subrogation to The Phia Group. As Vice President of Business Development, Subrogation Recovery Services, Scott is responsible for The Phia Group’s subrogation sales to health plans across the U.S. Previously, Scott worked for another large subrogation company.
Prior to his career in sales, Scott earned his law degree from The University of Louisville, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, and served many years as an attorney and Director of Litigation for Gibson and Sharps, PSC, a nationwide subrogation law firm. With his background, Scott is well-versed in applicable laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry, and specifically, subrogation, including but not limited to ERISA, FEHBA, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Scott has spent many years working closely with large health plans across the country, where he has developed a unique understanding of the value that subrogation has on the payer industry and in the overall U.S. healthcare system. Scott has published several articles on various subrogation related topics, both with NASP (the “National Association of Subrogation Professionals”) and other industry publications.
Brady Bizarro, Esq.
Vice President, Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
Brady Bizarro, Esq., Vice President, Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
Education: Boston University, B.S. magna cum laude; Boston University, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Associations: SIIA Future Leaders Committee; Massachusetts Bar Association; Boston Bar Association; Association of Corporate Counsel.
Publications: The Self-Insurer; BenefitsPro; America’s Benefit Specialist; California Broker Magazine; Boston University International Law Journal; National Security Law Brief.
Speaking Engagements: Self-Insurance Institute of America (“SIIA”); Health Care Administrator’s Association (“HCAA”); Free Market Medical Association (“FMMA”); Texas Association of Benefit Administrators (“TABA”).
Brady Bizarro joined The Phia Group as a healthcare attorney in early 2016. As the Vice President of Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, he specializes in regulatory, transactional, and compliance matters related to healthcare and employee benefits law. He provides general consulting services to clients, including employers, third-party administrators, brokers, and vendors associated with health benefit plans on matters related to the health insurance industry, including ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA compliance. He also performs contract review and due diligence on healthcare transactions and assists with dispute resolution efforts between the various players in the healthcare industry in an effort to protect plan members and plan sponsors.
During law school, Brady participated in the Edward C. Stone Moot Court Competition and completed a legal internship in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also worked as a summer associate at Greene LLP, a complex civil litigation firm in Boston that specializes in healthcare fraud cases, and as a Rule 3:03 attorney with Greater Boston Legal Services, where he represented indigent defendants in employment and discrimination cases in state court. Prior to law school, he worked as a mediator for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and for the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.
Jackie Andrews
Vice President, Provider Relations
Jackie Andrews
Vice President, Provider Relations
Jackie Andrews is the Vice President of Provider Relations at The Phia Group. Since joining The Phia Group in 2019, Jackie’s focus from an industry perspective has been primarily RBP, balance billing and other provider disputes or negotiation related work. Jackie has excelled in leading the Provider Relations department, showcasing an impressive blend of strategic management, operational excellence and financial understanding. Her leadership has not only driven significant improvements in processes and resource management, but has also fostered a culture of autonomy, innovation, and collaboration. Through her adept handling of customer relations, operations, and team development, Jackie has positioned the Provider Relations department as a pivotal component of the company, underlining her invaluable contributions and exceptional performance.
For the first fifteen years of her career, Jackie worked in financial organizations, most recently for JPMorgan Chase. Focusing on client relationships, Jackie advocated for her clients by ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness of deliverables. These skills have been invaluable as she has established herself as a transformative leader who manages resources across all Provider Relations departments, spearheading departmental operations processes, and serving as a liaison between customers and operations.
Legal Team
Jon A. Jablon, Esq.
Director, Consulting Services
Jon A. Jablon, Esq., Director, Consulting Services
Education: State University of New York, Oswego, B.A.; New York Law School, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts; New York
Publications: Free Market Medical Association; The Self-Insurer; BenefitsPRO
Speaking Engagements: SIIA; TABA; FMMA; SPBA
Attorney Jon Jablon joined The Phia Group’s team in 2013. He is well-versed in the ins and outs of ERISA, stop-loss policies, PPO agreements, administrative services agreements, and health plans. Jon works on a large variety of projects for The Phia Group’s clients, including providing advisory opinions, consultative advice, and contract review.
As the Director of Phia Group Consulting’s Provider Relations Team, Jon assists TPAs, brokers, stop-loss carriers, and other entities with disputes related to both in- and out-of-network claims, various claims payment methodologies (including reference-based pricing), appeals, medical bill negotiation, and much more.
Robert W. Martinez, Esq.
Attorney, Provider Relations
Robert W. Martinez, Esq., Attorney, Provider Relations
Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, B.A.; University of Massachusetts School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts; United States District Court for District of Massachusetts.
Robert Martinez joined The Phia Group in 2019 as an attorney for the Provider Relations team to assist clients with disputes related to both in-network and out-of-network claims, overpayment recovery, and medical bill negotiation. Prior to joining The Phia Group, Robert had his own civil litigation law practice.
Corey Crigger, Esq.
Client Success Account Manager
Corey Crigger, Esq., Client Success Account Manager
Education: University of Pikeville, B.S.; Liberty University School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Kentucky
Speaking Engagements: The Phia Group ICE Forum; Willis Towers Watson (WTW) Managed Care Roundtable and Provider Forum.
Corey Crigger joined The Phia Group’s team in 2019 as an attorney with the Provider Relations team. His mission is to assist with disputes between plans, participants, and providers as well as combat excessive medical bills and handle balance bill negotiation. Before joining The Phia Group, Corey was a litigation attorney for The Rawlings Company. He dealt mainly with the subrogation rights of Medicare Advantage plans and State Medicaid plans. Along with being a litigation attorney he also managed a subrogation and recovery team. Since joining The Phia Group, Corey has moved into a leadership role in the Kentucky office.
Corey’s greatest accomplishment in life is his family. He and his wife Brooke have four beautiful girls, Cora, Emilia, Joanna, and Delilah.
Cindy S. Merrell, Esq.
Managing Attorney, Recovery Services
Cindy S. Merrell, Esq., Managing Attorney, Recovery Services
Education: Florida Coastal School of Law
Bar Admissions: Kentucky
Speaking Engagements: University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
Cindy Merrell serves as a Managing Attorney for The Phia Group whereby she utilizes her legal expertise and negotiation skills to maximize health plan recoveries from responsible third parties. Attorney Merrell has earned the Certified Subrogation Recovery Professional designation from the National Association of Subrogation Professionals.
Before joining The Phia Group, Cindy served as a healthcare subrogation attorney advocating for some of the nation’s largest payers. Before discovering her passion for healthcare advocacy, Cindy spent the first six years of her legal career litigating cases for injured people, which has been instrumental for navigating the legal process both inside and outside the courtroom.
In addition to working in healthcare advocacy, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her passion for American Saddlebred horses.
Nicholas Bonds, Esq.
Attorney, Consulting
Nicholas Bonds, Esq., Attorney, Consulting
Education: McMurry University, B.A.; New England Law | Boston, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Associations: Intellectual Property Law Association; International Law Society.
Publications: BenefitsPRO; The Self-Insurer
Speaking Engagements: Texas Association of Benefits Administrators (TABA) Conference
Nick Bonds is a healthcare attorney at The Phia Group, a key subject matter expert for Phia Group Consulting (PGC) and as part of the Independent Consultation & Evaluation (ICE) team, provides key guidance on all aspects of self-funded health plans. He works heavily in plan document review, handbook and stop loss consultation, and regulatory compliance involving an array of laws including ERISA, ACA, HIPPA, MHPAEA, NSA, FMLA, and more.
Prior to joining The Phia Group, Nick attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, graduating cum laude with his B.A. in History. He earned his Juris Doctor at New England Law where he was a member of the Intellectual Property Law Association and the International Law Society and graduated with a concentration in intellectual property law.
Bryan M. Dunton, Esq.
Attorney, Consulting
Bryan M. Dunton, Esq., Attorney, Consulting
Education: Rhode Island College, B.A.; New England Law | Boston, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Associations: Boston Bar Association; Massachusetts Bar Association
Bryan M. Dunton joined The Phia Group, LLC in June 2019 as a Health Benefit Plan Consultant while attending law school at New England Law | Boston. Upon successfully passing the Bar and being admitted to practice in Massachusetts in 2022, he became a valued member of the consulting division of Phia’s legal team. Bryan is a subject matter expert in Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) compliance matters and performs Non-Quantitative Treatment Limitation (NQTL) Comparative Analysis testing for group health plans. Bryan also provides training and guidance to other members of the NQTL team, including overseeing reviews of projects. In addition, Bryan provides general consulting and drafting services to clients on a wide variety of healthcare-related compliance matters, including, but not limited to: ERISA, ACA, PDA, GCPCA and HIPAA compliance.
While attending New England Law | Boston on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship, Bryan earned Dean’s List Honors, graduated cum laude, and earned a certificate specializing in Compliance and Risk Management. During law school, Bryan was awarded the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Health Care Law and the New England Scholar Award for outstanding academic performance during his final two years. In addition to his academic achievements, Bryan originally served as an evening division student representative and later as the Chief Justice of the Student Bar Association, while also chairing its Constitution and By-Laws Committee.
Brian M. O’Hara, Esq.
Senior Attorney, Provider Relations
Brian M. O’Hara, Esq., Senior Attorney, Provider Relations
Education: Boston College, B.S.; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Brian O’Hara joined The Phia Group in September 2019. As a senior attorney in Provider Relations, Brian manages a team specializing in dispute resolution under the No Surprises Act. He also handles high-dollar and complex preservice negotiations with healthcare providers and conducts research on regulatory updates pertinent to Provider Relations.
Prior to joining The Phia Group, Brian was an associate attorney with two Boston area law firms. Brian has represented clients in hundreds of cases throughout Massachusetts in matters relating to personal injury, consumer protection, contractual disputes, criminal defense, and landlord-tenant law.
Melinda Bellis, Esq.
General Counsel
Melinda Bellis, Esq., General Counsel
Education: Indiana University, B.A.; Drake University M.A.; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.
Bar Admissions: New Hampshire (state and federal courts); Massachusetts (in-house counsel)
Associations: New Hampshire Bar Association Finance Committee; American Bar Association; International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Melinda Bellis joined The Phia Group in September 2021. As General Counsel, Attorney Bellis is responsible for providing legal advice and strategies to The Phia Group’s executive and legal teams, overseeing internal processes, procedures, policies, and corporate governance matters, managing the intellectual property portfolio, as well as negotiating client and vendor contracts. With a diverse background in both in-house and law firm settings, Melinda provides expertise in intellectual property, compliance, risk management, and complex transactions.
Prior to The Phia Group, Attorney Bellis served as the Deputy General Counsel for CalAmp, a publicly traded telematics and asset management company, after spending over a decade in the business litigation department at Morrison Mahoney LLP, a Boston-based law firm.
Laura Simberg, Esq.
In-House Counsel
Laura Simberg, Esq., In-House Counsel
Education: B.A. Indiana University Bloomington; JD DePaul University
Bar Admissions: Illinois
Laura Simberg joined The Phia Group in 2024. As In-House Counsel, Laura brings 30 years of experience as a legal, management and client service professional. Her career has focused on developing progressive legal and business strategies for improving efficiency and compliance, reducing costs, and facilitating leadership initiatives for corporate growth. Areas of expertise include insurance, contracts, subrogation recovery, mass tort, coordination of benefits and commercial litigation on behalf of health payors, self-funded organizations, and third-party administrators. Laura has managed legal and operations teams and has worked with all corporate departments to develop and improve cost containment strategies and client satisfaction to drive forward business.
During her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, skiing, national parks, college basketball and exploring the East Coast after a 2024 move from Chicago with her family.
Lisa Hill, Esq.
Managing Attorney, Recovery Services
Lisa Hill, Esq., Managing Attorney, Recovery Services
Education: SUNY Albany, B.S.; University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Kentucky; Illinois
Publications: NASP Subrogator
Speaking Engagements: NASP webinar
Lisa Hill joined The Phia Group in 2021 as a Senior Subrogation Attorney. Lisa brings to The Phia Group over two decades’ experience in both property & casualty and health care subrogation work. In her most recent work experience prior to Phia, Attorney Hill managed litigation on a national level and has supervised different levels of attorneys and claims handlers in both the property and casualty and health care subrogation field. Lisa resides in Kentucky with her husband and in her free time enjoys reading, cooking, and knitting.
Jamie L. Izlar, Esq.
Senior Attorney, Subrogation
Jamie L. Izlar, Esq., Senior Attorney, Subrogation
Education: University of Louisville, B.A., Summa Cum Laude; University of Louisville, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Commonwealth of Kentucky
Associations: Kentucky Bar Association; Kentucky Chapter of the Fulbright Association; National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP); Subrogation Healthcare Alliance
Publications: Journal of Law and Education; Bar Briefs; Subrogator
Speaking Engagements: International Conference on Education; Louis D. Brandeis School of Law; National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) Conference; Symposium Presenter at Goshen College
Jamie L. Izlar is a Senior Subrogation Attorney in the Recovery Services Department in The Phia Group, LLC’s Louisville, Kentucky office. She practices healthcare subrogation and reimbursement law.
Ms. Izlar earned her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Minors in Theatre and Latin American Studies, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Louisville. Ms. Izlar, fluent in Spanish, previously received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach conflict and dispute resolution to a community in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. She assisted in planning Western Illinois University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts service-learning trips to the Dominican Republic and served as a translator.
She was selected as a North American Peacebuilder under the University of Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Institute for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution. She participated in the world’s first student exchange program in conflict resolution that included universities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Ms. Izlar has written about and lectured on legal topics relating primarily to subrogation and reimbursement law, medical fraud, conflict and dispute resolution, international education, and immigration. She is an Adjunct Professor of Dispute Resolution at the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, serves as a Board Member for the Kentucky Chapter of the Fulbright Association, and is a member of the Louisville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Connor P. Gillen, Esq.
Attorney, Subrogation
Connor P. Gillen, Esq., Attorney, Subrogation
Education: Bridgewater State University, B.S.; University of Massachusetts School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Connor Gillen joined The Phia Group as a Subrogation Attorney in 2021. In his current role, Attorney Gillen leverages his legal knowledge and negotiation skills toward maximizing health plan recoveries from third parties. In addition to his work in Phia’s general subrogation department, Attorney Gillen also contributes to work on mass tort cases. While attending University of Massachusetts School of Law, from which he graduated cum laude, Connor participated in the UMass Law Community Development Clinic, both as a student and senior fellow.
Kendall Jackson, Esq.
Attorney, Consulting
Kendall Jackson, Esq., Attorney, Consulting
Education: University of Connecticut B.A., 2019; Suffolk University Law School J.D., 2022
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
In spring 2023, Kendall Jackson, Esq. joined The Phia Group as a Consulting Attorney, in which she primarily assists with drafting responses to consulting questions from PGC referral and ICE clients. Prior to her time at Phia, Attorney Jackson served as a judicial intern at the Boston Municipal Court (Charlestown Division), helping participants navigate recovery programs administered by the drug court.
At Suffolk University Law School, Attorney Jackson was a staff member on Suffolk Transnational Law Review. She was published in Suffolk Transnational Law Review Volume XLV Winter 2022 for her note titled, “Comprehensive Criminal Responsibility: The Benefits of Cumulatively Prosecuting Foreign Terrorist Fighters.”
When she is not practicing law, Kendall enjoys baking, training at CrossFit, and traveling around the world.
John Gresh, Esq.
Attorney, Provider Relations
John Gresh, Esq., Attorney, Provider Relations
Education: Liberty University, B.S.; Liberty University School of Law, J.D.
Bar Admissions: Kentucky and Ohio
John P. Gresh joined The Phia Group in 2023 as an attorney with the Provider Relations team, where he now leads the balance billing department. With a passion for improving cost containment strategies, he focuses on helping plans and participants combat excessive medical bills through effective negotiations.
Before joining Phia, John managed the strategic and functional operations of a multi-state litigation department within the collections industry, overseeing a team of attorneys across five states. He also serves as a compliance advisor, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations, as well as privacy standards, for a nationwide network of collections firms.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is an avid sports fan, rooting for the Kansas Jayhawks and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Al’Lisha Hanserd, Esq.
Attorney, Subrogation
Al’Lisha Hanserd, Esq., Attorney, Subrogation
Education: Northern Kentucky University, Chase College of Law; University of Louisville — B.S. in Political Science, A.S. in Paralegal Studies
Bar Admissions: Kentucky
Associations: Chairperson, Younger Lawyer Section, Louisville Bar Association (2023-2026); Parliamentarian, Louisville's Urban Legal Young Professionals (2025-2026); Committee Member, Young Lawyers Division, Kentucky Bar Association (2023-2026)
Al’Lisha Hanserd joined The Phia Group as a Subrogation Attorney in 2024, bringing experience from her previous roles at Conduent and The Rawlings Group. With a strong background in subrogation, mass torts, and ERISA litigation, she is dedicated to maximizing recoveries for self-funded health plans.
Al’Lisha earned her Juris Doctor from Northern Kentucky University, Chase College of Law, where she was an active participant in mock trial. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies from the University of Louisville. While at the University of Louisville, she was a full-time debater for the Malcolm X Debate Team.
An engaged member of the legal community, Al’Lisha serves as the Chairperson of the Younger Lawyer Section for the Louisville Bar Association (2022-2026) and as a Parliamentarian for Louisville’s Urban Legal Young Professionals. She is also a Committee Member for the Young Lawyers Division of the Kentucky Bar Association (2023-2026).
Outside of her professional work, Al’Lisha enjoys crocheting, bowling, cycling, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Hannah Lane, Esq.
Junior In-House Counsel
Hannah Lane, Esq., Junior In-House Counsel
Education: Merrimack College 2018; New England School of Law|Boston 2022
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Hannah A. Lane joined The Phia Group as a Marketing Intern in 2017 while attending Merrimack College. The legal landscape of the self-funded health insurance industry greatly interested Hannah, so much so, that upon graduation from Merrimack College, Hannah began working full-time at The Phia Group while pursuing her legal education at New England School of Law | Boston. During her law school journey, Hannah earned a Certificate for the Concentrated Study of Intellectual Property Law, while simultaneously gaining experience as Phia’s Marketing & Accounts Coordinator, Legal Services Coordinator, Manager of Contracts Administration, and eventually, Phia’s Junior In-House Counsel. As part of the In-House Legal team at Phia, Hannah has had the opportunity to develop not only her client-facing contract drafting and transactional skill set, but also her in-house legal advisory and strategic knowledge. Hannah’s growth at Phia is a true testament to The Phia Group’s dedication to innovation and forward-thinking.
When Hannah is not practicing law, she enjoys coaching her youth and all-star cheerleading teams, and hiking with her husband, Myles, and beloved puppy, Oliver Augwentarium Lane.
Naga Vivekanandan, Esq.
Health Benefits Consulting Attorney
Naga Vivekanandan, Esq., Health Benefits Consulting Attorney
Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. in Psychology, 2020; Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 2024
Bar Admissions: Massachusetts
Publications: Journal of Health & Biomedical Law
In winter 2025, Naga Vivekanandan, Esq. joined The Phia Group as a Health Benefits Consulting Attorney, a role in which she drafts responses to consulting questions from PGC referral and ICE clients among other critical functions involving regulatory compliance. She also performs plan document reviews and handbook and stop loss consultations. Before joining Phia, Naga was a legal intern at Mass EOHHS and Beth Israel Lahey Health, Office of General Counsel, as well as a law clerk at Health Law Advocates. Before pursuing her legal career, Naga served as an AmeriCorps teacher with City Year Chicago whereby she taught English and History to fourth grade students in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago.
While concentrating in Health & Biomedical Law at Suffolk University Law School, from which she graduated in 2024, Attorney Vivekanandan published a note in Volume XX of the Journal of Health & Biomedical Law titled “A Tough Pill To Swallow: Analysis and Policy Considerations Surrounding Over-Prescription of ADHD Stimulant Medications in Children and Adolescents.” Outside of work, Naga enjoys cooking and baking; taking spin and yoga classes; and spending time outdoors.
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