IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/14/13 -- Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, one of the largest employee benefits brokerages in Southern California and one of the few to specialize solely in strategic employee benefits consulting and brokerage services, has appointed Janet Vreeland as its newest vice president. Vreeland will leverage her 25+ years of experience in the industry to grow Burnham's clientele in the Southern California and Arizona markets.

Vreeland's impressive track record includes more than ten years at Aon Risk Insurance Services West Inc. in Phoenix, where she served as a vice president and was ranked third out of fifty national health and benefits producers for new revenue production. Vreeland also achieved 100 percent client satisfaction through Aon's Client Net Promoter scoring system. As vice president of new business development and account leadership, Vreeland will support Burnham's current client relationships and focus on expanding in the Southwest including Arizona.

"We are looking forward to kicking off the New Year by adding Janet to the team," says Kristen Allison, president of Burnham Benefits Insurance Services and a 30-year veteran of the employee benefits industry. "Her experience speaks for itself, and we're so proud she will be representing Burnham as we continue to expand in Southern California and Arizona. Not only will she be a key player in expanding our reach, but Janet will also be a great asset in building brand awareness in the industry through professional associations and other events."

Vreeland will lead industry and branding growth initiatives, including involvement with CFO Roundtables and affiliations with local professional associations such as the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the CFO Alliance in Southern California and Arizona. Having previously served as president of the Sun Valley chapter of SHRM, Vreeland is prepared to continue building Burnham's presence within these organizations.

"I'm really looking forward to joining the Burnham team -- which already has such an outstanding reputation -- and continuing to build on the firm's excellent relationships in the human resources and finance arenas," says Vreeland. "The level of talent and high-caliber individuals at Burnham make it a great place to work, and I can't wait to join the team and support its growth."

By maintaining a laser-focused specialization in employee benefits, Burnham Benefits has strengthened its foothold as a market leader and has successfully met the complex needs of the private equity marketplace; companies experiencing high-growth and high-volume expansion; and those planning mergers or acquisitions. The firm offers many specialized services, and is committed to offering leading employee wellness programs in California. The added capabilities help clients better navigate healthcare reform and cost-control issues while simultaneously improving benefits they offer employees.

ABOUT BURNHAM BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES:

Based in Irvine, Calif., Burnham Benefits Insurance Services Inc. is one of the largest employee benefits brokerages in Southern California and one of the few to specialize solely in employee benefits insurance. Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego employers trust Burnham to understand the unique challenges of the Southern California market. Kristen Allison, President of Burnham Benefits and a 30-year industry veteran, acquired the firm in 1995 from John Burnham Insurance Services, an Orange County mainstay for more than 50 years. Boasting the in-depth industry knowledge and Fortune 500 resources of a large firm, Burnham Benefits prides itself on retaining the flexibility, creativity and consultative service of a boutique. After steady growth of 20 percent annually for the past 10 years, the company serves more than 300 corporate clients throughout the United States and manages more than $600 million in premiums. Working with its colleagues at Burnham Gibson Financial Group, and having the added expertise of in-house underwriters, compliance officers and communications specialists, Burnham Benefits provides an integrated approach to managing a client's full spectrum of employee benefits. Named Best Place to Work by the Orange County Business Journal in 2011, the company has three offices in California: Irvine, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, as well as offices in Oregon and the Washington D.C. metro area. For more information, visit www.BurnhamBenefits.com.

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