Our Team

Lauren has been with Avant for 10 years and leads the organization, focusing on innovation and a strong partner experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Business and an MBA, and has been recognized with industry honors, including Women on the Rise (2024) and Ingram’s Forty Under 40 (2025).

Zack has been with Avant for nine years and helps drive partner growth across markets nationwide—bringing a communications and business background and a relationship-first approach to business development.

With 23 years of experience across broker and carrier environments, Jimmy leads distribution and growth strategy with a focus on smart, forward-thinking solutions—especially across stop loss and ancillary.

Tim has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for eight years, holds a Business Administration degree from Rockhurst University, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their three boys, as well as golfing, fishing, and traveling together.

Ted has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for three years and holds a BBA in Marketing from Southern Methodist University; he lives in Lake Highlands, TX with his wife Morgan and their three kids, and enjoys time on the field, at the lake, and supporting Avant’s long-term, customer-focused approach to innovation.

Kellan has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for three years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing from the University of Minnesota. In his free time, Kellan enjoys spending time with his wife, five kids, and three dogs that keep him plenty busy outside of work! He enjoys coaching many of his kids’ youth sports teams (baseball, flag football, basketball) and spending time outdoors with friends/family at their cabin up North.

Cameron has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for three years, holds a degree in Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Mississippi, previously spent eight years on the carrier side, and enjoys time with his wife and daughters, grilling, and golfing.

Bill has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for two years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri (Kansas City). In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, friends, wife, and three children.

Hilary brings more than 13 years of experience dedicated exclusively to the voluntary benefits space. As Director of Supplemental Benefit Solutions on the Avant Team in Dallas, she partners with brokers to navigate modern voluntary benefit strategies, plan design, and enrollment complexities in today’s group-based landscape. Hilary is a trusted expert passionate about delivering effective, streamlined solutions for clients.

Shelly King joins the team as Senior Dental & Vision Consultant, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the benefits industry, with deep expertise in dental and vision consulting. She has spent the last several years partnering with large employers to deliver thoughtful, tailored strategies that meet complex needs. Shelly is passionate about collaboration and takes pride in being a trusted resource for both clients and sales partners, helping everyone get the most out of their benefits.

Sam has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for several years. He attended the University of Kansas, and holds his Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) certification, obtained in January 2024. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, and the occasional round of golf when time allows.

Lance Lankford has more than 20 years of experience and brings deep understanding and expertise in sports risk management, policy analysis, health plan strategy, and regulatory compliance. He has held prior leadership roles in specialty benefits consulting and as general counsel for major professional sports organizations.

Allie has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for one year, holds a Biology degree from Rockhurst University, previously spent nearly seven years at a benefits carrier, and enjoys time outdoors with her husband Patrick and daughter Quinn—especially cheering on Creighton basketball.

AJ has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for three years, holds a degree in Environmental and Management Studies from St. Olaf College, and enjoys life on his farm with his wife Christina where they raise crops and beef cattle.

Connor has more than eight years of industry experience and joins us as a Business Development Consultant. He’s known for building genuine relationships and helping clients find the right solutions to support their goals. Connor lives in Mound, Minnesota, and is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Dylan has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for five years, holds a Political Science degree from the University of Kansas, and enjoys spending time with his wife Carolyn, their two sons and dog, as well as golfing and duck hunting.

Jack has been with Avant Specialty Benefits for three years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications, Business, Management, and Marketing from the University of Kansas. Jack also holds his Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) obtained in Feb. 2025. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, spending time with friends and his fiancée, and cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks!

Keith brings 25+ years of carrier-side experience and deep expertise in ancillary benefits, stop loss, and federal and state leave laws. He attended Amherst College, and holds his Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) and Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) certifications. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his two children and dog, Brooksie.