IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Aug 23, 2012) - 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, welcomes Scott Aston as its newest vice president, a role that will leverage his extensive knowledge and experience on both the brokerage and carrier sides of the business.

Aston will focus on new business products, business development, account retention, and technology platforms in his new position at Burnham Benefits. The company will also benefit from his expertise in human resources information systems (HRIS), self-funded programs, and health care reform.

"Scott is a wonderful asset to Burnham, and bringing him on board will help us build upon our best-in-class service," says Kristen Allison, President of Burnham Benefits Insurance Services and a 30-year veteran of the employee benefits industry. "In addition to his contributions to the sales side of the equation, we're looking forward to incorporating his insights on our technology, communications, and employee wellness programs. California employers will benefit from his knowledge in those areas, coupled with his ability to understand both the brokerage and carrier perspectives -- all of which make him a welcome addition to our team."

Aston's track record as a top performer in account development and retention is impressive, and his leadership strengthens an already powerful team of talented professionals working on behalf of clients at Burnham Benefits. Aston intends to help Burnham grow while maintaining its respected reputation for top-notch service coupled with leading technology, communications, and wellness programs.

"Burnham has all the pieces in place to really excel on behalf of clients -- in-house underwriting, wellness, and a second-to-none service support team," says Aston. "The culture works with individual employee strengths, and that's really refreshing. It's an environment that encourages everyone to excel for our clients -- creating a win for everyone. I'm very pleased to be joining the Burnham team."

Aston most recently served as vice president of employee benefits for BB&T Insurance Services of California. He has worked for Great-West Healthcare and New England Financial and earned a degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. He holds the Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) accreditation and belongs to the Blue Shield Broker Advisory Council, the Orange County Employee Benefits Council, and the Employee Benefit Planning Association of Southern California.

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 $500 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.