About Us

Managing Health Plan Benefits and More

Benefit Advocates opened its doors in 2001 due to the increased demand for the services of president and founder Mary Kesel, a 25-year veteran in health care and benefits and an adjunct professor of Human Resources Management, Wake Forest University Schools of Business.

Benefit Advocates provides “real people, real answers” service to successfully guide its clients through the maze of today's healthcare system. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., Benefit Advocates provides services to individuals and large and small businesses nationwide, including SCANA Corporation, SunTrust Banks, Inc. and Schering-Plough Corporation.

"In my 25-plus years of working in the clinical and administrative areas of the healthcare industry, I have seen the environment become increasingly confusing and complex. Plans and providers seem to change every year. In many cases, employees do not know who to call for help. And often, a phone call to the health plan does not completely resolve complex issues. Employees and retirees want and deserve a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate to help them understand their benefits and to negotiate on their behalf.” – Mary Kesel, Founder and CEO