Leadership Team

Leadership Team Ben Scardello 2024-09-09T18:34:59-04:00

The Austin Advantage is the total package!

Discover unparalleled expertise and innovation with Austin Benefits Group. With us, you’re not just a client; you’re a valued partner in navigating the ever evolving and intricate landscape of employee benefits. Empower your team with the best in benefits — empower them with The Austin Advantage.

The Austin Leadership Team

Dean Austin

President & CEO

Cathy Austin

Chief Operating Officer

Natalie Kiro

Chief Marketing Officer

Cara Kukhar

Vice President of Analytics

Samantha Andersen

Vice President of Relationship Management

The Austin Leadership Team

Dean Austin

President & CEO

Cathy Austin

Chief Operating Officer

Natalie Kiro

Chief Marketing Officer

Cara Kukhar

Vice President of Analytics

Samantha Andersen

Vice President of Relationship Management

Samantha Andersen

Vice President of Relationship Management

As Vice President of Relationship Management, I manage our efforts in cultivating and maintaining strong, strategic partnerships with our clients. With a deep commitment to personalized service and a focus on fostering long-term relationships, I lead a dynamic team dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each organization we serve. My role involves coordinating comprehensive benefits solutions, facilitating seamless communication and ensuring client satisfaction through proactive and responsive support. With extensive experience in client relations and a passion for empowering businesses, I am driven to enhance the overall client experience, championing The Austin Advantage to help our clients thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Samantha Andersen

Vice President of Relationship Management

As Vice President of Relationship Management, I manage our efforts in cultivating and maintaining strong, strategic partnerships with our clients. With a deep commitment to personalized service and a focus on fostering long-term relationships, I lead a dynamic team dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each organization we serve. My role involves coordinating comprehensive benefits solutions, facilitating seamless communication and ensuring client satisfaction through proactive and responsive support. With extensive experience in client relations and a passion for empowering businesses, I am driven to enhance the overall client experience, championing The Austin Advantage to help our clients thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Cara Kukhar

Vice President of Analytics

As Vice President of Analytics, I spearhead data-driven strategies to optimize our offerings, enhance client satisfaction, and foster business growth. With a background in statistics and a passion for leveraging insights, I am committed to building a culture of continuous improvement and data literacy throughout the organization. I lead a talented team in harnessing the power of data to inform decision-making, innovate solutions, and ensure our clients receive the best possible benefits experience. My goal is to continuously refine our analytics capabilities, staying ahead of industry trends to deliver measurable value and exceed expectations.

Cara Kukhar

Vice President of Analytics

As Vice President of Analytics, I spearhead data-driven strategies to optimize our offerings, enhance client satisfaction, and foster business growth. With a background in statistics and a passion for leveraging insights, I am committed to building a culture of continuous improvement and data literacy throughout the organization. I lead a talented team in harnessing the power of data to inform decision-making, innovate solutions, and ensure our clients receive the best possible benefits experience. My goal is to continuously refine our analytics capabilities, staying ahead of industry trends to deliver measurable value and exceed expectations.

Natalie Kiro

Chief Marketing Officer

As Chief Marketing Officer, I lead our marketing initiatives to boost brand awareness and drive business growth. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for innovation, I guide a talented team in creating compelling campaigns that resonate with our target audience. My responsibilities span from digital engagement to brand development, ensuring our message reflects our commitment to exceptional client service and industry leadership. Dedicated to amplifying The Austin Advantage as the premier choice for employee benefits solutions, I empower organizations to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.

Natalie Kiro

Chief Marketing Officer

As Chief Marketing Officer, I lead our marketing initiatives to boost brand awareness and drive business growth. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for innovation, I guide a talented team in creating compelling campaigns that resonate with our target audience. My responsibilities span from digital engagement to brand development, ensuring our message reflects our commitment to exceptional client service and industry leadership. Dedicated to amplifying The Austin Advantage as the premier choice for employee benefits solutions, I empower organizations to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.

Cathy Austin

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer at Austin Benefits Group, I ensure the seamless execution of our operational strategies to deliver top-tier employee benefits solutions. I oversee daily operations, implement strategic initiatives and work closely with the Executive Team to ensure we achieve the company’s high standard of service delivery while enhancing operational workflows. With a focus on efficiency and excellence, I am dedicated to implementing process optimization so that we can deliver The Austin Advantage while helping our clients navigate the complexities of HR and benefits administration with confidence.

Cathy Austin

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer at Austin Benefits Group, I ensure the seamless execution of our operational strategies to deliver top-tier employee benefits solutions. I oversee daily operations, implement strategic initiatives and work closely with the Executive Team to ensure we achieve the company’s high standard of service delivery while enhancing operational workflows. With a focus on efficiency and excellence, I am dedicated to implementing process optimization so that we can deliver The Austin Advantage while helping our clients navigate the complexities of HR and benefits administration with confidence.

Dean Austin

Vice President of Analytics

I serve as the President and CEO of Austin Benefits Group, where I drive the strategic direction and innovative excellence of the organization. Since founding the company in 2000, I have played a pivotal role in transforming Austin Benefits Group into one of Michigan’s premier privately-owned employee benefits agencies. My leadership encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including strategic planning, business development, and ensuring the delivery of client-centric solutions. I oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, from funding and design to implementation and plan administration, focusing on helping clients optimize their benefits packages and enhance employee returns. With over three decades of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. My passion for innovation and commitment to excellence continue to drive Austin Benefits Group forward, enabling the company to provide its clients with The Austin Advantage – a combination of personalized service, innovative strategies, and comprehensive solutions.

Dean Austin

Vice President of Analytics

I serve as the President and CEO of Austin Benefits Group, where I drive the strategic direction and innovative excellence of the organization. Since founding the company in 2000, I have played a pivotal role in transforming Austin Benefits Group into one of Michigan’s premier privately-owned employee benefits agencies. My leadership encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including strategic planning, business development, and ensuring the delivery of client-centric solutions. I oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, from funding and design to implementation and plan administration, focusing on helping clients optimize their benefits packages and enhance employee returns. With over three decades of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. My passion for innovation and commitment to excellence continue to drive Austin Benefits Group forward, enabling the company to provide its clients with The Austin Advantage – a combination of personalized service, innovative strategies, and comprehensive solutions.