in this issue
women at work : open forum discussion meet signature’s diversity circle bptw celebratory picnic
from the desk of allen fredrickson
word on the street
signature reads
Apprenticeships at signature
love your work
signature spotlight: dav winter sports clinic
women at work open forum discussion
exceptional cpar ratings
signature scholarship winners
business ethics alliance
signature stories
innovation in healthcare
whole health week
meet our 2022 annual ospar winners
best friends at work
MEET SIGNATURE’S diversity circle
At Signature, we are in pursuit of the uncommon.
Uncommon, a word we use quite a bit at Signature. It’s a word used to describe rare, unusual, and atypical actions people and teams take every day to make a difference in healthcare. The collective us that transforms healthcare by lowering healthcare costs and burdens.
In 2023, our specific focus will go a step beyond uncommon. We are going to be laser-focused on Uncommon Advancement. Ensuring the company is growing in every way - new clients, existing clients, new talent, and advancing our culture and footprint as an organization. Specifically, we have two goals: revenue growth, either
from current clients or new clients, and next-level leadership. While we have a team of talented people that are dedicated to growing our revenue streams, everyone on the Signature team plays a role in growing the company. Here are some ways I propose you can lean in:
Can you explain what Signature’s impact is on the healthcare industry?
Do you know how your role impacts healthcare?
Are you performing your role with excellence, even further doing what’s expected and more?
If you have contacts in the
healthcare space, maybe from a previous employment or a personal contact, are you bringing those contacts forward and helping set up meetings with subject matter experts?
When you are in the community or industry events, are you demonstrating our values of integrity, courage, respect, and passion?
While this is just the start of the list, I hope it gives you ideas on how everyone contributes. The second part of Uncommon Advancement is next-level leadership.
Next-level leadership is the idea of “next person up.” If you follow sports, you know that this phrase
describes a scenario which one player can take over for another seamlessly. For example, if the quarterback on the football team gets hurt or can’t play, ideally, the next person up has completed the work in order to seamlessly lead the team to victory.
Business is no different. We always need to be ready in order to be the next person up.
Are you looking for professional development opportunities?
Are you studying healthcare?
Are you becoming a master at your role?
Are you learning key pieces of your manager’s role?
While those are some ways to build your skills, the intangibles of the next person up mentality is having an unwavering commitment and ability to go out, grab it and get it done. To be a trailblazer that looks for opportunities to improve the organization and find new ways to make an impact. With a deep business acumen that propels the organization into success.
2023 has the potential to be Signature’s best year yet as our impact in the healthcare industry increases. Our commitment to uncommon advancement will play a significant role in our success. Join me, and let’s be uncommon together!
Carpe Diem, Allen“Advancement only comes with habitually doing more than you are asked.”
-Gary Ryan Blair
In what ways are you committed to furthering your professional development, here at Signature Performance? Who inspires you as a leader?
Vanessa McCormick | Contracts ManagerOne of the beautiful things about the culture at Signature is that it encourages professional growth, both with words and deeds (resources). For example, Signature has supported my membership in the National Association of Health Services Executives, an organization which provides several professional growth opportunities throughout the year. I also plan to attend a Public Institute of Contracting or Management Concepts course, focused on building upon my contracts knowledge that I will use to directly benefit my work here at Signature. Professional development is an integral part of my growth and impact plan while finding ways to serve our Signature team!
One of my former leaders and mentor, Dr. Rebecca Hooper has been influential to me since 2016. Her intelligence, passion, empathy, strategic approach to problem solving, and willingness to invest in the professional and personal well being of her team is an inspiration. Her mentorship elevated my leadership ideology and I was able to improve my professional progression over the years as she allowed me room to embrace opportunities to mentor others.
I am currently participating in the 2023 Emerging Leaders program and Signature Reads. Both opportunities have been helping me focus on seizing moments to step up and be the leader that I want to become. I approach situations with a growth mindset, not only for myself but for others around me. I ask myself, “If I was in their situation, what kind of leader would I benefit from most,” and that determines how I proceed. Specifically, within Signature, I am inspired by Melanie Mills and Mark Mathia! They both lead in such an empowering and inspiring way.
I have been committed to furthering my professional development at Signature Performance by taking any opportunity to learn. Knowledge is power, and Signature offers so many opportunities to grow. Offering opportunities like Signature YOU, Emerging Leaders, Signature Reads, and various Connection Points. Signature has shown they are committed to my professional development, so all I have to do is show up for myself. I have always been inspired by Training Manager, Annie May Beatham. As a leader she always shows up for people. Annie May sees the value in her colleagues and does her best to make sure they see it as well. She lifts others up with encouragement, hard work, and grace.
Currently, I am going to school for Cyber Security and have been speaking and working with IT Security Analyst, Pixie Marcus Xavier, to understand and learn more about what the security team does here at Signature. I am hoping that at some point I get to be involved with their team and am able to expand my horizons. I would say that my management inspires me the most because they actually care about the thoughts and ideas that I have and want me to find the best route forward for my further endeavors.
I am committed to furthering my professional development by taking part in the Emerging Leaders program, as well as helping with training. I have a great manager who has been supportive and understanding of my goals and has done everything within her power to make sure I have everything I need to accomplish those goals. Everyone at Signature inspires me to be a leader, but my biggest inspiration is my mother. My mom was a single mom to us three kiddos. She never gave up. Her compassion, hard work, dedication, and authenticity is what molded me into the person I am today.
During my journey here at Signature, I am committed to learning as much as I can about the company and the gears that make it all work together. It is my hope to develop some lasting relationships with my coworkers and other members of leadership as well. While in this ongoing process, I must say I have been quite impressed with the way Signature makes me feel like I am welcome and cared about.
Have you read this year’s Signature Reads book: Soundtracks by: Jon Acuff?
If you want to tap into the surprising power of overthinking and give your dreams more time and creativity, learn how to DJ the soundtracks that define you.
If you can worry, you can wonder. If you can doubt, you can dominate. If you can spin, you can soar.
Signature Reads is a company-wide professional development program that creates a space for Associates to connect over common learnings, understand the value of further development for our mission, and celebrate leadership strides in the firm. Signature provides copies of the year's book and creates several related opportunities to learn and connect.
Overthinking steals time, creativity, and goals. It's the most expensive, least productive thing companies invest in without even knowing it. And it's an epidemic. New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff changed his life by transforming his overthinking, and, after a research study, he discovered 99.5% of respondents struggled with overthinking too.
In Soundtracks, Acuff offers a proven plan to change overthinking from a super problem into a superpower. The solution is running our brains with better soundtracks. Once we learn how to choose our soundtracks, thoughts become our best friend, propelling us toward our goals.
Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books. Published in more than twenty languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he’s not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage as one of INC’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges, and companies around the world.
Tap into the surprising power of overthinking by enrolling in the learning journey on Signature YOU for more information!
So far, I’m loving it. I feel like my soundtracks have been improving already. I love the self reflection.
Sara Neussendorfer Provider Experience Representative
It’s a great topic and one that speaks to me all too well. Fun read, I’m enjoying working through it.
Amanda Linse Director, Provider Experience CenterI really enjoy this book, and I have started sharing what I have learned with my friends.
Andrea Carpenter CAEC Customer Representative Lead
So far, I love this book. I love his witty little additions, enough so that when I giggle while reading the book, my husband will ask what I am laughing about. I end up reading him a passage of the book as well.
Marie Potts-Doucette Medical Coder
At Signature, we are captivated by our mission of improving the health of our clients’ business and making the lives of the people we work with better. To continue to invest in our associates and their career goals, we offer two Apprenticeship Programs for associates to apply for as they continue their career journey.
Karina McHugh, CBO Operations Lead, became a vocal proponent of the Signature Performance Health Care (SPHC) – Health Information Management apprenticeship - the only apprenticeship of its kind in the entire country - after she recently crossed the finish line. Apprentices in this program develop skills for monitoring productivity, regulatory knowledge for financial compliance, and optimal processes to ensure organizational efficiency.
As a former Air Traffic Controller, healthcare was foreign to Karina before joining Signature, and she didn’t know if an apprenticeship could foster her success. However, she put her reservations aside and stepped into the apprenticeship, with encouragement from Mark Mathia, Chief Experience Officer, to invest in her learning.
After 577 hours of instruction, ranging from coaching to off-site classes, Karina discovered a newfound intentionality behind her actions and an appreciation for personal strengths.
“I created my own leadership intentions statement, and it was neat to see my commitment to becoming someone different,” Karina said. “From now on, I will take ownership of my actions, and I will strive to learn from mistakes.”
Her learnings are put into practice daily, and she credits advancements in her leadership ability to Signature’s nurturement. Karina set out to invest in herself as a Signature Associate, and along the way, she found success translated beyond her role in Operations.
“Choose where in the company you want to be, and set your goals. Don’t be shy about knocking on doors to achieve those goals,” Karina said. “Make it your decision to be happy in your career; the choice is yours to be a difference maker.”
Mark Waring, Junior Software Application Developer, graduated from the Coding Cohorts Program in December of 2022 after twelve weeks of instruction. The Midland Code Academy is Omaha’s only full-time immersive program that will provide the technical skills needed for web development and server interaction.
When the opportunity to test Signature’s ClaimsXM software presented itself, Mark found himself transitioning from ECAMS to software development, which led to his enrollment in Coding Cohorts.
The program exposes apprentices to front end, back
end, and full stack coding, resulting in Junior Developer qualifications. The rigorous concepts, combined with an intense timeline, open the door to real world applications at Signature.
“The fundamentals of programming are implemented daily in my work at Signature, and the course taught me the approaches necessary to solve creative problems,” Mark said.
Mark’s priority was to pursue growth opportunities with Signature, and this apprenticeship equipped him to continually learn, adapt, and apply concepts to business as the organization evolves.
“I was helping out where I was needed, but I was looking for a more defined career path moving forward,” Mark said. “If you are considering an apprenticeship, be excited about the opportunity to forge a new career path for yourself.”
If you desire to advance your career with Signature, consider an apprenticeship that coincides with your passion, talents, and career goals! Associates are always welcome to set up an exploratory conversation with Dangie Jansen, Director of Developmental Experience.
“Let Signature nurture you to be what you are called to do!” - Karina Mchugh
Work life balance is a trending topic, especially over the past couple of years. One quick Google search on the topic will garner billions of articles, tips, and ideas on how to achieve an optimal balance of life’s competing priorities. And while I will never discount the importance of well-being and healthy living, I often wonder why more people aren’t talking about loving their work.
Have you ever met someone that just loved their vocation? When they talk about their job and the people they get to work with, they talk with passion and certainty. And you know by talking with them that they are doing exactly what they are born to do. After hearing
this, have you ever thought to yourself, how do I get to be that certain that I am fulfilling my purpose? Or you think to yourself, how important is it to love your job? Even furtheris loving your work even possible?
I’m here today to tell you I wholeheartedly believe we can love our work. I believe that you have talents and strengths that are needed in this world. And when the WorkLOVE connection happens, it can change your life.
But, making the Work-LOVE connection isn’t easy, and it is going to take, for lack of a better word…work.
So, let’s get started. With LOVE as our guide, here’s some proven ways to find the WorkLOVE connection in your own career.
Linking is making the extra effort for essential connections - with others, with our mission, and with opportunities for professional growth. Business is built on momentum and having, as they say, the right connections can help you from stalling out.
Linking with others can be done through developing relationships with colleagues, attending connection points, and intentionally forming relationships that matter. These relationships or “links” can bring new opportunities for friendship and help us enhance our skills. It can also help us build trust and respect with peers, which can help us form healthy relationships at work and with trusted friends. Remember, to have a friend you have to be a friend. According to Gallup, people who can effectively “link with others” in the workplace are happier, less stressed, more engaged at work, and even physically healthier.
We should also focus on linking our job to the firm’s mission. At Signature, our mission is to ‘improve the health of our clients’ business and make the lives of those we work with better.’ The trick is understanding how our job duties impact our ability to fulfill that mission. Look for your everyday intersections with clients, reflect on the problems you helped solve, and,
at the end of everyday, ask yourself “who did I help today?” Connecting our work with a meaningful mission (like Signature’s) helps us see our important contribution and will help you love what you get to do everyday.
Finally, all leaders are learners. We must take positive strides by continuing our personal and professional development so that we are always caught up at work as our industry changes. Intentional personal development is essential for achieving success and reaching our full potential. It helps us to identify our strengths and weaknesses and to focus on improving our skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become the best versions of ourselves.
It’s hard to love anything when you feel like you are in a rut. One way to ensure you keep momentum is to outstretch where you are right now. To us, outstretching means to extend yourself so that you are constantly moving forward. Here are a few ways to outstretch in your career:
First, we must learn to stretch ourselves and ask the right questions while we set goals and objectives. Outstretching a goal is a simple process of using the 10x technique. Whatever goals we create, we should ask ourselves what it looks like if we set them ten times higher. From there, we create the next 1-3 steps to reach that 10x objective. Even if we miss our goal, we will be measurably more advanced than if we hadn’t tried to up-level our objective.
Outstretching is an essential tool for diversifying our personal networks. It enables us to build relationships with people from different backgrounds and experiences, which can lead to a more well-rounded view of the world. When was the last time you experienced a different culture than your own? Or when was the last time you had a deep conversation with someone that sees the world completely differently than you? Outstretching takes on a different, yet equally important, objective when developing our network or immediate circle. We can gain new perspectives and insights by outstretching and establishing connections with those outside our usual networks.
When you identify what you value the most, you find what you love. At Signature, we have four core values: courage, passion, integrity, and respect. Living our values is essential to building a meaningful and fulfilling career. Living our values makes us more likely to be true to ourselves and make decisions that align with our core beliefs. One way we can learn to connect deeply with the company values is to aim our strengths at each of the values and reflect on how our strengths help us live that value. It’s the integration of our natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving coupled with an emphasis on being true to ourselves and keeping our words, actions, and deeds in line with what values we cherish.
All positive changes happen when we learn to achieve high self-actualization and value integration. This integration helps us to expand our influence on others we partner with at
work. It shows up when giving and receiving constructive feedback, praising good work, and providing support when needed. By valuing ourselves and others, we create an environment of mutual respect and trust, which leads to goal attainment and effective teamwork.
The final way to make the Work-LOVE connection is to empower yourself by having a healthy mindset. Business is 100% between the ears or what you are thinking – control what goes into your mind and watch your headlines. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Here’s an important brain fact: according to Cleveland Clinic, everyday your brain processes about 70,000 thoughts. That means in the three minutes you have been reading this article, on average, you have had 145 thoughts! Wow! How do you have a healthy mindset and control your thoughts when you have so many? Our thoughts have a tendency to be misleading, and you must be empowered to call your brain out when it isn’t telling the truth. Our latest Signature Reads book, Soundtracks by Jon Acuff, offers these three questions to ask yourself before believing the thoughts in your head:
Is your thought true?
Is this thought helpful?
Is this thought kind?
Using that filter will help us re-write thoughts and empower us to have the right perspective. Ultimately, that will help us to see what’s right with our work, and our Work-LOVE connection will grow stronger.
the clinic empowers disabled Veterans across the spectrum to challenge their perceived limitations through adaptive sports. Alpine skiing, sled hockey, and snowmobiling are just a few of the opportunities Veterans engage with over the five-day event. In partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Signature Performance was a corporate sponsor for the eleventh year. Our commitment to improving the health of our clients’ business shines through this meaningful connection to Veterans and healthcare on the mountainside.
“I will never forget the time we spent with the 314 Veterans at the DAV Winter Sports Clinic. Veterans from ages 20-80 stepped out in courage to overcome their disabilities and participate in close to ten different events,” John Scheneman, Operations Experience Manager said. “Not only did Veterans who were physically or visually impaired ski down one of Colorado’s biggest mountains, they uncovered a connection point with other wounded vets.”
“The clinic was a very rewarding and emotional experience. Seeing the faces of those that have served our country honorably in various capacities and seeing the joy on their faces as they participated in the various events was very heartwarming,” Melissa Avidano, Senior Talent Operations Business Partner said.
Deepen your understanding of Signature’s impact on the Winter Sports Clinic by streaming Episode 30: No Bad Days // Making Friends, Memories, and Connection at the DAV Winter Sports Clinic on The Signature Edge podcast.
“The Winter Sports Clinic allowed us to meet the Veterans behind the claims and the phone calls Signature has resolved,” John said. “It was rewarding to meet these Veterans, who expressed their struggles, and know Signature is playing a role in their success.”
“It was rewarding to meet these Veterans and hear their stories, see their struggles with mobility, and assist them to participate with the many events. Every single Veteran was gracious and full of gratitude. Whether we helped them get into their sled ice hockey gear or set up their Curling competition, every Veteran was engaging and thankful. Our team served breakfast, lunch, and dinner while we were at the event. These were great opportunities to get to know the participants and create friendships. One of the disabled Veterans I was able to meet told me he had been struggling with depression after his wife passed away three years ago. He said the event was perfect timing for him to get out and participate, having fun for the first time in a long time. I would assume many of these Veterans participated in receiving their Care in the Community; this event allowed us to meet the Veterans behind the claims and phone calls Signature helps resolve.”
Melissa Avidano Senior Talent Operations Business Partner
“Overall, it was a very rewarding and emotional experience. Seeing the faces of those that have served our country honorably in various capacities and seeing the joy on their faces as they participated in the various events was very heartwarming. My favorite part was getting to know the vets when volunteering at mealtimes, events and downtime. Hearing about how their day went, where they were from, and if it was their first time attending was a great way to get to know them on a personal level.”
Let’s face it…the pandemic changed a lot of things over the last three years. One major shift we’ve experienced is how we interact and connect with one another in both our personal and professional lives.
At Signature Performance, we set out to change the way we think about connection and developed a new program designed to offer a variety of Connection Points for our Associates. Our 2023 Connection Points include twelve unique experiences for Signature Associates to connect, contribute, advocate, and confidently know that they belong. Our Connection Points will consist of in-person, virtual, on-site, and off-site events all designed to craft a diverse and inclusive environment. They will open doors, curate conversation, build allies, start life-long friendships, and inspire our team to continue improving the health of our clients' business and to make the lives of the people we work with better.
We kicked off the year with our first professional development experience, the Women at Work Open Forum. Hosted by Signature’s very own women leaders, this virtual webinar and luncheon had over 130 attendees all dedicated to learning tangible business and professional development strategies to help them advance in their careers.
Did you know that the national IT workforce is only made up of 26% women? At Signature Performance, we are proud to say that over 43% of our IT workforce are women. Our very own President and Chief Operating Officer, Karen Hudgins, opened our forum by discussing the role of women in technology. She shared the mindset of interviewing every day for your next job. Hudgins walked attendees through her career journey and how she landed her current role at Signature Performance. She stressed the importance of understanding that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Each job is building you up for your next position. Hudgins shared that each time she was presented with a new opportunity, she was better at it because of her previous role. Concluding her opening statement, Hudgins encouraged attendees to avoid changing themselves to fit into a mold - “You do you,” she says.
In order to dive deeper, we wanted our Associates to have the opportunity to hear from our other women leaders on topics that personally interested them. By developing four unique breakout rooms, our Associates were able to learn more about growing their careers, working remotely, negotiating tips, and even tips for working parents.
Sheila Waring, Chief Business Development Officer, kicked off her session on career growth by sharing some of the most influential and inspirational people in her life that have pushed her to become a more effective leader. She began by sharing her Leadership Statement, which included saying yes to things that scare you, owning your career development, and most importantly, celebrating your successes - big or small. When asked how she found ways to push boundaries and move upward, Waring recommended reading business leadership books, getting involved in as many opportunities that come your way, and having open conversations with your leadership. She shared that it is important to take ownership and accountability and offer positive solutions based on your goals.
Shasta Johnson, Vice President of Business Transformation focused on how to stand out in a remote workforce. Signature Performance has Associates located across the United States, which means we must find ways to work together more effectively. Johnson began by emphasizing that one size does not fit all. Part of standing out is figuring out what works for you. Johnson also shared that collaboration and open, honest communication are key to navigating remote work. Humanizing your communications with one another creates a better sense of authenticity and builds trust, even when you are not able to communicate face-to-face.
Suzanne Motta, Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition shared her wisdom on navigating your career as a working parent. As of 2023, 70% of mothers are in the workforce. Being a working parent comes with dual responsibilities, says Motta. Your job comes with a description that you signed, with clear expectations from your manager. Then you also have your family, which comes with its own expectations - as well as societal expectationsof you. Motta also believes that there is no such thing as finding work life balance - because it’s never going to be balanced. It is more about your work-life choices. Set boundaries and make sure your priorities are in the right order. Practicing self care and taking time for yourself is crucial to your success.
Kate Massey, Vice President of Contracts and Compliance discussed the art of negotiation. Massey shared that negotiation is part of our daily life. It is part of how we communicate and live our day-to-day lives. To master negotiation, you must optimize your strategy based on how the deal will be done. Will it take place in person, over the phone, or through email? This determines your approach strategy. Massey went on to break down the craft of bargaining. She encourages putting yourself in the other party’s shoes, by listening and having empathy. Ask questions to gain more information and understanding. Massey closed with advising not to burn any bridges if you do have to walk away. You never know whose path you might cross later on.
Ex· cep·tion· al | better than average : superior signature receives all exceptional cpar ratings
Exceptional results arrive only when exceptional people provide best-in-class service to our clients and partners. Signature Performance is honored to have received all exceptional ratings from the Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System (CPARS) in Q1 of 2023. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Signature team.
With focus on quality, schedule, cost control, and management, an exceptional rating in any CPARS category is a significant achievement credited to our dedicated Associates and state-of-the-art processes, including our ClaimsXM technology service.
"Signature's automated claims processing system [ClaimsXM] has surpassed VA's implementation metrics for auto-adjudication rates. It surpassed VA's 3-month 70% auto-adjudication goal by achieving a 90% auto-adjudication rate. VA's 12-month metric was 84% auto-adjudication, and Signature achieved 93.3%. Signature surpassed VA's 2-year metric goal of 90% auto adjudication rates in just the first 12 months of activation. 'Clean claims' are processed within 5 days, well under VA's 20-day metric."
In the area of quality, Signature reported a 2:35 minute speed-to-answer metric, exceeding the industry’s 5-minute average. From software quality assurance engineers to front-line call center representatives, our superior performance is the culmination of impactful solutions and calculated interactions across Signature; it takes all of us to produce quality results.
"Signature is exceptional in executing contract requirements. Signature cooperatively supports VA's mission and actively participates in VA workload huddles...they offer solutions to VA leadership to accomplish desired results."
“To receive an ‘exceptional’ CPARS rating is something our team does not take lightly. Recognition such as this serves as a wonderful reminder of our mission and highlights how the Signature team is responding to our calling of bending the curve of rising healthcare costs in the United States,” Karen Hudgins, President and Chief Operating Officer at Signature Performance, said.
The Signature Performance Scholarship Program was founded in 2015. Eight years later, we eagerly look forward to this annual opportunity to grant financial assistance to the children and dependents of our Signature Associates. As a firm, we place great value on the importance of education and continual learning. It makes individuals, our country, and our society more capable and enlightened. Education is one of the hallmarks of dreams being realized and human beings reaching their full potential. For 2023, we had the privilege to award 22 students with a financial scholarship.
The Signature Performance Scholarship Program is led by an annually appointed Selection Committee. Kaylie Honz, Internal Communications Manager and Program Chair, appointed Dr. Leo Greenstone, Chief Medical Officer, Shasta Johnson, Vice President of Business Transformation, and Debbie Parks, Senior Payroll and Benefit Specialist to the 2023 Selection Committee.
“Reviewing the applications was a labor of love. Getting to know the children of our Associates was a truly unique experience. Being able to participate in Signature’s generosity and support was a special opportunity. I look forward to seeing these young adults fulfill their potential.” – Shasta Johnson
If you have a child who will be a senior in high school or pursuing a college or trade school degree in 2024, be sure to look out for 2024 application information!
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” — T.S. Eliot.
Ethan Avidano
Pursuing Business Administration
Son of Melissa Avidano
Senior Talent Operations Business Partner
Kayden Burlingame-Kroah
Pursuing Forensic Psychology
Daughter of Kelly Kroah, QA Specialist
Brianna Eilderts
Pursuing Sign Language Interpreting
Daughter of Lisa Eilderts, Claims Processor
Julian Carpenter
Pursuing History
Son of Becky Carpenter, Claims Processor
Marissa Cruz
Pursuing a Pre-Medical track
Daughter of Tessa Cruz, Sr. Production Support Lead
Destiny Harbour
Pursuing Hospitality
Daughter of Keesha Harbour, Provider Experience Representative
Benjamin Hohndorf
Pursuing Biblical Studies
Son of Wayne Hohndorf, Provider Experience Representative
Samantha Jansen
Pursuing Marketing
Daughter of Dangie Jansen, Director of Developmental Experience
Jeffrey Kondash
Pursuing Heavy Equipment Technologies
Son of Jeffrey Kondash, Director of Facets
Briley Mathia
Pursuing Bachelors of Science in Psychology
Son of Mark Mathia, Chief Experience Officer
Marissa Mathia
Pursuing Master of Music in Piano & Pedagogy
Daughter of Mark Mathia, Chief Experience Officer
Moises McHugh
Pursuing English Literature
Son of Karina McHugh, CBO Operations Lead
Jonathan Purcell
Pursuing Culinary Arts
Son of Randy West, Systems Engineering Tech II
Mckenzie Renfroe
Pursuing Pre-Vet Medicine
Daughter of Sherille Renfroe, CAEC Customer Service Representative
Margaret Richardson
Pursuing Pharmaceutical Sciences
Daughter of Ricky Richardson, Vice President of Business Development
Savannah Rosa
Pursuing Animal Science
Daughter of Ken Rosa, Operations Manager
Evan Scheneman
Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts
Son of John Scheneman, Operations Experience Manager
Gordon Tuomikoski
Pursuing Emerging Media Arts & Music Technology
Son of Tina Tuomikoski, ClaimsXM Application System Administrator
Miranda West
Pursuing Dental Hygiene
Daughter of Randy West, Systems Engineering Tech II
Raegan Wood
Pursuing Sociology and Spanish
Daughter of Mandy Hoagland, Provider Experience Representative
Thomas Van Bommel
Pursuing Kinesiology
Son of Robert Van Bommel, Business Transformation Manager
In my experience, the United States Military is one of the most diverse organizations on the planet. As a Cadet in the United States Army Reserves, I met leaders who were very different than myself. But we always had one thing in common a strong belief in our mission and a shared code of ethics.
As officer candidates, we were committed to an ethical principle: "I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Ethics matter in the military, and for a good reason; in some cases, ethical decisions can be the difference between life and death.
But as business leaders, one code of ethics principle is not enough. Ethics must be pervasive in our culture, teams and cultivated by strong leadership. An ethical leader acts with integrity consistent with claimed values and beliefs. We must be willing to make courageous decisions,
even when they may not be popular. We should be willing to take responsibility for our actions. Additionally, an ethical leader must be willing to take the time to listen to different perspectives and then make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the organization.
It's why I'm incredibly grateful to work at Signature Performance. Signature has an uncommon commitment to ethical leadership, and it shows up in our support and participation in Omaha's Business Ethics Alliance. Allen Fredrickson, our Founder and Chief Executive officer, was a founding member based on his belief that ethics is paramount to successful businesses.
"To be the best at what we do is only possible by attracting and retaining the healthcare industry's leading talent. One key to achieving this is fostering a culture that is dedicated to
our core values of integrity, passion, courage, and respect in everything we do," said Allen Fredrickson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Most recently, I've been appointed to the Governing Board of Directors. In this new role, I will help champion Fredrickson's call for excellence in ethical business practices in the Omaha area. As well as join with other Omaha business leaders in our quest to make Omaha one of the most ethical cities in the United States through leading training and being a beacon for cities worldwide.
At the Business Ethics Alliance's most recent event titled Women in Business, Karen Hudgins, President and Chief Operating Officer at Signature, served on the panel alongside Aileen Warren, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICAN, and Dr. Regina Taylor, Associate Professor
of Management and Chair of Marketing and Management at Creighton University.
Moderated by speaker Stuart Chittenden of Squish Talks, the panel engaged in a candid conversation about the perceptions and misconceptions of women in leadership roles and how they handle ethical decisionmaking. This interactive session challenged the audience to think through thought-provoking questions and share openly with each other advancing the idea that challenging topics can and should be discussed in a healthy way.
As Hudgins explains: "At Signature, ethics and business are a perfect marriage and a way to ensure we continue to attract and retain the industry's best talent. When you are surrounded by best, you discover you are surrounded by people that want to do business for the right reasons. As I always say – it takes a village."
Ethics don't just happen, and for this reason, leaders should invest in the development of their team members. We should mentor and coach our teams and be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. This investment will help ensure that our teams work consistently within our values of respect, courage, integrity, and passion.
While leading in the U.S. Armed Forces differs from leading in the business world, the stakes can be just as high for unethical decisions. The high stakes are why I believe that, as a leader, I am grateful for Signature's ongoing partnership with Omaha's Business Ethics Alliance.
scan here to enroll in a special signature you course designed to help you dive deeper into ethical leadership.
whether it be taking the first live call with a veteran, navigating a personal health issue while pursing a career, or going from client to associate, these are your stories. these are the stories that fill the hearts and minds of those who make signature, signature.
In November 2022, Signature chartered the Innovation Council to help guide Signature Performance’s product and service offerings and capabilities to keep Signature at the leading edge of industry trends. Members of the Council conduct research and analysis to provide direction and insight to help formulate investment and innovation strategies for new products, markets, and organizational improvements. Executive sponsors Dr. Leo Greenstone, Chief Medical Officer, and Zach Fain, Chief Technology Officer, lead this group of innovators to bring together ideas across the enterprise and help deliver the Signature of tomorrow.
The Council has identified four forms of administrative burden in healthcare that it aims to address through its projects:
Financial Transactions - Billing, Coding, and Claims Processing
Operational Efficiencies - Patient-aligned Care Teams (PACTs), Care Management, and Utilization Management
Administrative Clinical Support - Prior Authorization, Referral Management, Scheduling, and Medical Documentation Sharing
Customer & Patient Service - Call Reduction and Analysis and Efficiency Tools
The Innovation Council reviews ideas from the Project Management Office’s Idea Bank, where any Signature associate can submit ideas for process improvement, solutions, and pain points. Ideas submitted are run through structured criteria to determine project priority, efficacy, and necessary resources. If you have any ideas for a project that you believe would help grow our organization, you can submit them through the PMO Idea Intake form.
Recently, one of the most notable platforms for healthcare innovation is artificial intelligence (AI). Self-learning technology has boomed in popularity recently in its increased capacity to mimic human intelligence functions. The capabilities of AI span from basic conversational and research capabilities (ChatGPT is a trending example of this) to more complex functions like diagnosing and monitoring diseases of the human body. The Innovation Council is researching ways where AI could be used to help advance the Signature mission of improving the health of our clients’ business and making the lives of the people we work better.
One example is Veteran suicide prevention call management in Signature’s call centers. According to a 2022 VA report, about 17 Veterans commit suicide each day. In a mental health crisis, time is of the essence to get the Veteran connected to the resources they may need.
When Veterans are on the phone with our Customer Service Representatives regarding administrative matters, they may be facing a mental health crisis and need additional supportive measures. The Council is looking at ways to use AI machine learning and expert mental health insight to screen customer service calls and enhance the customer service representative’s ability to identify veterans who are at high risk for or acutely experiencing a mental health crisis. The technology also aims to help with an enhanced warm transfer process to get the Veteran in touch with the mental health experts at the Veterans Crisis Line. Dr. Greenstone is particularly excited about this project for the “clinical and moral impact” that it would make on the lives of the Veterans we serve.
When it comes to medical claims review, some claims need some extra attention and require clinical review by a nurse. However, there are a large quantity of services that are required by the business rules to be reviewed by a nurse before payment, and managing the medical documentation required to conduct the review is very time consuming because the medical documentation is not located in
just one location, which results in a backlog of claims processing. The nurses have to search three different locations for the medical documentation, which prevents them from being able to devote their time to clinical duties such as patient case management. The Innovation Council is exploring ways to automate the medical document retrieval process for these claims, as well as ways to use AI machine learning programs to automate the clinical review process for some categories of care and reviewing the claims data and business rules to see if some of the required reviews could be eliminated. In streamlining the process, a system like this could reduce the administrative burden on nurses and allow them to return to providing clinical care to their patients.
Automation is “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically.” Integrating automation into the healthcare industry has been a long and winding journey to get to where we are today. Here are a few ways that the industry is looking to automate some clinical processes to help return providers to the human aspects of healthcare delivery.
A large amount of data is collected throughout the claims management process (such as diagnoses, prior conditions) that could be analyzed and transformed into useful reports for clinical use. The Council is researching ways to manage these large quantities of data and convert it into actionable clinical reporting and information. For example, a nurse could receive a report of patients who have not had a mammogram code processed on their account in the last two years and does not have an appointment for one scheduled in the near future and reach out to these patients to schedule their appointment. This program would improve the quality of care and patient outcomes through targeted case management, utilization management, and disease management.
When a patient needs to have a procedure or treatment performed, oftentimes these activities require a “prior authorization” from the insurance provider, or payer. This process helps payers ensure that the treatments are medically necessary and that there is not a less expensive or invasive care alternative available. Prior authorizations have helped reduce costs, waste, and fraud in the healthcare industry; however, they have also created a greater administrative burden for providers who must submit appropriate medical documentation to justify the care. Additionally, the waits and delays associated with the prior authorization process have led to serious adverse events for patients.
The Innovation Council is looking to expand on Signature’s ClaimsXM product to offer an automated, cloud-based prior authorization tool for nurses who must perform prior authorizations manually. The automation of this process frees up time for clinical activities and improves the processing time of prior authorizations. More time with the patients, plus less time on prior authorization administrative work, leads to more timely patient care and satisfaction.
The Innovation Council is also exploring the possibility of incorporating automated coding and billing and while this automation would not eliminate the need for staff to do some of the work, the work would be more of a quality control and monitoring nature rather than manual processing, which will enable quicker coding and billing and free many staff to do other work. Acquisition and incorporation of these automated services into Signature’s portfolio will be transformative to the healthcare industry, which is suffering from staffing shortages and burn-out.
Our mission is to improve the health of our clients’ business and make the lives of those we work with better. We can’t do this without focusing on the health of our Associates as well.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), positive physical health habits can help decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease, and increase your energy. Whether it’s focusing on your nutrition or getting outside and staying active, the impact of positive physical health is infinite.
With this in mind, we were excited to bring back the Signature Performance Whole Health Week.
During the last week of March, we hosted Whole Health Week for the second year at Signature. The goal of this week was to provide engagement opportunities for both in-person and remote Associates to focus on healthy initiatives to kickoff the spring and summer months.
What are your favorite food swaps to improve health?
We utilized our Learning Management System, Signature YOU, to engage Associates in daily activities and encourage building healthy habits. We kicked off the week with Moderation Monday, quizzing participants on healthier menu alternatives at Chipotle - for the chance to win a Chipotle gift card of course!
On Wednesday, March 29th, Taylor Wesely
My best healthy tip is to use an air fryer oven to cook your foods rather than using traditional frying dishes. Chicken wings come out so crisp and delicious. Highly recommend!
Alonzo Adams CAEC Customer Representative
I love replacing traditional pasta with heart of palm “pasta” from the Natural Haven brand. It is at Trader Joes or online on Amazon. Great for people with gluten allergies as well.
carlee Kochanowicz Claims Processorfrom Radiate Nutrition - based in Denver, CO - joined Signature Live to share her Nutrition 101 class with our Associates. Viewers learned the importance of consuming enough protein and fiber, the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats, and how to build a ‘perfect plate’ of nutritious and filling foods.
Nutrition is a large focus of our Whole Health Week, so we wanted to help Food Bank for the Heartland fulfill their mission of eliminating hunger by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods for those in our community facing food insecurity. 20 Associates worked together to assemble meal kits to be distributed to students within the Omaha area who are facing limited or uncertain access to food.
Wrapping up our week on Fast Fact Friday, with the opportunity to win ‘Freaky Fast’ subs from Jimmy John’s, we tested Associates with a game of Signature trivia. Fun fact: If you take 2,000 steps per mile, it would take you 4,200 steps to walk from our Plaza location (90th and Dodge) to Headquarters in Regency Center.
There were over 630 total Signature YOU activities completed, 60+ viewers at Nutrition 101 on Signature Live, over 1,500 bags for the Backpacks for Kids Program prepared at the Food Bank for the Heartland from our awesome volunteers, 26 recipes submitted for our 2023 Whole Health Week Cookbook, and countless healthy choices made!
2-3+ cups of veggies per day
1-2 cups of fruit per day
2 servings dairy per day
25+ grams of fiber per day
Carbohydrate source at every meal
Protein source at every meal
Minimum of 64 oz of water
I’ve found that adding cinnamon to no sugar added applesauce makes it seem sweeter. I also use this trick when making homemade applesauce, and my kids can’t tell the difference.
Stefani SamuelsProvider
Experience LeadCheck out the Nutrition 101 Signature LIVE episode!
When dining out, I will often order a side salad with a burger instead of fries. I also am trying to get into the habit of ordering grilled chicken sandwiches instead of hamburgers.
Josh Tews Provider Experience Representative
I like to add unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk when I make my smoothies. And I have eliminated beef from my diet and added more seafood.
Ashley Jones CAEC Customer Representative
If you were asked to complete a task (say, for example, building a treehouse or doing an escape room), would you rather do it with strangers or a group of your closest friends? The answer may seem obvious, but working alongside friends with whom you already have established rapport can make tasks of any size feel much less daunting. Having trusted friends in the workplace is no exception to this.
In case you missed it, in March, the hosts of The Signature Edge podcast discussed the importance of having a trusted friend at work (or as they called it, a “work bestie”). A recent Gallup study reported that only two in every ten workers have best friends at work. This statistic may come as a surprise to some, but having a trusted friend at work has shown improvements to safety, productivity, retention, engagement, and increased innovation in the workplace. This stems from the notion that the friends we keep close are committed, communicative, and encouraging to us – all important facets of a positive working environment.
Some may shy away from the idea of having a best friend at work due to fears that shared information may be skewed negatively and divulged to a superior, impacting one’s work life. What this scenario is missing is the foundational trust that is crucial to fostering any kind of relationship, including trusted workplace friendships. A good way to build that foundational trust is through a willingness to be friendly, curious, and open to mutual sharing. Mutual sharing strengthens a sense of belonging and fosters the trust necessary to nurture positive working relationships.
Here are some easy ways you can kick start conversation and start building your workplace friendships:
Ask a colleague about their top five Clifton strengths (hint: most Associates have them in their email signature).
Aside from their job duties, what else would they consider themselves an expert in? You will be surprised to find out what people know!
Where was the last place they traveled? There’s nothing quite like coming together over your mutual love of the white sands of Tulum or the bustling streets of New York City.
If you could try out another job at Signature, what would you want to do? This can lead to some interesting conversations about networking and upward mobility.
By showing this curiosity about someone, you are giving them the chance to share something personal and yourself the opportunity to learn something new about them. Showing a sense of mutual curiosity will open the doors of deeper understanding and trust building. And hey, you might even have some fun along the way.
Recently, I noticed something interesting: we spend many of our lives sitting in rows. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with other people. Whether it be a concert, a movie theater, standing in line at Costco, or even our desks at the office are set up in rows. We even drive in rows on the roadways and highways. While we can make great memories in these rows, when you think about the times when you made a strong connection with another person, most likely you were face to face, sitting in a circle around a table (or sometimes even a campfire) learning more about each other's story or perspective and making memories that last a lifetime.
At Signature, we aim to be an uncommon organization celebrating a widely diverse and connected workforce that enables an inclusive and equitable environment for everyone that fosters belonging, unlike anything the industry has ever seen. To help us reach this vision for the firm and empower a connected workforce, we knew we needed to get our Signature Team out of the rows of everyday work and into a circle of connection.
For me, being a part of the Diversity Circle means a chance to collaborate with my colleagues across Signature, research best practices, and share our perspectives with leadership to make a positive impact for all Associates.
The Diversity Circle is charged with understanding and influencing the future of Signature's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Members of the Diversity Circle will provide subject matter expertise and inspired ideas that enable an inclusive and equitable experience for all Associates. Collectively this group will examine ideas, policies, and practices that foster growth through access, connection, knowledge sharing, and empowerment.
Members of the Diversity Circle have the opportunity to help cultivate ideas that will drive an uncommon sense of belonging at Signature Performance. The Diversity Circle represents a diverse group of Associates.
These Associates will have a voice in the standards and procedures being created concerning how they impact our associates, clients, partners, and communities. This group will have access to provide insights, perspectives, and ideas with Senior Executives. The Diversity Circle will be appointed annually and consist of roughly 20 individuals who have expressed interest in DEIB at Signature and in our community.
Diversity Circle members are responsible for building deeper connections with leadership and peers and encouraging active participation in programs such as Signature's Connection Points. The
members serve as ambassadors for Signature, encouraging others to get engaged, stay engaged, and inspire others to create meaningful connections at work.
For me, being a part of the Diversity Circle means a chance to collaborate with my colleagues across Signature, research best practices, and share our perspectives with leadership to make a positive impact for all Associates.
Signature has always emphasized the importance of bringing your authentic self to work and not doing so takes a mental toll. Currently, approximately half of employees across the US do not feel safe being out as LGBTQ+ at work, and that number is much higher for junior employees. While being out is a personal decision, there are steps companies can take to create an open and welcoming environment for all and to ensure equitable opportunities for career advancement.
I am honored to be able to lend my voice to the Diversity Circle and keep making Signature a great place to work.
What do you hope the Diversity Circle achieves?
I hope that we can find avenues to ensure all Associates are supported at Signature. It can be difficult to feel a sense of belonging if you don’t see yourself represented with in leadership, experience microaggressions at work, or don’t feel that your experiences and circumstances were considered when decisions were made. I believe the Diversity Circle can inform how Signature creates an inclusive culture through recruitment and mentorship efforts, training, forums, surveys, community partnerships, and more.
Kayla Johnson Provider Experience Rep.
Why did you say 'yes' to being a part of the diversity circle?
I joined Diversity Circle because I was excited to be a representative for equity, not just equality in the workplace.
In five years, what do you hope the Diversity Circle contributes to Signature Performance?
I hope the Diversity Circle becomes the center point of Signature culture as well as seeing tremendous growth of Signature's Connection Points. Allowing all to feel like policy, salary, benefits, and community are reflections of all associates’ interests.
In early April, nearly 100 Associates gathered in the Signature Arena and on Zoom to hear from Nicole Bianchi, international keynote speaker, author, and award-winning entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as the go-to source for leadership and bravery. Nicole Bianchi works with executives, leaders, and teams to gain alignment, be more strategic, and lead effectively.
Bianchi was welcomed as a guest speaker for the second meeting of Signature Leaders, a leadership and learning program crafted specifically for Emerging Leaders graduates.
“We want to equip and inspire Signature’s Emerging Leaders alumni by bringing graduates together for leadership huddles that will allow for continued connection, growth and development opportunities,” said program director Dangie Jansen, Director of Developmental Experience. “Signature Leaders is an exclusive group that is designed to inspire performance, build friendships, and drive Signature champions while helping Signature stride toward our mission.”
There are more than 100 Emerging Leaders graduates at Signature Performance who have completed the 9-month leadership lab journey and are continuously driven to step up and continue learning.
“Maintaining the connection between the Emerging Leaders alumni really is the true power of Signature Leaders,” said Zachary Appleby-Leo, System Security Lead. “You get these people to have this group experience and continuing to bring them together
afterward increases the impact of it. Hopefully more people will see the reference to Emerging Leaders and look into participating in a future cohort.”
Bianchi’s presentation was all about making small, brave moves in our personal and professional lives.
You have the power to continue to shift the nature of what it means to be a leader. One small, brave move at a time,” Bianchi said.
“I spoke with Nicole about what Signature Leaders is, and she recommended the topic of bravery,” Jansen said. “I liked that this was about pushing yourself and taking that leap. One small move can turn into something very relevant in your life.”
Bianchi intertwined stories of bravery ranging from telling someone they have food stuck in their braces to facing the fear that comes with losing a loved one. She even called upon a few brave Signature Leaders to take the stage to learn and demonstrate a hip-hop dance routine on the spot.
“During Emerging Leaders, I decided to be the person who talks and volunteers, so when she said she needed volunteers, I really didn’t think about it,” said ApplebyLeo. “When she said we had to dance, I laughed. I love to dance, but I don’t necessarily have the best physical coordination. I don’t think people should see that sort of thing as an embarrassing situation, but being willing to look silly in front of a very important group of people was brave.”
Event participants also received a copy of Bianchi’s book, Small Brave Moves: Learn Why Little Acts of Bravery are the Key to Life-Changing Leadership. All Signature Associates can borrow this book and others related to leadership, personal and professional development, healthcare, and more in the Library course category on Signature YOU.
For Associates who would like opportunities to participate in future events like these, speak with your manager about applying for the 2024 Emerging Leaders program or reach out to the Learning and Development team to access other learning programs. While you wait, feel free to take the next small brave move.
“I left our lunch-and-learn feeling so empowered,” said Shanda McNealey, Provider Experience Representative. “I realized that I expect big moves, and that is not the key at all. I need to start with those tiny moves that create a larger picture.”
Named a Best Places to Work Omaha award recipient, Signature took an uncommon approach to celebrating the Associates who help Signature, and Omaha, thrive. This recognition affirms Signature’s philosophy that prioritizing the employment experience is monumental in achieving our mission to improve the health of our clients’ business and the lives of the people we work with better.
An uncommon sight on the Plaza’s asphalt parking lot, our celebratory picnic featured an oversized, bounce obstacle course and booming music on Thursday, April 27, 2023. With gleaming eyes, Associates directed their attention to tables of Signature apparel being given away as a token of appreciation before heading over to the barbeque stand.
Since our first award in 2009, we have acted on the engagement benchmarks and recommendations from Associates to enhance the employment experience. During the picnic, Associates had an opportunity to share why they believe Signature is a Best Places to Work Omaha and connect with fellow Associates.
“I love the inclusion and genuine care for Associates that the people at Signature display. I feel truly supported - mentally and physically - all while having ample training and coaching opportunities. I am thankful for Signature and that our leadership teams are so approachable to learn from,”
signature’s 2023
Signature’s Connection Points are 12 unique experiences throughout the year where you can connect, contribute, advocate, and belong. These connection points will be in-person, virtual, on-site, off-site, and in the community.
These events are specifically designed to help you get and stay connected to Signature’s mission, values, and Associates.
Heartland Pride | Omaha, NE | July
Veterans Day Parade | Omaha, NE | November
Company-Wide
Strengths Week | Fall Spirit Week | October
Connections that Count at Work | June
Strengths at Work | August
Empowerment Network Annual African American Leadership Conference | Fall
Details for these events and more can be found in the Monday Memo!
Signature understands the value of building strong partnerships. As our workforce continues to grow across the nation, it is important that all Associates feel connected to their teams and the organization as a whole.
With the number of Associates growing across many states, we want to hear how they are building connections, even when far away from our headquarters.
I moved to Texas last fall after living in Omaha most of my life. I experienced the shortest winter of all time and plan to stay here indefinitely to evade that Nebraska snow! In Talent Acquisition, we have made intentional efforts to get to know one another, as our whole team is remote. Utilizing a Teams call over an email - when appropriate - is something I try to prioritize just to get some additional human interaction in with my teammates!
One of the things I love about living in Texas is the fact that we have so many different “areas”. We have beaches, mountains (hill country), flat-lands, waterfalls, hiking trails, nature preserves, pretty much anything you could ask for you can find somewhere in Texas. During the pandemic my husband and I were able to become SCUBA certified (perfect social distancing activity) in the rivers and lakes around our area. This has opened up a whole new world for us when we travel as well as discovering the underwater world around where we live. I also feel I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my love of the food in Texas. We have great BBQ, Tex-Mex, German food in New Braunfels, and I have found an authentic Thai restaurant just down the street. It’s a great melting pot of flavors and cuisines.
I stay connected by participating in opportunities offered by Signature. I have participated in Emerging Leaders as a learner and as a mentor. Recently I had the opportunity to stay connected with the Women at Work forum and the Signature Leaders Lunch and Learn. It is challenging as a remote worker to stay connected, or to feel connected, but taking advantage of these opportunities certainly helps.
Living in Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is great. There is always something to do, and I love the Texas weather. I don’t have to worry about driving into work or shoveling the snow. I try to stay connected by making sure to send Pats on the Back to my colleagues for birthdays or completion of a project. I also try to participate in Zoom meetings - whether it’s a live training session or one of the extra leadership development courses that Signature offers. I love how Signature shows its appreciation for its employees and lets us remote, out-of-state workers know that we are not forgotten.
Benefits are personal. It is your health, your peace of mind, your well-being, your financial security. It is your family, your loved ones. Benefits show up for you when a family member’s health takes a turn, when you get married, have a child, as you dream to retire… benefits are there for you when life gets good, the unpredictable happens, and everything in between.
Signature proudly offers over 25 benefits – and counting – that play into your total wellness. Your health. Your mental health. Your financial health. And your personal health. Our benefits are carefully selected to make your life better.
We are excited to ~get personal~ with our Signaturesponsored benefits as we explore the positive impacts you can feel when you take advantage of our benefits. We offer the benefits we do, so that they benefit you.
We are proud to introduce the newest benefit for our Signature families: Signature’s Associate Care Fund. We recognize the important opportunity as a company to compassionately respond to crises and unpredictable circumstances that can unexpectedly impact our Associates. That is why we have designed a benefit Associates can confidently apply into to be considered for financial support during a difficult time.
Signature’s Associate Care Fund was established to help Associates who are facing financial hardship immediately after a natural disaster or an unforeseen personal hardship. This third-party-administered program relies primarily on individual donations from Associates and the support from Signature Performance to fund this program.
To administer this program, we have partnered with E4E Relief, a 501(c)(3) public charity, who has two decades of experience serving as the national leader on efficient, ethical, confidential, and sustainable employee relief programs. Partnering with E4E Relief to be the third-party administrator of the program will ensure both confidentiality and equity in distributions among Signature Associates who may apply.
Signature’s Associate Care Fund is modeled after other best-in-class employee funds. E4E Relief is a whollyowned subsidiary of Foundation For The Carolinas, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
They aim to empower companies and employees to respond to crises by providing a global, charitable solution in times of need. E4E Relief will receive applications, review submitted requests and supporting documents, interview applicants as appropriate, make
award determinations, and process grant payments to the Associate. Associates can make a donation or complete an application through Signature’s portal which is managed by E4E Relief.
E4E Relief’s CEO, Holly Welch Stubbing, shared the following message to explain the driving mission that has built and grown their organization since 2001:
“[Over] twenty years ago, as the world watched the dust settle in New York after the worst terror attack in modern history, E4E Relief embarked on a mission to provide peace of mind and financial security to those impacted by 9/11. Now, as the world battles fires, hurricanes, and a pandemic, we are steadfast in providing relief while growing and evolving to continue serving employees around the world.”
Catastrophic Disasters can be defined as but not limited to:
ᴼ Flood
ᴼ Hurricane
ᴼ Typhoon
ᴼ Tropical Storm
ᴼ Ice Storm
ᴼ Wind Storm
ᴼ Wildfire
ᴼ Earthquake
ᴼ Nuclear Hazard
ᴼ Tornado
ᴼ Mudslide
ᴼ Terrorism
Signature is confident that our partnership with E4E Relief will work to provide our Associates and their families a “safety net.” We know that E4E Relief will be a steadfast voice of solidarity and reason when working with our Associates at some of the most sensitive and horrific times of their lives.
Grants are available to full and part-time regular Associates who experience either a catastrophic disaster or a personal hardship. Eligible events may stem from Catastrophic Disaster or Personal Hardship.
As our organization looks for ways to keep Associates engaged and provide a rapid response to disaster and hardships, Associates can make a tax-deductible contribution to the relief fund that will go directly toward helping their colleagues meet basic needs in crisis. Donating to the fund is confidential, voluntary, and no amount is too small. The fund’s success and ongoing sustainability will rely on Associate generosity. Signature Performance is covering the administrative cost of the program, ensuring all dollars donated by Associates go directly to support fellow Associates and their families.
Signature’s Associate Care Fund is just one of the many ways that we are working to improve the health of our clients’ business and make the lives of the people we work with better. The ongoing wellbeing of our Associates is foundational to their personal lives and career development. We are pleased to provide this additional resource to our Associates and their families - especially knowing it can be any given moment when any of our staff could experience difficult situations in their lives.
Personal Hardships can be defined as but not limited to:
ᴼ Domestic or Physical Abuse
ᴼ Violent or Non-Violent Crime
ᴼ Short-Term Illness
ᴼ Car Accident
ᴼ Death of a Spouse/Partner
ᴼ Death of a Dependent
ᴼ Denied Health Insurance Claim
ᴼ Spouse/Partner Temporary Loss of Job/Income
ᴼ Unscheduled Loss of Child Support
ᴼ Unscheduled Loss of Alimony
ᴼ Home Damage
ᴼ House Fire
Eligible Expenses to spend Grant Money on include:
ᴼ Insurance Deductibles
ᴼ Home Contents
ᴼ Childcare Expenses
ᴼ Hotel/Lodging
ᴼ Clothing
ᴼ Food/Water
ᴼ Transportation
ᴼ Utilities
ᴼ Evacuation Expenses
ᴼ Psychological Counseling
ᴼ Medical Expenses
ᴼ Funeral/Memorial Expenses
ᴼ Funding & Donations
A special shout out for our Administrative Assistant II, Laura Donelan! Although she has only been with the company for three months, she has jumped right in and is making a big impact! As the receptionist at Plaza, she has setup and organized a new food truck calendar to help provide new lunch options for our associates and has lent a hand in many other projects at our Plaza office. We have appreciated her efforts to extend herself in coordinating these endeavors! If you see Laura at Plaza, be sure to stop by and say hello!
Cheers to our CHAMPVA Provider Experience Representative, Cherrell Lee for her commitment to finding solutions for the Beneficiaries she serves. We had a Beneficiary displaying some signs of cognitive disconnect and while not a typical crisis call, she wanted to make sure that Beneficiary was checked on for safety. Per the directive from Signature’s compliance department, Cherrell worked with the crisis line to help contact the local police and adult protective services to make sure that Beneficiary got checked on. This went well past her schedule and she even got someone to pick up her child from school so she could continue to help. Way to go, Cherrell!
Cheers to our C4 Provider Experience Representative, Val Wright! We recently received a call from a Provider who was over joyed with Val’s service, knowledge, and commitment to providing top-notch customer service. “I love Ms. Val! I can really tell she cares for all of our Veterans and she knows her job inside and out. She always goes above and beyond to help us resolve any issues and is one of the best we’ve worked with!” Way to represent the Signature team, Val!
Let’s give a round of applause for our CHAMPVA Provider Experience Representative, Bryan Brown! Bryan has received multiple kudos calls and accolades for his attention to detail and willingness to work through challenging issues. “Bryan did amazing work for my family! I’ve never had such a great experience and have nothing but praise!” Thank you for living the Signature Way, Bryan!
Cheers to our CAEC Customer Representative, Terra Jackson for always greeting our clients with warmth, patience, and positive energy! Terra has received multiple kudos calls for her customer service and is known for providing a pleasant experience. “Terra was extremely helpful and was one of the most friendly representatives I’ve ever spoken with. She was very thorough and made our experience easy and enjoyable!” Great work, Terra!
Congratulations to all 40 Emerging Leaders for completing their first official symposium meeting on-site at our Signature campus! These Associates gathered from all across the country to learn, grow, and dive deeper into the spirit of Signature! They were joined by our very own Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Fredrickson to learn more about becoming the ‘CEO of your own life.’ We can’t wait to watch you continue to grow in your leadership journey!
Aleata Graves
Amy Hennings
Amanda Mason
Andrea Carpenter
Anjelica Whitfield
Ashleigh Herschlag
Deb Holzworth
Glory Smith
Grace Bell
James Craddock
Jamie LaMaster
Jaron Sutton
Josie Holmstedt
Kathy Williams
Kaylee Slocum
Kelly Kroah
Kenn Whipple
Kim Alvarado
Kris Mitchell
Mark Zieringer
Marquis Gills
Melissa Urzendowski
Oliver Young Hernandez
Pam Battiato
Renee Rodgers
Shane Lenagh
Shelby Yost
Susan Jones
Tamika Nauden
Our mission is to “improve the health of our clients’ business and make the lives of the people we work with better.” This type of mission takes a village. A village of dedicated, inventive minds, working collectively towards a common goal. Our Associates’ stories are personal, dedicated, filled with passion, and always inspired. It’s an honor to amplify the voices of our diverse workforce through a powerful quarterly professional magazine. Moments is your inside look at the hearts behind our screens, the stories that inspire us, and what calls us to do more. learn more about signature performance at