With over 30 years of experience in the life, health and disability insurance industry, Mike specializes in both group and individual benefits, with a strong focus on serving small business owners. A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, Mike holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations, underscoring a commitment to professionalism and trusted expertise. Known for delivering exceptional service, Mike takes a relationship-based approach to insurance planning in helping individuals, families, and businesses find the right coverage that meets both immediate and long-term goals.
Christina specializes in Medicare health insurance, bringing a unique background of service and community connection to her work. A graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, she first served as a church youth director before transitioning into real estate as a Realtor. In 2023, she began her career in the Medicare insurance industry, where she is passionate about helping clients navigate their healthcare options with clarity and confidence. Outside of work, Christina enjoys cheering on her kids at their activities, biking, camping, boating, listening to local bands, cooking, and spending time at the lake with her husband and two children.
Mickey brings 15 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry, including extensive operations work on both the client and advisor sides of the relationship. That dual perspective informs his service standard: every client receives attentive, high-quality service in pursuit of their goals.
John specializes in Medicare, Group Benefits, and Individual Health Insurance. John began his insurance career in 1990 with BCBS of MN. He started Leverty Insurance Strategies in 2018, then joined the Benefit Partners Team in 2025. When he’s not working he enjoys morning runs and walks, faith studies, hiking, biking, beer making and time with his 4 children and wife, Jackie.
Anne grew up in the insurance industry. Her father, Paul Swanson, was a life insurance agent that started his own agency in Excelsior in 1972, selling primarily BlueCross of Minnesota policies. Paul’s agency grew to be BlueCross’ largest agency with the highest number of agents under it. Anne began working full time in Paul’s agency before taking over for him in 2015. Anne retired on December 21, 2025. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
Lori is a Senior Client Services Administrator with over 45 years in the insurance industry. She has worked for 20 years with Mike Diede and Melissa Foster at Benefit Partners. She brings a deep understanding of client needs and a commitment to solving complex problems and getting solutions for our customers. Her focus is on finding and delivering answers to our clients that not only meet their immediate needs but also support them in the administration of their coverage needs with us. She’s dedicated to our clients—whether it is resolving an urgent issue or guiding them through an unfamiliar process. Her goal is to reassure our clients that they will receive the information and support they need. With a passion for providing excellent customer service, She aims to build long-term relationships based on trust and reliability.
With more than 30 years of experience in HR, benefits, and payroll, Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and a practical, people-focused approach to her role as a Client Administrator. Throughout her career, she has worked across a broad range of areas, including benefits administration, claims examination, COBRA, and payroll processing.
Debbie especially enjoys helping employers and employees navigate the complexities of insurance and benefits. She believes that real-world examples and practical guidance can turn confusing benefit questions into solutions that are easier to understand and manage.
Outside of work, Debbie enjoys getting lost in a good mystery novel or challenging herself with a crossword puzzle. She appreciates a good mystery—whether she’s reading one or trying to solve it!
Lauren began her insurance career in 2024 after completing her business degree at the Carlson School of Management through the University of Minnesota. She uses her background in customer service in her role as a client administrator.
