Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap: What Your Brokers Say When You're Not Around—And How It Can Help You Grow


Wednesday, September 17
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (PT)

Brokers play a critical role in distributing dental and vision plans, but are payers fully tuned in to their needs and challenges? Stronger broker-payer relationships do more than improve collaboration — they can unlock new growth opportunities for payers.

This session will explore findings from the SKYGEN 2026 Pulse Report: Broker Perspectives, which highlights what brokers value in a carrier, how they make recommendations and where payers can improve trust and support. The discussion will be moderated by Donald Polite, chief marketing officer at SKYGEN.

In this candid panel discussion, brokers, payers and SKYGEN experts will share:

  • What brokers say behind closed doors and why some payers outperform others

  • The biggest challenges brokers face when selling dental and vision benefits

  • How payers can build trust through technology, data and flexible plan design

  • What’s ahead for broker distribution, including key market trends and digital disruptors

Attendees will gain exclusive, broker-driven insights to help strengthen partnerships, differentiate offerings and accelerate growth.

The SKYGEN Pulse Report is a source of independent industry insight. Although commissioned by SKYGEN, the research is conducted by third-party firm Hanover Research to ensure accuracy and objectivity. Each year, the report explores perspectives from a key stakeholder group in the dental and vision insurance industry. This year’s edition focuses on brokers, offering actionable findings to inform payer strategy and support meaningful innovation.

Donald Polite (moderator)

Chief Marketing Officer, SKYGEN

Donald Polite is the chief marketing officer at SKYGEN, where he leads the company’s marketing organization and drives efforts to position SKYGEN as a leader in health benefits technology and innovation.

Polite joined SKYGEN in July 2019 as vice president of customer success. Prior to joining the company, he served as vice president of brand and corporate marketing at Johnson Controls. He also held leadership roles at Warner Bros. as executive director of partner brands marketing, and at NBC Universal, Abbott Laboratories and Disney in positions of increasing responsibility.

Polite earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in 1990 and an MBA in marketing from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management in 1996. He also serves on the board of directors for the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, which supports Milwaukee’s northwest community.



Kyle Healy

Kyle Healy is a Senior Vice President for NFP, an Aon company.  A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in the insurance consulting and sales space, Kyle is a core member of the leadership team at NFP tasked with driving transformation inside the functions connected to the organization’s revenue growth.  Kyle is a regular public speaker on progressive sales strategies, as well as total rewards and human capital trends.  

 



Jeremy Earp

Vice President of Pre Sales Operations

Aflac

Jeremy Earp is a seasoned professional in the insurance industry, currently serving as the Vice President of Pre Sales Operations at Aflac. With over 18 years of experience, he has developed a strong expertise in account management, benefits administration, and customer service, particularly in the realms of health and life insurance. Jeremy's career has spanned various roles, including leadership positions where he managed sales teams and developed innovative insurance products. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, showcasing his diverse background. Jeremy is known for his ability to build strong relationships with brokers and clients alike, ensuring superior customer service. His passion for the industry is evident in his commitment to enhancing employee benefits and insurance solutions. He is also actively engaged in continuous professional development, staying abreast of emerging trends in insurance. In his current role, he focuses on optimizing pre-sales operations to drive business growth.



LeAnna Stortz

Client Experience Executive

SKYGEN

LeAnna Stortz is an accomplished executive leader with more than two decades of experience driving client success, operational excellence, and strategic growth across the healthcare and insurance industries. As Client Experience Executive at SKYGEN, she partners with C-suite leaders in both commercial and government programs to optimize performance, identify growth opportunities, and deliver measurable results through advanced SaaS and third-party administration solutions. Throughout her career, LeAnna has held senior leadership roles spanning provider network development, operations strategy, and customer success. She has led large-scale teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and cultivated strategic partnerships with some of the nation’s leading dental service organizations, associations, and health plans. Previously, she served as Vice President of Operations and Strategy at SmileHealth Dental Plans, Director of Provider Network at Delta Dental of Colorado, and Director of Provider Network Management at Bright Horizons Family Solutions. LeAnna is recognized for her ability to build strong executive relationships, foster innovation, and achieve outstanding results, including industry-leading client retention and satisfaction scores. Beyond her professional achievements, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives with organizations such as the March of Dimes, United Way, and the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with an enhanced minor in Biology from the University of San Diego and has completed advanced leadership and public speaking programs.

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