Team Members

Services Team Members - Human Resources Benefits

HBS' team of professionals are experienced licensed California Life and Health Agents, some with NASD securities licenses. Combined, we have more than 120 years' experience in insurance, marketing, accounting as well as Human Resources. Whew!

Nancy Howitt

President and Client Services Supervisor

Nancy founded Howitt Benefits Services in 1980, after working for New York Life before managing the benefits department at Johnson & Higgins in San Jose. Her philosophy hasn't changed in the past 25 years -- make our clients even more valuable to their organizations, make their lives easier, help reduce the stress in their jobs and do it with enthusiasm and a optimism that is infectious.

She is committed to providing the finest client service, innovation, guidance, analysis and advice. Howitt Benefit Services is built on Nancy's philosophy of partnering with clients -- building financial and benefits solutions based on our client's needs, objectives and priorities. Since every client's needs are unique, ultimately, their health and welfare programs are a true reflection of the company's culture. Clients choose to work with Howitt for our personal touch, balanced with sound fiscal judgment, technical expertise and the wherewithal to transform a business imperative into corporate strength. Many of our clients have been with us for more than 20 years, a testament to unparalleled service, support and resources we offer our clients every day.

Nancy is a graduate of Rider College, volunteers for the NCHRA (Northern California Human Resources Association), the California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC), and the Bay Area Women in HR. She spends her spare time with her family, her 4 dogs and creating her own line of gemstone jewelry.

Agnes Aguas

Client Services Manager

Agnes is responsible for supporting clients with claims, day-to-day issues, benefits management, and marketing/renewal plan management. She brings more than 15 years experience in HR and Benefits to your account. She has significant experience managing Bay Area technology, biotech, financial services, medical devices, and consumer accounts.

Agnes is recognized for her strategic planning and problem-solving skills along with her tireless approach to delivering quality client service. She is also involved in benefit marketing and renewals, the open enrollment process and legal compliance. Her goal is to be an extension of our client's HR department and prides herself on "over-the-top" service, which means accuracy, attention to detail and quick turnaround.

Agnes brings an HR perspective to our group, keeping us aware of the daily demands clients face. As HR generalist, she was responsible for employee relations, employee benefits, performance appraisals, new employee orientation and terminations, recruiting, compensation, safety and drug-testing programs, health and wellness fairs, as well as administering Worker's Compensation and 401(k) plans.

Andra Fitzgerald

Project and Technical Marketing Specialist

Andra is responsible for our technical, multimedia and special projects, including the design and execution of websites, reports, brochures, client proposals, and multimedia projects. Andra also handles marketing/renewal plan management and compliance reporting for our clients. Prior to joining Howitt Benefit Services, Andra's experience includes working as a Technical Publications Specialist for national broker, and as a Risk and Treasury Analyst for several Bay Area Defense contractors.

Howitt develops a strong, branded, employee benefits program which begins with a web platform. We create, build and host a separate websites for both employees and HR administrators. Using easily identifiable graphic icons, vibrant design and color elements, Andra will create a strong impact and image for your benefit plans.

Larry Seiden

401(k) and Retirement Program Specialist
Compliance Officer

Larry provides expertise in the area of retirement programs including plan design, implementation, maintenance, and employee education. He also handles compliance reporting to protect our clients and their plans. Prior to joining Howitt Benefit Services in 2002, Larry's extensive experience with Human Resources professionals includes a 20-year career at Bernard Hodes, an international Recruitment and Employee Communications Advertising Agency.

We research the best plans for our clients, based on costs, returns and administrative value from a large universe of providers. Helping your employees plan for their future is our mission while ensuring the company maintains fiduciary responsibility and controls. As our Compliance Officer, Larry is responsible for a major area of our company. He is responsible for ensuring we are in compliance with all federal, state, SEC, NASD, DOL, HHS and Department of Insurance regulations. As well as ensuring our clients are informed of all legislative and judicial mandates that affect their business.

He is a graduate of the University of Vermont. He has served as the program chairperson for the Northern California Human Resources Council. In his spare time, he is an aficionado of wine, watches, and hockey.

Jennifer Fanslow

Client Services Representative

Jenn's responsibilities include client support and service at Howitt Benefit Services which means she interacts directly with clients and their employees, but also works to ensure their benefits experience is a positive one. Her responsibilities include: small group marketing, billing reconciliation, online enrollment, client website and form updates, carrier contractual details, and maintaining the employee communications tools that our clients use everyday.

Jenn's hands-on role offers assurance that clients' issues and requests are handled promptly, efficiently and effectively. A valuable member of our staff, Jenn previously worked for Standard Insurance Company and is a certified Section 125 Plan Administer with experience in administration, research and records management and retention.

Jenn attended San Jose State University where she earned a Masters degree in Library and Information Science after receiving her Bachelors degree from Mills College.

She enjoys spending time with family and devoting her leisure time to the outdoors, cooking, gardening, book-making and volunteering for the Santa Clara County Audubon Society.

Jan Cozart

HR Technology Advisor

As part of the Howitt team, Jan brings experience, knowledge and a reputation for being a trusted voice on the subject of HR technology. With over 20 years of combined experience as an HR practitioner and representative of HR products, Jan is most widely known as the ultimate source for the Abra HRMS products from Sage Software. Among the over 800 clients she has assisted are such notable companies as Yahoo, Intuit, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Intuitive Surgical, The Packard Foundation and the United Way.

Jan has also been very active in higher education to promote the topic of HR systems as a necessary part of an HR degree program. She served as a regular guest speaker on the topic at both San Jose State University and Golden Gate University to introduce students to current technology trends, methods of selection and business considerations.

Jan holds a MS in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jill Reinitz

Data Center Manager

Jill is responsible for our information and data collection including system security and accessibility. She is responsible for updating carriers with client enrollments, terminations and status changes.

A graduate of Bradley University, she has held senior positions in the New Jersey Department of Health Services. She enjoys gourmet foods, her family, furthering her education and is a world class artist specializing in realistic pencil drawings.

Please contact benefits@howittins.com for additional information and or questions.