David Esmond is the Vice President of Underwriting for Kelly Benefits Strategies (KBS). In this role, David leads the organization’s underwriting team, working with KBS’ partner carriers to deliver cost-effective solutions for their employee health plan needs. The underwriting team handles the RFP process for large group accounts for both the in-house brokerage (KBS) as well as outside brokers served through Kelly Benefits Advantage (KBA). David also represents KBS in advancing and maintaining carrier and vendor relationships as well as developing risk management and cost-containment strategies for KBS clients. Within this role, he advises the KBS Consulting teams regarding client strategic risk, funding issues and identifying cost-effective solutions. David is a primary resource for brokers who seek education and counsel regarding self-funded health care plans.
David joined KBS in 2016, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. Prior to working for KBS, David spent 25 years at Meritain Health and its predecessor companies (Performax, CHF, HPM). During that time, David served as Vice President, leading the Plan Management department, eventually transitioning to a role in Underwriting as Vice President of Underwriting and leading a team of underwriters and support staff.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Temple University. David is an NCAA baseball umpire as well as a Maryland state-certified high school and youth sports official in football, baseball and basketball. He is a member of the NCAA, International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) Board #244, Champion Officials Group and Mid-Atlantic Officials (MAC). He is also an active volunteer with several lupus-related charities.
David resides in Eldersburg, Maryland with his two sons, Gus and Jake.