Jennifer “Jen” Benz is a highly accomplished Senior Vice President at Segal, based in San Francisco, spearheading the firm’s growth and innovation strategies. Her leadership extends to Segal’s Board of Directors, where she plays a key role in shaping the company’s future. Perhaps most notably, Jen Benz is the visionary founder of Segal Benz, Segal’s specialized communications practice. This division excels in helping organizations achieve their business objectives by fostering strong employee engagement through impactful communication strategies.
Segal Benz, under Jen Benz’s guidance, has consistently been recognized for its excellence in the industry. The practice has earned prestigious accolades from leading publications such as Pensions & Investments, Business Insurance, and Employee Benefit News, as well as the Profit Sharing Council of America. These awards highlight the effectiveness and innovative approach of Segal Benz in the field of employee benefits communication.
Before joining Segal, Jen Benz established Benz Communications in 2006. She quickly positioned it as a prominent and respected voice within the employee benefits sector. Benz Communications’ rapid growth and success were consistently recognized. From 2012 to 2019, it was consistently named among the Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. Furthermore, Benz Communications achieved five-time honoree status on the Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing private companies nationwide. The San Francisco Business Times also acknowledged the company’s impressive trajectory, listing it among the Fastest-Growing Companies in the Bay Area. Segal’s acquisition of Benz Communications marked a significant milestone in Jen Benz’s career and the evolution of her impactful work.
Earlier in her career, Jen Benz spent seven years at Hewitt Associates, gaining valuable experience in the human resources and benefits consulting space. Her academic foundation is a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri, which equipped her with strong communication and storytelling skills that are central to her success.
Jen Benz’s influence extends beyond her corporate roles. Human Resource Executive® magazine recognized her as a Top 100 HR Tech Influencer in both 2019 and 2022, solidifying her position as a thought leader in the HR technology landscape. Her expert opinions and insights are frequently sought after and featured in prominent publications including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Employee Benefit News, Human Resource Executive, HR Magazine, and Workforce. She has also contributed to policy discussions, testifying before the Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council on retirement education. Workforce magazine further recognized her impact by naming her an industry Game Changer. Jen Benz’s commitment to the industry is evident in her three-year tenure as program chair for the HR Executive Health and Benefits Leadership Conference, a premier industry event. She continues to advise various industry organizations and startups, and dedicates her time to pro bono work with nonprofits both locally and in Guatemala, demonstrating a broad commitment to making a positive impact.