Leavitt Great West Earns National Recognition for Client Solutions

Written by Simone Wilkinson—Executive Director, Employee Benefits

October 3, 2025 · Employee Benefits

Blog Leavitt Great West Earns National Recognition for Client Solutions

Leavitt Great West Insurance has been named a finalist in the 2025 U.S. Insurance Awards by Business Insurance.

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The awards spotlight teams making meaningful contributions in the commercial insurance and risk management industry, with a special focus on innovation. As one of five finalists in the Broker Team of the Year category, Leavitt Great West Insurance earned honors for the work of its employee benefits captive team, which develops strategic solutions to help clients better manage and control health care costs. They were one of five finalists in the Broker Team of the Year category.

We’re proud to celebrate their achievement in being recognized among the best in the industry. Learn more in the spotlight below. 

The Tribute employee benefits captive team at Leavitt Great West Insurance has redefined what it means to deliver strategic, forward-thinking brokerage solutions for mid-sized employers. Through the innovative Tribute captive model, this team empowers organizations to take control of rising healthcare costs while improving outcomes, a feat that few brokers can claim with such clarity and impact.

The Tribute captive program is built for employers who are ready to move beyond the limitations of fully insured plans. It provides them with all the advantages of self-funding (cost control, flexibility, and transparency), while sharing the risk with like-minded businesses. At the heart of this success is the captive team’s deep experience in plan design, risk management, data analytics, and ongoing client support.

In 2023 alone, the team helped employers realize an astounding $4.4 million in documented savings, spanning a wide range of cost-containment strategies. In addition, clients benefit from the team’s high-touch, collaborative service model:

  • Experienced account management teams who are intimately familiar with the nuances of benefits strategy.
  • Subject matter experts who proactively identify savings opportunities and monitor trends.
  • Rapid response and prompt case reviews, ensuring solutions are smart and timely.
  • Education and transparency, giving employers tools to make informed decisions that align with their values and culture.

The team’s commitment to excellence has fostered strong relationships and earned consistent praise from clients who value not only the financial outcomes but the ethical, member-first approach that defines every interaction. They act not just as brokers, but as trusted advisors—champions for smarter healthcare purchasing and employee well-being.

In an increasingly volatile benefits environment, where cost pressures and member needs are more complex than ever, the Leavitt Great West captive team offers a proven, data-driven model that delivers measurable value year after year. Their success is a testament to innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on client success.

Have questions? Contact:

Simone Wilkinson

Simone Wilkinson

Executive Director, Employee Benefits

Call: (406) 447-3301

Leveraging over twenty-five years of experience within the health insurance and legal industries, Simone Wilkinson joined Leavitt Great West Insurance in November 2020. As the Employee Benefit Director of Risk Management, Simone works with a team of data analysts and nurse case manager to view data through multiple lenses, focusing on early risk detection before high-dollar spend and self-funded group savings opportunities. This work has resulted in over $10 million in reported savings for years 2022-2024 for our Tribute Captive.

Simone possesses a solid managed-care technical skill set, with a history that includes payer pricing and contracting with healthcare providers, progressive benefit insight, and extensive claim experience. This cumulative experience provides a proactive approach and insight into unique scenarios experienced by healthcare consumers and employers. Prior to her roles in health insurance, Simone worked as a paralegal for eleven years, focusing on medical malpractice, litigation assistance, subrogation, case-law research, and trial support to counsel.

Speaking at conferences, Simone shares her wisdom on risk mitigation for employee benefits, proactive identification of opportunities, and strategies to engage employees.

After the last of her two children graduated from high school, Simone moved from Texas to Montana in 2014. In constant awe of Montana's wildlife, back-roads, paddle-boarding, and hiking, she met and married native Montanan, John. In 2021, they moved to Kentucky but still return to Montana whenever the opportunity allows.

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Read Simone's full bio

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