Updated on December 20, 2024
2025 is getting so close it’s almost palpable. The new year shimmers with possibilities and that renews our hope for the future. There’s nothing quite like setting a resolution to bolster our motivation and optimism all year long. How would you like to feel in 2025 and beyond? If you would like to feel more confident, knowledgeable and inspired to spearhead strategic initiatives as a benefits professional, now is the time to attain the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation. Invest in your professional development today to continually thrive in your career.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below are the reflections of benefits industry professionals on how earning the designation has benefitted them the most.
“I have instant credibility, both personally and professionally.”
Gavin Cohen, CEBS, Secretary-Treasurer, M-NCPPC
“I felt like the CEBS designation gave me the base knowledge I needed to learn more about in my role.”
Robbin Martens, CEBS, Senior Service Specialist, Canada Life
“I have the respect of my peers.”
Daniel Wheeler, CEBS, Senior Executive Vice President, HUB International Mid-America
“Earning the CEBS designation added value to my pre-existing knowledge and experience in the benefits and pension industry.”
Samantha Probetts, CEBS, Pension & Benefits Specialist, Manitoba Government Employees Union
“My CEBS designation has equipped me with a big picture perspective to administering the fund.”
Michael McCarron, CEBS, Fund Administrator, Local 26 IBEW-NECA Joint Trust Funds
“Before earning the CEBS designation, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Getting exposure to the full spectrum of benefits has helped me be more aware of options I could bring in for my company when we wanted to revamp benefits and total rewards.”
Heather Wolff, CEBS, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Konecranes
“I was hired for my current position because I have the CEBS designation. I am paid on a grid level equal to other employees that have their master’s degrees due in some part to my CEBS designation.”
Heather Shaw, CEBS, Payroll & Benefits Lead, Elk Island Catholic School Board
“The CEBS designation helped me improve my knowledge and skills, which led to me getting promoted to director.”
Kimberly Csan, CEBS, Corporate Director, Benefits Strategy & Engagement, HII
“I’m viewed as an expert in my field and my company.”
Laila Lee, CEBS, Director, HR Operations, Westland Insurance
“The CEBS designation has benefited me in many ways. Along with the education I’ve received, it earned me credibility with my colleagues and clients. I became a member of my local chapter of ISCEBS, was invited to participate in the board and then became an officer. I then participated in ISCEBS committees. My CEBS designation has opened so many doors in my professional career and has expanded my personal and professional network. It has benefited my organization and promoted me to my current role.”
Alicia Clingan, CEBS, Director of Insurance Account Management, Independent School Management
“Having multiple team members with the CEBS designation allows us to collaborate, trusting that we each have the knowledge and experience to bring great ideas to the table.”
Lisa Spinney, CEBS, Group Benefits Specialist, Halifax Regional Municipality-Employee Services
“The CEBS designation has given me the foundational knowledge and confidence to understand benefit programs and to recommend changes as the landscape evolves.”
Melissa Zaino, CEBS, Director, Global Benefits, Zayo
“Attaining the CEBS designation has professionally benefitted me by affirming my commitment to the overall benefits profession.”
Mohammad Shaikh, CEBS, Total Rewards Program Manager, GreenShield
“I stand out!”
Colette Mathews, CEBS, Senior Benefits Program Manager, Blue Yonder
“The CEBS designation has validated my knowledge and experience level, both at my job as well as with my peers.”
Karyn Crosbie, CEBS, Senior Benefits Manager, PotlatchDeltic Corporation
“Holding the CEBS designation gives me the confidence to be able to speak with authority within my organization and at industry events.”
Josh Periard, CEBS, Account Executive, National Accounts Group Benefits, Canada Life
“The CEBS designation signifies a certain level of commitment and competence and is very respected by those who work in and are familiar with the employee benefits industry.”
Emily Keeton, CEBS, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Wallace Welch & Willingham
“I was able to gain knowledge that applied to my job on a day-to-day basis. I received several promotions over the last few years as well, so the CEBS designation provided me with the qualifications to be in a leadership role.”
Marisa Tobin, CEBS, Senior Manager, Plan Member Services, HRM Pension Plan
“I doubled my salary within two years.”
Frances Jasmin, CEBS, Administrator, Savasta and Co.
“Earning the CEBS designation has helped me to garner respect and trust from colleagues. It’s given me confidence to provide sound recommendations when working with advisors and plan sponsors.”
Jenna Kennedy, CEBS, Senior Business Specialist, Co-operators Life Insurance
“The CEBS designation has benefited me greatly in terms of increasing my knowledge in the employee benefits space. I also attend ISCEBS webinars monthly to stay abreast of new developments in the field and industry topics. Professionally, I recently changed industries and my CEBS designation was looked upon highly during the interview process with my employer.”
Kasana Banks-Quarles, CEBS, Total Rewards Engagement Manager, BAE Systems, Inc.
“I got promoted to take on a lead role managing benefit plans for my employer. The CEBS designation has helped me earn the trust of the leadership team and their recognition of my skills and expertise in the benefits field.”
David White, CEBS, Manager, Benefits and Wellness, PVH Canada
“The CEBS designation represents highly regarded subject matter expertise in the benefit management and business acumen of the employers I represent.”
Holly Newcomer, CEBS, Sr. Customer Consultant, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan
“I was able to move into my current specialist role after attaining my CEBS designation. In addition, I provide my organization with up-to-date benefit information.”
Heather Thomas, CEBS, Benefits & Wellness Advisor, British Columbia Institute of Technology
“The CEBS designation has increased my knowledge of pension and benefits in a way that is visible to my employer, leading to increased opportunities.”
Brenna Osland, CEBS, Benefits Project Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Embark on a learning journey that will transform your career trajectory and continue to pay dividends for years to come! Make 2025 the year to attain a remarkable milestone! Click here to learn more about the benefit industry’s most respected credential—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
The Spring sessions of the U.S. and Canadian Online Study Groups With Instructor Support start in January 2025. This additional resource features instructor support, a variety of study tools and the opportunity to connect with your peers.