Her Story
About Emily
Emily Gallagher, SHRM-CP, is a Group Benefits Advisor and Community Benefits Consultant at DeHayes in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in small-group employee benefits for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. She manages the firm's community benefits book, supporting approximately 200 small-business groups through benefits education, service, enrollment guidance, renewals, and ongoing client support. Her work focuses on helping employers better understand their benefit options and navigate the complexities of group insurance. Emily brings more than a decade of experience in human resources and benefits administration, primarily within the manufacturing industry. Before transitioning into insurance, she held positions including HR Manager and Payroll and Benefits Specialist, giving her firsthand experience with employee benefits, payroll, administration, and the needs of both employers and employees. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Indiana University Bloomington. Her professional credentials include the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation and the Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) credential. She is also a member of the Northeast Indiana Human Resources Association. Throughout her career, Emily has emphasized education, trust, and relationship-building. She believes that honesty, integrity, humility, continuous learning, and leading by example are essential to both professional and personal success. As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated area of insurance, she has developed greater confidence in speaking up and encourages the next generation of women to remain curious, ask questions, trust their expertise, and stay true to themselves. Outside of her professional work, Emily is active in supporting her family and three sons.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emily
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying true to who I am, remaining open-minded, and continuously learning. Throughout my career, I have been willing to ask questions, listen to others, and learn from every experience. My background in human resources and benefits administration has also given me a strong foundation for understanding both employers' and employees' needs. I believe that honesty, integrity, humility, and consistently doing what I say I will do have been important to building trust and lasting professional relationships.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has been to be confident and speak up. My current boss and senior peers have consistently encouraged me by reminding me that I know what I am doing, that I am capable, and that I should trust myself and move forward with confidence. As a female producer working in a traditionally male-dominated insurance environment, that encouragement has been especially meaningful. It has taught me to recognize my expertise, use my voice, and be willing to step forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the insurance industry is to be true to who you are, keep an open mind, and never stop learning. Ask questions and do not be afraid to acknowledge when you do not know something. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are strengths, not weaknesses. I also encourage women to be confident, take pride in their position, speak up, and carry themselves with confidence. Bring your own perspective and experience to the table, stay engaged in your industry, and give your best effort every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is educating HR professionals and business owners about group benefits so they can better understand what they are offering their employees and streamline processes such as new-hire enrollment. Better benefits education can help employers make more informed decisions and can contribute to stronger employee retention. At the same time, small businesses face significant challenges when navigating employee benefits. Many business owners and employees do not fully understand their benefits, while rising medical costs and increasing premiums can create considerable frustration. This makes education, communication, and helping clients understand the factors behind their benefit costs especially important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are honesty, integrity, and humility. I believe in being someone who does what she says she will do and leads by example. In my professional life, that means being dependable, straightforward, and committed to building trust with clients and colleagues.
In my personal life, these values are equally important. As a wife and mother of three sons, I strive to model calm, thoughtful, and responsible behavior for my children so they can see the importance of doing the right thing. I believe that how we conduct ourselves every day can have an important influence on the people around us.
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