Tracey C. Dean, President

Tracey began her career in the employee benefits business in 2003 where she worked for a Third-Party Administrator.  There, she quickly gained experience in large group self-funding, account management, and sales.

In 2009, Tracey started Dean Benefits Group, Inc. with her husband, Mark.  Her primary role is supporting HR departments, HR managers, and Controllers in the daily management of their employee benefits. She also plays a key role in supporting Mark in the sales, development, and implementation of employee benefits programs.

Tracey is a graduate of Alma College. She holds a Michigan Insurance Agent license in Life & Health.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of owning Dean Benefits Group is knowing that I make a difference helping our clients, their employees, and their families navigate through the complexities of employee benefits.”

Tracey

Beth Baron, Medicare and Individual Specialist

Beth has been in the insurance field since early 2007 working as an assistant in the benefits department.  She quickly realized she enjoyed the individual market and started specializing in life and individual health insurance.  Several years ago, she added Medicare to her repertoire.  She enjoys talking with people to help them find the policy or policies that will best fit their needs.

Beth has a Bachelor of Sciences in Health Sciences from Grand Valley State University and holds a Michigan Agent license in Life and Health.  She is also licensed to write life insurance in a dozen other states.  She lives in Coopersville with her three boys and a menagerie of animals.

“I often find that many people are underinsured or postpone purchasing the policies they need out of fear or not knowing where to begin in the insurance process.  It’s rewarding for me to hear how relieved they feel once I’ve guided them through the process.  Insurance doesn’t have to be complicated or scary.”

Beth

Paul E. Rifenberg, CLU. ChFC

Paul began working for his father’s agency in 1973 following his graduation from Western Michigan University.  He majored in Finance and insurance, and was the 1973 recipient of the J.M Wilson Memorial Scholarship as the university’s top student in that field.

In addition to attaining the coveted professional designations of CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), Paul has had several industry awards, including National Sales Achievement, National Quality Award, and National Health Insurance Quality Award.  He served as President of the Four Flags Association of Life Underwriters, was on the Michigan State Board of Life Underwriters, and served on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Agent Advisory Board.

In his local community, Paul served as President of the Rotary Club, President of the Four Flags Area Chamber Commerce, and was awarded the Chamber’s “Man of the Year” award in 2008.  He was elected to the Niles City Charter Commission, and has served as Berrien County Commissioner.

He is married to Karen, and together they have 8 children and 23 grandchildren.  His hobbies include Civil War and military history in general, anything Notre Dame athletics, New York Yankees baseball, and writing.  His book “Missing in Action / Escape from Laos” was published in 2008.  He is active at Gospel City Church in Mishawaka, IN, where he and Karen teach first grade Sunday School.

Mark K. Dean, Benefits Consultant & Partner

Mark has over 20 years of experience in designing, implementing, and executing employee benefit programs for employer groups of all sizes.

Mark began his career in 1999 as an independent insurance agent selling Property and Casualty insurance.  Two years later, he obtained his license in Life & Health insurance and began marketing employee benefits.  He joined a Third-Party Administrator where he marketed large group self-funded plans as well as a fully insured product.  In 2006 he returned as an independent agent and in 2009 launched Dean Benefits Group with his wife Tracey.

Mark’s background in large group self-funding, mid-size alternate funding, and fully insured plans, makes him a great asset to any employer group.

Mark holds a Michigan Insurance Agent license in Life, Health, and Property & Casualty.  He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

“What I enjoy most about being a partner at Dean Benefits Group is the relationships that we have established over the years with our clients. Getting to know them on a personal level and building friendships with them has been very rewarding to me.”

Mark

Alyssa Olthof, Administrative Assistant

Alyssa has a strong background in administrative work and IT. With two years of experience as an administrative assistant, she has honed her organizational and communication skills. Additionally, she brings two years of IT experience, where she developed a keen understanding of technology’s role in business efficiency.

Currently, Alyssa is enhancing her expertise at the front desk while also contributing to the development and management of the company’s website and social media platforms. She is pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing at Western Michigan University, with an expected graduation in 2025. Alyssa is passionate about blending her administrative and technical skills to drive impactful digital strategies.