About Us

Benefits with a Purpose

Our custom coverage solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of every client we serve. Grounded in integrity, transparency, and a client-first approach, we will be your trusted partner.

 

We bring personalized service and expert guidance. By embracing innovation, we remain at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that our solutions bring value. We are dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals with benefits that provide security, satisfaction, and long-term success.

Meet the Team

Michael K. Maloy

President

Mike Maloy has spent his entire insurance career working with employers to better manage their employee benefit programs. Mike began his insurance career working for a family-owned insurance agency. Mike, a valuable member of the organization, stayed through several mergers and acquisitions. In 2019, Mike, a principal with McGinty-Gordon & Associates, when it was sold to a large regional firm, had come to a crossroads. Rather than employment with the new firm, Mike started Lighthouse Benefit Advisors (LBA). He knew the value employee benefits meant to his clients and their employees. LBA treats each client individually and customizes the right program. For most employers, the cost of insurance remains the second-largest expenditure after payroll. Mike’s leadership keeps LBA in the lead by identifying the best solutions to manage risks by containing costs and driving his clients toward healthier outcomes.

Mike has been and remains active in the communities LBA serves. He has held several board appointments for the state of Georgia and locally. He is active in the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and is a past Chairman of the Board.

Albert Ertel

Senior Consultant 

Al brings nearly 40 years of experience in managed healthcare and employee benefits. He played a key role in launching UnitedHealthcare’s small business program in Georgia and has led two provider-owned health plans and TPAs. With deep insight into both the payer and provider sides of the industry, Al is known for helping employers maximize their benefit investments to better serve employees and their families.

As a licensed insurance professional for 35 years, Al offers subject matter expertise in risk profiling, benefit design, network adequacy, pricing, and funding. His local-first approach connects employers with local providers to deliver the most effective, community-based care.

He has held leadership roles with several industry organizations, including AHIP, NABIP, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and served as President of the American Association of Payers, Administrators, and Networks.

Al and his wife are active volunteers, raising funds for childhood cancer research and supporting dog rescue initiatives.

Matthew Robinson

Lead Benefits Strategist

Matt advises clients (employer groups) on all aspects of their employee benefits programs, including strategy, execution, and service. He joined Lighthouse Benefit Advisors in 2019, bringing experience from USI, one of the nation’s largest consulting firms. Earlier in his career, Matt learned the ancillary side of the business working at The Hartford. His focus is on creating efficiencies that reduce healthcare costs while improving outcomes and enhancing benefits for employees. Outside of work, Matt serves on the Executive Board of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and is an Elder at Saint Simons Presbyterian Church. He lives on St Simons Island with his wife and their three children, and enjoys being active in both his community and church.

Dawn Pantano

Account Executive -
Better Than COBRA & LBARx

Dawn has been a key member of the Lighthouse Benefit Advisors team since 2019. With over a decade of experience, she leads the Better Than COBRA team and manages our LBARx program. Dawn is a trusted advisor and serves as our lead counselor. She brings unmatched knowledge, compassion, and dedication to every client interaction.

Outside of work, Dawn is an engaged community volunteer, giving her time to STAR of Coastal Georgia and the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. Her passion for helping others is a true reflection of the mission and values we uphold at Lighthouse Benefit Advisors.

Emma Stacey Leigh

Sr. Account Executive -
Compliance Specialist 

Emma brings more than 20 years of experience in employee benefits and account management to her role as Senior Account Executive at Lighthouse Benefit Advisors. She supports brokers and employers with marketing, benefit analysis, plan design, implementation, and open enrollment. Emma leads the way in strategic planning and project management for renewals, new benefit offerings, and wellness initiatives. Her expertise in compliance and healthcare policy ensures both clients and staff stay informed and up to date.

Emma is a licensed insurance professional and has served as a legislative liaison and state lobbyist. She is a member of AHIP and NABIP (formerly a board member of the Atlanta chapter), the National Association of Professional Women, and a former member of the Georgia Chamber GAC committee.

Passionate about giving back, Emma has volunteered with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue for a decade and played a key role in launching the resale store for the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, where she served as co-manager for its first nine months. Also, she supports organizations that raise funds for childhood cancer research.

Julie Day

Account Executive -
Software Specialist

Julie serves as an Account Executive for mid-size businesses at Lighthouse Benefit Advisors. As a licensed agent, she maintains strong relationships with clients and their employees while managing benefit programs tailored to each client’s unique needs. She also leads the management of all employee administration platforms and assists with any troubleshooting or technology assistance our team needs. A graduate of the College of Coastal Georgia, Julie is known for her ability to communicate complex topics in a clear, understandable way. As a Glynn County native, Julie values time with her family and enjoys staying connected to the local community.

Michaela Fontaine

Account Executive -
Marketing Specialist

Michaela serves as an Account Executive and Marketing Specialist at Lighthouse Benefit Advisors. She is a licensed agent dedicated to listening closely to develop improved efficiencies for her clients' unique needs. Michaela holds both a BS and MBA from Valdosta State University, along with a Strategic Leadership & Marketing Certificate. Deeply rooted in community involvement, Michaela has been active in 4-H since the 5th grade and served as a Georgia 4-H camp counselor for four summers at Camp Jekyll and Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, reading, biking, and exploring all the Golden Isles has to offer.

Terri Small

Account Executive -
Human Resource Specialist

Terri brings more than 30 years of experience in Human Resources and employee benefits to her role at Lighthouse Benefits Advisors. As a licensed insurance agent, she combines her deep knowledge of benefits administration with her commitment to client service. Having worked closely with employees and leadership throughout her career, she understands the challenges organizations face when it comes to managing and communicating benefits. Now, as an Account Executive, she’s passionate about supporting clients with practical solutions, clear communication, and a strong service mindset.

Terri holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, participating in community projects, singing, and exploring her love for creative design.

Why LBA?

Lighthouse Benefit Advisors creates personalized solutions for each client. We evaluate specific needs and goals. We closely examine benefit programs to identify the level of risk our clients may want. Fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded options are available. Our services include plan design, administration, pharmacy management, wellness programs, compliance, and risk management. We help employers reduce costs while enhancing employee benefits and satisfaction. We utilize a unique, proactive, and data-driven plan management approach. Rather than simply cutting expenses and increasing employees' out-of-pocket costs, we develop long-term strategies tailored to each client’s needs.