Delta Dental of Arizona Expands with Two New Director-level Hires
Jim Darnell and Kristi DeWitt Bring Wealth of Experience, Expertise to New Posts
GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 16, 2017) — As Delta Dental of Arizona continues to expand its services meeting the growing oral health needs across the state, the state’s leading dental insurance company is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members: Jim Darnell, director of mid and large market sales and service, and Kristi DeWitt, director of small market sales and service.
“Jim and Kristi’s vast knowledge and experience will help us strengthen relationships with brokers, strategically leverage new and existing offerings and solidify our position as the dental benefits leader in Arizona,” said Brad Clothier, executive vice president of business development for Delta Dental of Arizona.
As the director of mid and large market sales and service, Darnell is responsible for developing the sales strategy to increase mid and large group business while maintaining satisfaction among current clients and strengthening broker relationships. Prior to joining Delta Dental of Arizona, Darnell was the vice president of business development and sales for Vera Whole Health, an onsite clinic-population health management organization. He brings 14 years of dental insurance experience to the Delta Dental of Arizona team, having worked as a director of sales for Delta Dental of Washington and as a regional sales director for United Concordia Dental. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from California State University, Northridge with a major in organizational systems management.
In her role as director of small market sales and service, Dewitt will work with Arizona small business owners to ensure their employees have access to affordable dental and vision plans while continuing to cultivate broker and consultant relationships within the state. She brings with her more than 14 years of insurance experience and 10 years of experience in marketing and advertising. Prior to joining Delta Dental, Dewitt served as the life and annuities manager at Western Asset Protection, where she focused on broker recruitment, education and relationship development. Other experience includes working as an account executive at Meritus Health Partners and several years as small business owner and independent advisor focusing on individual and small group life and health insurance products. She holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing with an emphasis in advertising and journalism from Northern Arizona University.
Other key accountabilities of both positions include management and oversight of client services to achieve desired retention levels, sales and service strategy and planning, pipeline management, relationship building and maintenance.
About Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona is the leading dental benefits provider in Arizona, serving more than 1 million enrollees and more than 3,300 contracted dentists across the state. Passionate about oral health and its importance to generations of families, Delta Dental of Arizona has worked for more than 40 years to improve oral health by emphasizing preventive care and making dental coverage accessible to a wide variety of employers, groups and individuals. For more information about Delta Dental of Arizona, visit www.deltadentalaz.com.