James "Mike" Deren
Mike has worked as a CEO in the health insurance industry for over 30 years, administering self-funded health plans. His company, Group Benefit Services, began as a startup in 1992, and has since been recognized by AM Best as a “Client Recommended Expert Service Provider” and by Inc. 5000 as one of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies.” With expertise in the industry, Mike understands how to create cost-saving, sustainable health plans while providing guidance to Plan Sponsors and compassionate service to members.
Jonathan Logan
Jonathan Logan is a self-funded health insurance specialist whose career is defined by leadership, service, and a client-focused approach. He is dedicated to helping employers create and manage sustainable health plans that prioritize member well-being—without shifting costs to employees. Jonathan partners with organizations to design collaborative care solutions that ensure members incur no out-of-pocket expenses when using designated providers. His expertise lies in developing benefit programs that foster engagement, positive outcomes, and organizational value.
Since 2006, Jonathan has served as President of Logan & Associates, Inc., in Southeast Louisiana. He has provided products and services to businesses of all sizes, as well as to families and individuals. He has built his business and reputation on delivering exceptional service and accessibility, making client needs his top priority in an industry where true service is often overlooked.
Jonathan’s professional journey is further distinguished by more than a decade as a Cross-Cultural Educator, Communicator, and Church Leader in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Kunming, China (1990–2000). There, he guided individuals in their spiritual, physical, mental, and social growth, gaining fluency in Chinese and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. This experience, coupled with his subsequent role as Professor and Dean at the School of Urban Missions in New Orleans, has uniquely prepared him to navigate the challenges and opportunities organizations face today.
Jonathan holds a Master of Arts from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (1988–1990) and a Bachelor of Arts from Central Bible College (1984–1988).
Jonathan’s diverse background—spanning business leadership, cross-cultural education, and benefits expertise—equips him to design innovative health programs that address employers’ and employees’ complex needs. By leveraging his deep understanding of client service, collaborative care, and organizational dynamics, Jonathan crafts solutions that control costs while enhancing member experience and satisfaction. His holistic, service-driven approach ensures that every program delivers meaningful value to organizations and prioritizes workforce well-being.