With more than 35 years of leadership in healthcare and employee benefits, Allen Jackson is the architect behind many of the innovations that fuel Ideal Health. He began his career with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut before rising to Senior Vice President of USI Connecticut, where he designed unique insurance and non-insurance platforms that pushed the industry forward.
Allen’s experience managing more than $300 million in employee benefits gives him the perspective to build solutions that work in the real world—not just on paper. His reputation for innovation and client advocacy has been recognized with honors such as the “40 Under 40” award from The New Haven Business Times and inclusion in Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.
As a former Chair of the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, President of the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and advisor to carriers like Anthem, ConnectiCare, and United Healthcare, Allen brings the strategic foresight and industry connections that have been instrumental in shaping Ideal Health’s cutting-edge approach.
Mike Ankrum brings over 33 years of employee benefits expertise, with a focus on designing funding strategies that balance sustainability and innovation. His career began at Principal Financial Group, where he managed Tennessee and Kentucky operations, before dedicating himself to consulting in the public-school sector beginning in 2010.
Mike’s deep knowledge of consumer-directed healthcare and alternative funding strategies ensures that Ideal Health not only reduces costs but also empowers employees to make informed healthcare decisions. His strength lies in analyzing complex healthcare reform challenges and translating them into practical solutions that protect both employers and employees.
A passionate educator, Mike is committed to sharing knowledge and guiding organizations through the intricacies of healthcare reform, risk management, and funding models. His ability to simplify the complex and anticipate industry trends makes him the analytical backbone of Ideal Health.
Scott Bolton adds a transformative HR and workforce strategy perspective to Ideal Health. As the former Executive Director of Human Resources for Knox County Schools (KCS)—Tennessee’s third-largest district—Scott oversaw HR operations for nearly 60,000 students and 9,000 employees. His leadership turned KCS into one of the state’s top employers, recognized nationally by Forbes and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Scott’s expertise lies in aligning benefits strategy with workforce engagement and retention. He led initiatives that saved KCS more than $28 million, expanded equitable retirement systems, and championed innovative health benefit designs that encouraged employees to engage with high-value health plans.
His broader leadership as Past President of the Tennessee Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) positioned him as a resource for school districts and local governments statewide. For Ideal Health, Scott ensures the plan isn’t just financially sound but also creates a positive employee experience, improving satisfaction and retention while controlling costs.
