Meet Kirk Andonian | President

As President of Denali Benefits, Kirk Andonian is committed to confidently helping businesses and individuals navigate employee benefits. With nearly 30 years in the insurance industry, he specializes in alternative funding strategies. His deep underwriting expertise and well-established relationships with carriers and stop-loss underwriters enable him to secure the best possible outcomes for Denali clients. A hands-on leader, Kirk is dedicated to delivering innovative, customized solutions while fostering long-term relationships.

Kirk’s career in group benefits includes key roles at Berg Andonian, OneDigital, and now Denali Benefits. Over the years, he has successfully negotiated 14 private business transactions and managed benefits for groups as large as 67,000 members.

A graduate of Westmont College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History, Kirk has a lifelong passion for learning. An avid outdoorsman, Kirk enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, and long walks with his wife and best friend, Maria. He’s passionate about health and wellness and is always ready to try the newest health hack on YouTube. A devoted family man, he balances his professional drive with quality time with his children and seven grandchildren.

Kirk’s expertise and enthusiasm make him a dynamic leader, inspiring his team and clients to thrive. Always seeking fresh solutions to enhance client benefits, he starts most mornings with a double short latte, focused on delivering the best for Denali clients.

Meet Britt Carlson | Account Executive

Meet Britt Carlson, a valued member of the Denali Benefits team with 23 years of experience in Individual, Medicare, and Group Benefits. Britt’s extensive knowledge and attention to detail ensure clients receive thoughtful, personalized support. Whether you're navigating the complexities of insurance policies or have specific coverage questions, Britt is here to make the process clear and stress-free. She’s passionate about helping clients feel confident in their choices, knowing they have the best plan for their needs. Britt’s dedication to excellence makes her a trusted advisor for all your insurance needs. When she’s not working, Britt enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends—and if she gets a chance, she loves watching a good British crime drama!

Meet Kendra Knouff | Director of Client Communications

As the Director of Client Communications at Denali Benefits, Kendra Knouff ensures clients stay informed, engaged, and supported.  With a journalism background and experience at Columbia Bank and other local companies, she has a talent for clear, effective communication. She has also provided freelance writing services for various South Sound companies, connecting with audiences through thoughtful and compelling messaging.

Kendra’s passion for simplifying complex insurance topics and building strong client relationships is at the heart of her work. Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence shine through in everything she does.

Outside work, Kendra enjoys homeschooling her three energetic boys, tackling home remodel projects with her husband, and volunteering at her church and homeschool co-op. She also loves music, baking, getting lost in a great novel, and watching every Hallmark mystery movie she can find!

Meet McKenzie Alton | Medicare and Individual Agent

McKenzie Alton is a licensed insurance professional at Denali Benefits, helping clients with Medicare, individual insurance, and group coverage. With a background at Rush Team Apparel, she brings a strong work ethic and a team-first mentality to everything she does.

As a former collegiate basketball player, McKenzie knows the value of strategy, persistence, and teamwork—qualities she applies daily to ensure clients get the best coverage for their needs. She is committed to providing clear, knowledgeable guidance, whether assisting individuals, seniors, or businesses.

Outside of work, McKenzie’s competitive spirit and dedication shine through in everything she takes on. Looking for expert insurance advice? McKenzie is here to help!

Meet Barbara Kettman | Account Executive

As a member of the Denali Benefits Group Benefits team, Barbara Kettman partners with business owners and executives to cut through the complexity of today’s workplace healthcare landscape. She brings a sharp eye for strategy and a genuine commitment to finding the right fit, crafting benefit solutions that manage risk, protect the bottom line, and deliver meaningful coverage for the employees who depend on it.

Barbara’s background in insurance and operations gives her a practical edge. Whether she is evaluating medical, dental, vision, or voluntary coverage options, her clients can count on her to balance budget considerations with employee needs, while staying ahead of evolving regulations and market conditions. She has worked with several benefits brokers throughout the South Puget Sound and joined the Denali team in April 2026.

Beyond her client work, Barbara is active with the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with Washington State’s Compassion International advocacy team, an organization committed to ending child poverty worldwide.

Barbara holds an associate degree in accounting from Pierce College and is licensed in Health, Life, and Disability insurance in Washington State.

Do not let her calm demeanor fool you. Barbara is a skilled side-by-side recreational vehicle pilot. Each year, she participates in a daring Arizona event where she navigates a course blindfolded, guided only by the voice of an equally fearless passenger.

She is also a proud member of a fiercely competitive Bunco league made up of longtime friends.

Family is at the center of Barbara’s world. As a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother to two sons, their wives, and four grandsons, she cherishes every opportunity to gather everyone outdoors, whether hiking to waterfalls, camping under the stars, or riding quads on the trails.

Meet Jamie Koepnick-Herrera | Senior Account Manager

As a member of the Denali Benefits Group Benefits team, Jamie Koepnick-Herrera brings hands-on expertise and a client-first approach to helping employers navigate the complexities of workplace benefits. She works alongside business owners and HR teams to evaluate, implement, and manage group coverage that fits both organizational goals and employee needs, making the process as clear and stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

Jamie comes to Denali Benefits with a strong background in group benefits account management, developed during her time with the Vinoble Group Benefits team and, most recently, with Composition Wealth Group Benefits.

With a diverse professional background spanning website development, and hospitality, Jamie is a versatile problem-solver who brings a broad perspective to every client relationship. She studied Nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Website Design and Development at Seattle Central Community College, and holds a Life and Health insurance license in Washington state.

Outside of work, Jamie is active in the Annie Wright Schools Parents' Association and Rainier Scholars Tacoma, an organization dedicated to cultivating students' academic and leadership potential to increase college graduation rates and empower the next generation of leaders.

Meet Nick Metcalf | Medicare Agent

Nick Metcalf's path into insurance wasn't planned. It was personal. While working as an independent contractor in construction, Nick suffered a serious back injury and watched his insurance provider deny a $22,000 claim. With a wife, children, and several foster children depending on him, he researched the industry, successfully challenged the denial, and earned his broker license in 2003, joining the industry he had once fought against.

He founded Health Solutions 4U, then grew that work into Omni Insurance, building a reputation across Washington state for helping clients navigate Medicare with clarity and no pressure. When Omni joined Denali Benefits, Nick brought that same commitment with him.

Nick is licensed in Washington state and serves clients throughout the greater Puget Sound area.