Collegiate Solutions

Michael Babore

Executive Vice President

Michael has worked with colleges and universities since 2000, developing roadmaps for successful student health insurance programs. His goal is to deliver the service each and every client requires. Prior to joining the Ascension team, he worked as the Head of Sales for HTH Worldwide in their international student insurance division. Michael is a member of NAFSA, ACHA, URMIA, NAICU and the FORUM. He is a regular presenter at many industry-related events and has traveled to 22 countries in his career.

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Krista Stanek

Executive Vice President

Krista began her career in the insurance industry over 20 years ago at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Companies. During that time, she was involved in advertising, marketing and sales. Serving as a senior account executive from 1996 to 2000, Ms. Stanek was responsible for marketing special risk, K-12, college accident and sickness, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance to brokers. Since joining our company in 2000, Krista has been dedicated to assisting colleges, universities, and students across the United States with purchasing, managing, and understanding student health, intercollegiate sports, and special risk insurance plans. Now serving as Executive Vice President, Ms. Stanek oversees sales and marketing initiatives for the Ascension Collegiate Solutions Overland Park and Salt Lake City operations. Krista received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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0ffice: (800) 775-8089   

James Yankech, PhD

Senior Vice President, Client Relations

James directs the account management team of our Education Practice to strengthen relationships with clients by offering more consultative value & expertise. Before joining Ascension, James served as the Sr. Associate Director and Director of Operations/HR for the University Health Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. While at UNL, he also held the positions of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Acting Director of the Multicultural Affairs Office, as well as roles within HR including Employee Relations Specialist and EAP Counselor. Focusing his dissertation on collaboration in higher education, James earned his doctorate in Educational Administration & Leadership from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. James served on the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) Student Health Benefits Advisory Committee. His professional affiliations include EDUCAUSE, Medical Group Management Association, American College Health Association, and College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA‐HR), among others. When he isn’t working, James is bicycling, traveling, or rooting on his hometown Phillies.

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0ffice: (913) 742-7460   

Marcos Rolon

TPA Operations Leader

Marcos has worked in the health insurance industry since 1981, and joined Ascension in 2013. In his role, Marcos oversees the goals and objectives of the Claims Operations team. Prior to joining Ascension, he held positions as Vice President of Operations at HealthSmart and Arthur J. Gallagher. Marcos started his health insurance administration career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and his work history includes managing claim operations at Chicago HMO and HealthStar Preferred Provider Organization. Marcos is ultimately responsible for the administration of claims, customer service and client satisfaction.

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0ffice: (818) 735-9630   

Helene Freedman

Compliance Manager

Helene has been in the health insurance industry since 1980 and joined Ascension in 2013. Her current role is to oversee all marketing and policy compliance functions, including federal and state regulations, for the Ascension Collegiate Solutions group. Previously, she was an Assistant Vice President with Arthur J. Gallagher & Company for 20 years, where she led the employee benefit consulting teams for many key accounts in the Los Angeles office. In addition, Helene was also the branch compliance liaison developing plan materials, documents, and training programs for clients and the internal team. Helene served on the board of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters for 25 years as their communications chair, and was responsible for creating, editing, and publishing their award-winning monthly magazine.

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0ffice: (424) 270-9690