Executive Team
John Harris, CEO
John Harris is a nationally recognized expert in employee benefits and insurance with over 30 years of experience. As a leader at CU Benefits Alliance, John drives innovative strategies that empower credit union executives to control healthcare costs and create competitive benefits programs to attract and retain top talent.
His distinguished career includes founding his first retail insurance agency at the age of 23, spearheading a start-up insurance operation for a major community bank, and serving as Vice President of Agency Development at HUB International, where he specialized in tailored insurance solutions for financial institutions. Today, John continues to deliver forward-thinking strategies that position credit unions for success.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas at Austin.
In his free time, John stays active by playing guitar in his classic rock band, working out, fishing, golfing, and traveling.
Sherry Campbell, COO
Sherry Campbell is Chief Operating Officer at CU Benefits Alliance, bringing more than 20 years of employee benefits and insurance experience. She leads the firm’s operations and service teams, ensuring smooth plan implementation, accurate financial management, and high-touch client support throughout the entire benefits lifecycle.
Sherry specializes in managing both fully insured and self-insured medical programs, as well as Life, Disability, HSA, HRA, and FSA offerings. She also guides clients on pharmacy management, Stop Loss coverage, voluntary and worksite benefits, and medical leave integration. Known for her detail-oriented approach and commitment to execution, Sherry ensures that CU Benefits clients receive timely solutions and a seamless service experience.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Portland State University, with a minor in English Literature.
In her free time, Sherry enjoys spending time with her family, including her two daughters. Her hobbies include golf, running, and coaching her daughter’s basketball team.
Chary Krout, CXO
Chary Krout is Chief Experience Officer at CU Benefits Alliance, where she helps credit union leaders align total rewards and employee benefits programs with their broader business and talent strategies. Her work focuses on improving employee engagement, strengthening retention, and creating benefits programs that support long-term organizational growth.
Chary brings decades of experience in the credit union industry, including more than 20 years at First Tech Credit Union, where she led the HR function, spearheaded employee experience initiatives, and played a key role in one of the largest mergers in credit union history. Before joining CU Benefits, she co-founded Cultivate, a consulting firm dedicated to helping credit unions deepen employee engagement and build cultures of accountability.
A true Pacific Northwest native, Chary loves the outdoors. You can find her hiking, enjoying a baseball game, wine tasting, or getting away to her family cabin in The Gorge.
Kimberly O’Toole, Consultant
Kimberly O’Toole is a Benefits Consultant at CU Benefits Alliance, where she helps credit unions design and manage benefit strategies that support long-term organizational goals and employee wellbeing. She focuses on building sustainable programs that adapt to workforce needs and budget considerations.
With over 27 years of industry experience, Kimberly brings deep expertise in both self-funded and fully insured group plans, including medical, life, disability, and dental. She takes a consultative, proactive approach, supporting clients beyond plan selection to ensure smooth implementation, effective employee engagement, and ongoing optimization.
Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire.
Growing up on ski slopes across the country shaped Kimberly’s deep love of nature, whether it’s enjoying snowy mountains in the winter or spending warm summer days on the lake. She also has a soft spot for animals, big and small. But if you asked Kimberly what matters most, she’d tell you without hesitation: her family.
Leslie Draper, Consultant
Leslie Draper is a Benefits Consultant with CU Benefits Alliance, bringing nearly two decades of experience supporting self-funded, multi-state clients. She works closely with credit union leaders to simplify complex benefits topics, offering thoughtful guidance and creative solutions that support both the organization and its employees.
With a background in communications and strategic planning, Leslie is skilled at building trusted relationships with both clients and vendors. Her proactive approach ensures smooth plan management and positive outcomes across every phase of the benefits lifecycle.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, graduating with honors. Leslie is a licensed Life and Health Producer and is certified in Mental Health First Aid USA.
Outside of work, Leslie enjoys wine tasting, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two young children.
Barbra Freeman, Underwriter
Barbra Freeman is an experienced underwriter with over 38 years in the insurance industry. At CU Benefits Alliance, she works closely with CFOs, HR leaders, and finance teams to help them understand and manage the financial performance of their health plan, providing critical insights that inform budgeting, claims projections, and strategic plan decisions.
Barbra’s background includes roles with a Blue plan, HealthNet, and a regional HMO, giving her deep expertise in vendor pricing and plan funding methodologies. She specializes in health plan financial reporting, rate and reserve development, and cost benchmarking for both self-funded and fully insured clients.
Barbra spends time with her husband working on their small hobby farm and enjoys adventuring around the Cascade mountains.
Support Team
Marsha Minten Marketing
Marylouise Miller Controller
Justin Harder I.T.
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