Employee Profiles

Principles


Bernie Dombrowski Bernie Dombrowski, RHU, REBC - President
Bernie Dombrowski is the president and an original founder of Synergy Benefits, Inc. Bernie earned a BBA with a concentration in management from James Madison University in 1993. He furthered his education at the American College, where he received the Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) and the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) designations. Bernie has been a Life and Health licensed agent since 1996, when he began his insurance career with Optimum Choice, and also holds a Property and Casualty license. Bernie was instrumental in the formation of Synergy Benefits in February 2001.

Bernie currently serves as the Virginia Managing General Agent for Starmark, Inc., is seated on the United Healthcare Regional Advisory Panel, and has served as a past representative for the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield State-wide Advisory Panel. Furthermore, he is a member (and past president) of Kiwanis Bull Run Chapter, the George Mason University Touchdown Club, the James Madison University Duke Club, and other charitable organizations.

Bernie resides in Leesburg, VA with his wife, Andrea, and their four children (Madison, Richie, Tyler, and Jessica). In addition to being a partner in Synergy Benefits, Bernie spends much of his free time with family and coaching youth football and basketball.


Robert HaywardRobert Hayward, Vice President of the Northern VA Office
Robert Hayward is Vice President of Synergy Benefits, Inc. and is one of the original founders of the company. Robert graduated from Old Dominion University in 1994 with a BA in history and political science. Upon graduation, Robert worked for a prominent patent-law firm in Washington, DC before beginning his insurance career.

In 1996, Robert joined New York Life as a licensed Life and Health agent and in 1998, he transitioned his focus to the employee benefits market. Robert is currently pursuing his Chartered Benefits Consultants designation.

Robert is married with three children and resides in Vienna, VA. He is an avid swimmer, cyclist and runner, and has competed in multiple Marine Corps Marathons and several sprint, Olympic and half-ironman triathlons.


Patrick CampbellPatrick Campbell, RHU – Vice President of the Central VA Office
Patrick is an original employee of Synergy Benefits, Inc. After graduating from the University of Richmond in 1995, he worked for Optimum Choice, Inc. and then moved on to work as a health insurance agent specializing in group sponsored benefits for an independent agency before joining Synergy Benefits at it's inception.

Patrick resides in Richmond, VA with his wife and son. He is an avid fan of UNC athletics, especially UNC basketball, and the band U2. In his free time, he enjoys running and attending sporting events.






Timothy J. FeeTimothy J. Fee, RHU – Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Tim began his career in the employee benefits field as a Senior Sales Supervisor with MAMSI/Optimum Choice, Inc. in 1995. He joined Synergy Benefits, Inc. at its formation in 2001.

Tim received his BS from James Madison University in 1991 and his MS from the University of Richmond in 1994. He then went on to pursue his Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation. He is seated on the United Healthcare Regional Advisory Panel and participates in a variety of networking groups, including Business Networking International (BNI - Virginia Marketing Alliance), JMU Alumni and HYPE/Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

Tim resides in Richmond, VA. He is an avid runner who has completed three marathons (2:52.02 PR) and is a dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Phillies.


Hiram FriasHiram Frias, Associate Vice President
Hiram joined Synergy Benefits, Inc. in 2001 to focus on individual and small group health insurance sales. Hiram was awarded the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Ribbon Award for three years in a row due to his outstanding individual health insurance sales. Currently, Hiram’s focus encompasses all aspects of employee benefits and individual products, including health, dental, disability and life insurance products.

Hiram has a very diverse background. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1992 and served his country for four years. During that time, he was a member of the distinguished FAST Company and later the 2nd Battatlion 6th Marine Regiment. Furthermore, he was chosen to wrestle for the USMC wrestling team. After an Honorable discharge in 1996, Hiram worked for New York Life as a life insurance agent, before coming on board to Synergy Benefits. Hiram is fluent in Spanish and has served as a board member for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Hiram has been married since 1993 and resides in Stafford, VA with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children. He is very active within his community and currently serves as a leader and coach for the Highlander Wrestling Club and also as an assistant coach for the North Stafford High School wrestling team.



Managers

Mary DittbrennerMary Dittbrenner – Office Manager
Mary Dittbrenner has been involved with the employee benefits and health insurance business since 1991. She holds the title of office manager, but is also a licensed agent and member of our sales support staff. She has an in-depth knowledge of the various insurance companies, fully understands health insurance benefits and knows how to navigate the various departments within the insurance companies. Mary’s unique knowledge base focuses on Medicare and Medicare supplements.

Originally from Wisconsin, Mary has lived in Virginia since 1987. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in home economics education. Her primary focus during her professional career has been adult education, and she uses that knowledge to inform our clients about health care options. She believes that an educated consumer is better able to make necessary decisions about their health insurance needs. She has four children and one grandchild. During her free time, she enjoys quilting and cross stitching, is an avid reader and loves to work on crossword puzzles.


Andrea DombrowskiAndrea Dombrowski, Businesss Development Manager
Andrea joined Synergy Benefits, Inc. after a long and distinguished career in financial services and management. After serving 13 years in financial services and human resource management for one of the nation’s top investment firms, Andrea worked in the real estate sector from 2003-2008. During that time, she achieved the Northern Virginia DAAR Top Sales Producer and Chairman’s Club Member and earned her ABR designation for one of the region’s top brokerage firms. Andrea brings her formidable management and sales experience to Synergy Benefits, serving as Manager of Business Development. She is excited and looking forward to bringing Synergy Benefits’ message to the local business community and providing unparalleled expertise, products and customer service to its clients.

Andrea is married to Synergy Benefits’ senior partner, Bernie Dombrowski, and resides in Leesburg, VA with her husband and children. In addition to serving as Synergy Benefits’ Business Development Manager, she is also an active volunteer with multiple youth sports leagues and serves on various Loudoun County Public Schools PTA and delegate boards. Her passion is family, and she very much enjoys participating in community volunteer efforts and helping causes that promote the best interests of children and local school organizations.


Shana ConefreyShana Conefrey, Senior Account Executive
Shana joined Synergy Benefits, Inc. with 12 years of customer service experience and four years working in human resources. Life, health and annuities licensed, Shana brings a wealth of customer service expertise and knowledge in benefits to the company.

Shana resides with her family in Winchester, VA. In addition to serving as Synergy Benefits' Senior Account Executive, she is also kept very busy by her young son and all of his sports and activities. She enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her friends and family.