Leadership & experience

Our team brings extensive industry knowledge and experience to the table. Among the many local and regional brokerages, Soldevila & Associates stands out because we are not only dedicated to delivering creative, cost-effective benefits plans but also because we can leverage our strong networks and established relationships to negotiate successfully on our clients' behalf.

Dale Soldevila

Founder & President

Dale founded Soldevila & Associates, LLC. in July, 2000. From the very beginning Dale has maintained the company's mission of delivering simple, affordable and comprehensive employee benefits management solutions that provide immediate impact to an employer's bottom line. For current and prospective clients, Dale's activities focus on helping organizations develop a vision and strategy for the role of Human Resource Information Services (HRIS), as well as conducting Employee Benefit needs analysis, defining requirements, evaluating and selecting vendors, and planning and managing system implementations and servicing clients. Dale has led Soldevila & Associates to become a "respected firm" in the benefits marketplace . By aligning the organization with a wide array of partners, Soldevila and Associates has been able to leverage its core strengths, provide a high level of service and realize reduced pricing for clients.

Dale is celebrating 30 years of experience in the employee benefits industry this year. Prior to forming Soldevila & Associates, Dale spent the first 3-years of his career with Ochsner Health Plan (now Humana Healthcare) as an Account Executive.  Dale's experience included the design, sale and implementation of health insurance plans to companies of 2-3000 employees within Louisiana. The next 3-years were spent with Slabaugh, Morgan, Conefry Consulting firm. Dale's specific areas of focus included the analysis of all employee benefit plans, HR organizational design, process and systems analysis, policy design and implementation of integrated human resource and compliance analysis for local and national clients.

Dale grew up in Clarksdale, MS and attended the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, MS. Dale moved to New Orleans, LA in 1990 to open Glamour Shots in the Lakeside Mall and entered the insurance industry in 1994.

Hillary Soldevila Barnett

Director of Accounts

Hillary has been part of the Soldevila & Associates team since 2007, starting in a part-time role. After graduating Louisiana State University, she officially joined the team full-time in 2015. Before stepping into her leadership role at the agency, Hillary gained valuable experience in client relations through positions with a national real estate firm and Tulane University.

Born and raised in Metairie, she’s a proud alumna of St. Catherine of Siena School and Mount Carmel Academy. Today, Hillary leads our Account Management team with heart, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to making sure every client feels heard, supported, and valued.

Outside of work, Hillary’s world revolves around her husband Chris, whom she married in 2018, and their son Lucas, born in 2023. Whether she's navigating the world of employee benefits or chasing around a toddler, Hillary brings energy, warmth, and genuine care to everything she does.

 

Kristen Brunet

Account Manager

Kristen is a dynamic professional whose knowledge, organizational, and account management skills keep Soldevila & Associates client partners satisfied. Kristen has over 20 years of experience in the employee benefits industry and has been part of the Soldevila account team since 2018. 

Amanda Prejean

Benefits Analyst

Amanda recently joined Soldevila & Associates as Benefits Analyst. She brings several years of experience working for a national insurance agency in the same role. Her experience and knack for data, spreadsheets and complex calculations make her a valuable part of the team. 

Savonna Kalil

Administrative Assistant

Savonna Kalil brings a strong background in administration and customer service, with a focus on creating smooth and positive experiences for clients, vendors, and colleagues. Since joining Soldevila & Associates in 2022, she has been an integral part of the team, working closely with producers, account managers, and external partners to support daily operations with professionalism and care.

She is passionate about growing within the agency and taking on new challenges that help support both clients and team members.

A lifelong resident of Metairie, Louisiana, Savonna attended East Jefferson High School and the University of New Orleans. She was recently married to PJ DiIorio. Outside of work, she’s an avid rock climber who finds joy in adventure and the outdoors—her dream is to complete a “Big Wall” climb in Yosemite National Park.

 

Laurie D'Aquila Allen

Benefits Technology Supervisor

Laurie D’Aquila Allen is an experienced benefits professional with over 12 years in client service, insurance, and employee benefits technology. Born and raised in Metairie, Laurie attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School and earned her degree from Louisiana State University.

She began her career working with both local and national insurance agencies, where she gained a deep understanding of benefits administration and technology solutions. Since joining Soldevila & Associates in 2019, Laurie has led the development and management of our online enrollment platforms, helping clients streamline their benefits experience with confidence and care.

Laurie recently married Justin Allen and enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active in the community, and embracing life in the Greater New Orleans area.

Sydney Fancher

Marketing/Business Development

Sydney Fancher is a recent Marketing graduate with a strong foundation in sales, management, and strategic marketing. In her current role on the marketing and business development team at Soldevila & Associates, Sydney is focused on elevating the firm’s brand, building meaningful relationships, and finding creative ways to connect with clients and prospects.

She brings a genuine passion for communication and collaboration, and thrives on creating campaigns that not only drive results but also tell a compelling story.

Outside the office, Sydney is an avid reader, a curious traveler, and a big believer in lifelong learning. She’s currently working toward her personal goal of visiting every continent—and collecting great stories along the way.