Susan began her insurance career in 1986. She quickly realized that she had a knack for the profession and she saw a market need – businesses wanted to rely on one contact to advise them - to shop for, implement and service their employee benefits. So she embarked on a mission to become a group insurance subject matter expert.

In 1993, Susan founded Susan E. Payne & Associates with a vision of providing personalized service to businesses. Susan’s goal was to build a team that would combine their unique talents to handle all areas of employee benefits, including communications, claims problems and administrative issues. She knew that most businesses did not want to expend their energy in these areas, but instead, wanted to focus on their core business strategy and operations.

Susan continually challenges herself and her team to find new and better ways to serve their clients and to expand their skills. She has attended the comprehensive Strategic Coach Program (a study and planning group for entrepreneurs) for eleven years, where she is continually inspired with new concepts and approaches to share with her team.

Client feedback tells us that Susan is a “very honest, compassionate, thorough and dedicated person, with a ‘never give up’ spirit when fighting for what is right.” She is well respected because of her knowledge, her sincerity and her integrity.

1. On the personal side, Susan has been a resident of Bergen County for more than 40 years. She and her late husband Tom have four daughters and eight grandchildren. She enjoys volunteering and supporting her community. She has a new dog named Royal Payne.

CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter. REBC - Registered Employee Benefits Consultant. RHU – Registered Health Underwriter.

Carol Krass, Office Manager

Carol has extensive experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining SPA, Carol supported Sales Representatives across 3 states with Dearborn National Life Insurance Company. She holds her Producer license in Health, Life and Accident insurances. Here at SPA, Carol coordinates with insurance carriers, administers proposals and renewals, maintains office records and most importantly, responds to client inquiries. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Carol lives in the Ringwood area with her husband and two children.

Erin Miller - Director of Marketing

Erin joined the firm in 2006. She brings with her several years of college study, Paralegal experience and a Paralegal Certificate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and more than 30 years of community swim coaching experience from which she has won several awards at the state and national level. Erin is a business owner and director for SwimAmerica, and started her own theater company Roundtable Theater Company. Erin works to expand the SPA business reach, handles large group enrollments, supports client and employee communications, and provides customer service as needed.