Lauren Winans is the CEO and Principal HR Consultant at Next Level Benefits, an HR consulting practice providing access to HR professionals for interim talent and fractional HR support. With nearly 25 years of human resources and employee benefits experience, Lauren possesses a deep expertise of HR best practices and what resonates with employees.

Prior to founding Next Level Benefits in 2019, Lauren was a senior HR leader at General Nutrition Centers, American Eagle Outfitters, and CONSOL Energy, as well as part of the National Accounts division at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

Lauren is a frequent speaker and panelist for a variety of organizations such as the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), World at Work, HR Daily Advisor, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, People4People, and The Alliance, among many others.  Her insights have been featured in several media outlets such as BBC News, Forbes, USA Today, US News and World Report, NBC News, and The Washington Post.