Joe Alvarez | President and Founder
Joe is a life and health agent, insurance advisor, and regulation compliance consultant. He has had a 25+ year career in the New Mexico insurance and benefits market. His compassion for people and service, as well as the freedom to run his business with his unique philosophies regarding customer and support has made Client First, LLC a respected organization that truly puts its clients and their employees 'first'. In his spare time, Joe appreciates being with his wife, children, grandkids, various pets, and the rest of his family and friends. He also enjoys off-roading, fishing, and camping.
Paula Sherwood | Vice President, Benefit Services
Paula's career has spanned over 25 years in the New Mexico insurance and benefits market. Paula applies her need to know, attention to detail and problem solving skills as a benefits advisor, client advocate, and ACA consultant. Paula's insurance and benefits experience began nearly 30 years ago when she joined Brokerage Services/Group Brokerage, a TPA and sales general agent for fully insured and self funded programs. She later joined a local independent agency where she managed the firm's clients, compliance, sales, customer service, and benefits administration activities. Her prior work history also includes public accounting and human resource management. This experience, coupled with the vast insurance and benefits in-depth knowledge she has gained makes her a valuable asset to our clients and the Client First Team. Paula loves her dogs, enjoys dancing, exercising, hiking, and spending quality time with her friends and large family.
Lupe Baca | Vice President, Client Services
Lupe started her career in the health industry in 1986 as the Business Manager of a nursing home in Las Cruces. When she moved to Albuquerque in 1989, she continued her path in the healthcare industry working in billing for a major hospital and later for a national carrier. Lupe was fortunate to work with managers who developed the Universal Billing forms used by providers across the country. Learning from high caliber experts in the field helped shape her knowledge and passion to resolve claim and billing issues. Later, she moved to Sales working in the large market segment. In 2008, an Account Manager position opened up with a local agency and Lupe was hired to support Joe Alvarez with Employee Benefits. At Client First, Lupe has been able to pursue her passion of Customer Advocacy which has won her the respect of employers, employees, and her colleagues. In her personal life, Lupe enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and volunteering in the children's ministry of her church.