Being a Strategic Business Partner

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Welcome to the Tulsa Employee Benefits Group (TEBG)

The Tulsa Employee Benefits Group (TEBG) is a professional association dedicated to serving Human Resources, Benefits Administration, Total Rewards, Payroll, Finance, and business leaders responsible for designing, administering, and communicating employee health, welfare, and retirement benefits. Our members represent organizations of every size and industry throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area and share a common commitment to building competitive, compliant, and financially sustainable employee benefit programs.

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, employee benefits are no longer simply an expense—they are a strategic investment in an organization’s ability to attract, engage, and retain exceptional talent. Decisions surrounding medical plans, prescription drug coverage, wellness initiatives, retirement savings programs, leave policies, compliance, and employee communications directly influence workforce satisfaction, organizational culture, productivity, and long-term business success. As employers continue to navigate evolving regulations, rising healthcare costs, and changing employee expectations, staying informed has never been more important.

TEBG exists to help benefits professionals meet those challenges. From September through May, our members gather monthly for lunch, education, and collaboration. Each meeting features presentations from respected industry experts covering current legislative developments, healthcare trends, retirement plan strategies, compliance updates, vendor innovations, and best practices that members can immediately apply within their organizations.

Beyond education, TEBG provides something equally valuable—a community of peers. Our meetings create opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss real-world challenges, benchmark practices, and build relationships with fellow professionals who understand the complexities of managing employee benefits. Whether you’re evaluating plan design changes, navigating regulatory requirements, preparing for open enrollment, or exploring innovative approaches to employee well-being, TEBG offers a trusted network of experienced professionals willing to share knowledge and support one another.

Our mission is simple: to equip benefits professionals with the knowledge, resources, and professional connections they need to make informed decisions that strengthen both their organizations and the lives of the employees they serve. By investing in continuous learning and meaningful collaboration, TEBG helps members deliver benefit programs that create value for employees while supporting sound business outcomes.

Whether you are an experienced benefits leader or new to the profession, we invite you to join us as we learn together, grow together, and help shape the future of employee benefits in the Tulsa community.

TEBG Meeting

Thursday April 16, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

RSVP deadline is past

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TEBG Meeting

Thursday May 21, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

RSVP deadline is past

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

RSVP deadline is past

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

RSVP deadline is past

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday August 20, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday September 17, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday October 15, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday November 19, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

Event Types:

TEBG Meeting

Thursday December 17, 2026 12:00 AM
 

Eric S. Smith regularly advises clients regarding the design and implementation of all types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He also advises clients regarding the design and management of welfare benefit programs, including health plans and cafeteria plans. He assists clients with day-to-day administrative, nondiscrimination and fiduciary issues, including operational and reporting corrections under the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs.

Prior to joining Conner & Winters, Eric was a shareholder of Blackwell Smith, P.C.   He also practiced with another respected Tulsa firm in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, tax exempt organizations and health law, as well as employee benefits law.

Eric has been included in the Best Lawyers in America among employee benefits practitioners each year since 2009.  He is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and has served as a director of the South West Benefits Association, Tulsa Employee Benefits Group, Big Brothers and Sisters of Green Country and the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Alumni Association.

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