Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
The demand for group benefits in Atlantic Canada is rising fast, and the concept for a new specialist role emerged from collaboration among several Co-operators Agency Owners across the region to address these evolving needs. Devon Forshner stepped in to fill it, and his results have already placed him on BPM’s Rising Stars list for 2025.
Forshner describes his path as a mix of chances and choices. He never followed a rigid plan, but when opportunities appeared, such as a speaking slot, a new project, a leadership role, he took them. Being named a Rising Star feels like a natural extension of that approach, a recognition of both his readiness to take on challenges and his intent to build a career that leaves a mark.
His professional identity rests on trust. Forshner has built his reputation as a group benefits specialist by simplifying complex benefit programs and helping people feel confident in their coverage. He invests time in educating plan sponsors and employees through onboarding, renewals, and communication that makes benefits practical rather than abstract.
“I’ve learned that saying you’ll do something is one thing, but actually following through and delivering on your promise means everything,” he explains.
That approach has shaped both client relationships and his standing within the organization.
Senior manager, agency sales & business development, Lisa Lamers says, “Devon’s position in the Atlantic Region was created to strengthen our capabilities. He has been instrumental in collaborating with multiple independent advisors across Atlantic Canada, driving success and supporting growth for Co-operators in this important market.”
The endorsement highlights how his efforts serve local clients and broader corporate goals. Group benefit sales manager Cheri Mitchell adds, “Having someone with Devon’s background has been very beneficial to support our clients and, in turn, their employees. Passionate, driven advisors, such as Devon, are integral to our organization as we continue to grow and invest in our group benefit and retirement and savings offerings.”
Forshner points to speaking engagements at industry events as milestones that validated his expertise, marking achievements that reach past sales numbers. Those opportunities showed him that his insights carry weight and encouraged him to continue contributing to the industry conversation.
Mentorship has been another driver. He has drawn on guidance from many different people, which has broadened his perspective and made him a more rounded professional.
Forshner’s developing career has worked in his favour. He approaches problems with curiosity and brings fresh thinking to established practices. That willingness to ask questions and test assumptions has helped clients consider new solutions and underscored his value as a group benefits specialist.
The biggest challenge now lies in balancing growth with operational demands. Demand for services is accelerating, and Forshner stresses the importance of processes and systems that can scale without eroding the quality of service. He views that balance as essential for sustaining momentum while preserving the client experience that differentiates Co-operators.
Being named a Rising Star has not changed his values but has reinforced his direction. It has encouraged him to think bigger about his role in shaping client outcomes and influencing the industry in Atlantic Canada.
The recognition has given him added motivation to keep growing, not just for personal advancement but for the benefit of clients, partners, and the organization he represents.
#201-1201 Larry Uteck Blvd, Bedford, NS, B4B 0S9
902-457-4457 ext. 700757
devon_forshner@cooperators.ca
linkedin.com/in/devonforshner
www.cooperators.ca
Devon Forshner
Group Benefits Specialist
Co-operators
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2009–2013
2014–2020
2020–2024
2024–Present
2024–Present
Various roles within human resources at Medavie Blue Cross
2009–2013
Started as a senior analyst, benefits consulting, promoted through various consulting roles to senior consultant at Morneau Shepell
2014–2020
Morneau Shepell Consulting practice was acquired by HUB International and he was promoted to associate vice president
2020–2024
Group Benefits Specialist at Co-operators
2024–Present
2024–Present: Chief sales and marketing officer at RedZed, overseeing RedZed’s sales and marketing functions, with a strong focus on initiatives that equip brokers to effectively support the unique needs of self-employed borrowers
2024: Honoured with the Global Female Private Banker of the Year at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards for the second consecutive year, becoming the first-ever back-to-back global winner in the category
2024–Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
