About Us
Select Networks was founded in 1993 in Des Moines, Iowa, with its charter to provide vision benefits for employer groups.
By offering the largest vision provider network in Iowa, new technology in online shopping, and New and Improved plans, Select Networks is adding great value to employer benefit packages, helping to recruit and retain employees in this ever competitive market.
1978
PROGRAMS
2002
Avēsis began in 1978 as a family-run business vested in protecting the vision, dental, and hearing health of Americans. And for nearly 40 years, that’s just what we’ve done.
In 2002, Select Networks created an alliance with Avēsis, Inc to market, sell and service their vision plans. This relationship has proven to be of great value to our customers by providing a vast network, innovative plan designs, and unmatched customer service.
EXPERIENCE
Decades of experience as a national administrator of these essential healthcare programs have given us the unique experience and expertise to match exceptional products and providers—ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, audiologists, and dentists—with the people who need them.
Avēsis continues to offer flexibility and cost-effective plans, a robust network of vision providers and rich benefit programs to meet all employer and employee needs.
CLAYTON
COPPLE
President
Clayton Copple started Select Networks in April of 1994 after spending many years as Vice President of a local eyecare center. Select Networks was created to provide vision insurance plans for insurance carriers and companies. In January 2009 he added non-insurance benefit packages for part time employees for groups and associations. In June 2017, Create PPO LLC was created as the consulting company in the area of ancillary insurance lines and risk management.
MICHELE
PRUISNER
Vice President of Select Networks & Create PPO
Direct Phone: 515-422-4743
Email: mpruisner@createppo.com
Michele joined Create PPO in 2017 and was promoted to her current role in 2022. She is an accomplished senior level health care insurance and marketing professional with over 20 years of expertise in leading high performing teams with extensive knowledge of health, medical, dental, flex, life, vision products and employee benefit plans. A highly energetic and passionate leader with a proven track record in retaining and promoting highly engaged individuals. Accomplished track record in leadership and development of strong partnerships with stakeholders and internal and external partners.
STEVE
ELLINGBOE
Director of Sales & Marketing
Steve joined Select networks in 1999 as a Sales & Marketing Director. Steve works with brokers and groups to find the best vision plan that works for the group and their members and really enjoys the relationships he has built with brokers. Select Networks has partnered with Avesis Vision for over 20 years. It has been a great partnership with Avesis being innovative in offering the best plan designs and the best network available in the marketplace.
TERESA
SMITH
Business Relationship Mgr.
Teresa joined Select Networks in May 2012 as a Business Relationship Manager. Teresa’s role is to work with brokers providing customized enrollment materials; submission and set-up of new groups; plus provide outstanding customer service to our clients. Her insurance career started in 1989 working for a local insurance company, transitioning over to the broker side of the business in 1993 and back to the carrier side in 2012 with Select Networks. She enjoys building relationships with the broker community in both Iowa and South Dakota and traveling to meet and assist them with their needs.
DEREK
HANNAH
Business Relationship Mgr. II
Derek joined Select Networks in March of 2021, after three years in insurance communications with a sister company. As Relationship Manager, Derek assists our groups of 2-100 with renewals and other service needs. He looks forward to building on the relationships Select Networks has established and continuing to form his own, saying, “It’s a joy to work with brokers when truly believing in these great Avesis products!”
