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Our Team
At Laurus Strategies, we recognize that our services are only as good as the people who provide them. One of our greatest strengths is our depth and breadth of experience. We take great pains to employ a phenomenal group of professionals whose experience qualifies them as specialists in their own right.
We are proud of every member of our team. Each individual stands ready, willing and able to give top-flight service, zealous support and innovative solutions.
The Laurus Strategies Team
PATRICK B. AHERN, Financial Services
Registered Investment Advisor*
pahern@mscmail.biz,
(312) 429-2259
Pat Ahern is responsible for providing practical counsel and strategies to both corporate and individual clients. His approach is goal-oriented: working with the client to discover their goals and providing strategies to assist the client in striving for sustainable, long-term benefits.
At a corporate level, Pat serves as advisor for retirement plans and executive benefit programs. He assists companies in cultivating their retirement plan with particular focus on fiduciary responsibility and employee education. In the executive benefit arena, Pat develops programs using life, disability and long-term care insurance and deferred compensation arrangements to help assure business owners of reaching intended results of attracting, rewarding and retaining key employees. For individual clients, Pat concentrates his services in the areas of insurance, retirement, investment and estate planning.
Before joining Laurus Strategies, Pat worked at Accenture for more than ten years in their Corporate Finance organization. He had financial responsibility for a $250 million global operating budget for Accenture's corporate functions. By working with leaders of these various functions, Pat established goal planning, budget development and quarterly monitoring of their programs and forecasts.
Pat graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Finance. He also received his MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Pat maintains his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and earned the Certificate in Financial Planning. He is a Registered Representative of Mutual Service Corporation.
Pat serves on the Finance Committee and the Religious Education Board at his parish, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elmhurst, Illinois. He is a Chick Evans Scholar alum and is active in their Alumni Association and planning committee for the Evans Scholar Invitational. He also participates on the Programs Committee for the Chicago chapter of the Society of Human Resource Professionals. Pat is also involved in youth activities in Elmhurst as he coaches baseball teams for two of his sons.
*Securities and Advisory Services offered through Mutual Service Corporation. Mutual Service Corporation and LPL Financial are affiliated companies and are members of FINRA/SIPC. Laurus Strategies is not affiliated with Mutual Service Corporation or LPL Financial.
SHAYNA ALWICKER, Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
salwicker@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2278
Experience
- 5 years of employee benefits industry experience
- Assistant Vice President with major international consulting firm
- Enrollment Director of innovative consulting program using voluntary benefits to offset employers' larger benefit initiatives.
- Extensive experience directing complex enrollment implementations and overseeing the design, coordination, and delivery of customized communication programs for large employer group benefit programs.
JEANETTE ANDERSON, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
janderson@laurusstrategies.com
(262) 347-4431
Jeanette is a Senior Consultant in Laurus Strategies' Waukesha, WI office. She works with clients to develop and implement benefit plan strategies, manage vendor relationships and assist with general plan management.
Jeanette has 3 years' experience with a national insurance carrier responsible for all aspects of account management for various coverages: administrative services, consumer-driven health plans, stop loss, HMOs, Prescription Drugs, Group Life & Disability and Medicare Advantage/PDP plans. She also has 9 years of benefits consulting experience.
Jeanette is very active in the community as well. She is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Employee Benefits Council as well as the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Specialists. She also sits on the board for the Gone Too Soon Foundation.
Jeanette received her B.S. in Statistics/Actuarial Science from the University of Wisconsin. She is also licensed in Health & Life Insurance, and she is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), and a Registered Employee Benefit Consultant (REBC).
PETER ANDERSON, Chief Strategist
panderson@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2243
Experience
- 30 years of industry experience
- Founder, Chicago-based FST Associates, Inc.
- Managed national employee benefits brokerage/consulting company
- Regional Manager for several national managed healthcare/employee benefits companies
Education/Credentials
- B.A. from the University of Michigan
- MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management
Community Involvement
- Advises a number of corporations, charities and educational institutions as board member of their management, risk management, and/or investment committees
SCOTT BASTIAN, Managing Partner, Health & Welfare Practice
sbastian@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2244
Scott Bastian is the Managing Partner of Laurus Strategies' Health and Welfare Practice. He is responsible for guiding the Health and Welfare practice and providing the vision and resources necessary to support its growth. He is also responsible for identifying trends and opportunities in the industry to lead the practice and company while providing practical solutions for Laurus Strategies' clients.
Scott works with clients to create sustainable strategies and programs to support their overall company success. He has experience in a number of industries including gaming, hospitality and healthcare. His success is measured by the number of long-term clients, the tenure of Laurus Strategies employees and the achievements of the Health and Welfare practice.
Scott has been in the employee benefits industry for the past 23 years in a variety of areas including consulting, service, underwriting and operations. He has developed key operating units in employee benefit consulting practices locally and nationally. He is also a member of industry advisory boards and frequently speaks at industry functions.
Scott currently sits on boards for non-profit organizations and for-profit organizations. He believes in the importance of participating in community services and brings that same commitment to Laurus Strategies.
Scott graduated with a major in Finance from the University of Iowa.
ELIZABETH BERGER, Associate Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
eberger@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2265
Experience
- 2 years of benefits consulting experience
- Previous experience includes multiple client service positions involving account set up and ongoing management
Education/Credentials
- Licensed in Health and Welfare
Community Involvement
- Active volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois
MONTE BOYKIN, Partner, Property & Casualty Services
mboykin@laurusstrategies.com
(248) 438-2210
Experience
- Insurance consultant since 1990
- 15 years’ experience in alternative risk financing insurance programs including captives, rent-a-captives, and high deductible programs
- Program Director for Marsh USA, functioned as internal consultant for marketing, service, coordination, communication and management of an heterogeneous “Off Shore” captive facility domiciled in the Cayman Islands
- As Sales Manager at The Owens Group, oversaw and executed start up firm sales growth strategy
- As Risk Financing Consultant at Arthur J Gallagher & Co., Inc., developed new business in specialized markets
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Business Management and Marketing Minor from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York
- Licensed in Property and Casualty Insurance
- ARM Designation (Associate in Risk Management)
Community Involvement
- Myasthenia Gravis Association Board Member
- Washtenaw County United Way volunteer
ROBERT (BOB) W. BRYAN, JR., Partner, Health & Welfare Practice
bbryan@laurusstrategies.com
(262) 347-4430
Bob Bryan is a Partner in the firm and focuses on client retention and growth within the Health and Welfare Practice. He is based in the Laurus Strategies Wisconsin office and is an integral part of that office's leadership and growth.
Bob's client work focuses on developing innovative long-term strategies, plan vendor management and leading various client teams in the delivery and management of those strategies. His clients typically have employees in multiple states requiring a national perspective on benefit plan issues and solutions. Bob has established client relationships throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states with a focus on client growth in Wisconsin.
Bob has been in the employee benefits industry for over 26 years in a variety of roles including underwriting, marketing, consulting and management. He founded the first expansion of FST Associates in Milwaukee, WI which ultimately became part of Laurus Strategies.
Bob is very active with many civic organizations throughout Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. He graduated from the Liberal Arts College of Marquette University with a Bachelors of Science degree.
ANDREA CARR, SPHR, Senior Consultant, Human Resource Solutions
acarr@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2284
Experience
- Over 18 years Human Resources experience
- Started her career in Human Resources at a large department store chain where she directed all human resource services for 6 stores in Oregon and southwest Washington
- From there, recruited to build a Human Resource Department for an emerging medical device company where she partnered with the management team on reorganization and recruitment of North American sales team in 45 days
- Went on to build a new decentralized statewide Human Resource Department for a state agency, with 3,000 union and non-union employees
- Also at the state agency, was instrumental in rolling out the first-ever management banding compensation structure
- Then recruited to build the first Human Resource Department for a start-up next-generation entertainment company
- At start-up, helped achieve aggressive growth, tripling in size in less than one year, and was instrumental on executive planning team for a successful merger
- Then at a global law firm, designed and conducted comprehensive Human Resource best practice and compliance audits for North American Offices.
- Also at law firm was recruited to re-engineer the Human Resource and Recruiting Departments for Northern California offices
Education/Credentials
- B.A. in Psychology (Industrial/Organizational) from University of Washington
- Completed Washington State Executive Management Program
- Certificate from the Human Resource Executive Program at Stanford University, Graduate School of Business
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute
JIM CARSON, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
jcarson@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2285
Experience
- 13 years of industry experience
- 6 years of current benefits consulting experience.
- Extensive experience in advising mid market employers and associations with various levels of plan designs, budgeting, and consumerism strategies
- Analysis includes vendor selection, network assessment, vendor negotiations and data analysis
- 5 years experience in Underwriting for a managing general underwriter (MGU)
- 2 years experience with national insurance carrier in the area of Ancillary Underwriting for Accident and Health products
Education/Credentials
- Majored in Economics at Southern Illinois University
- Licensed in Health and Welfare
SCOTT CARTER, Partner, Health & Welfare Practice
scarter@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2245
Scott Carter is a Partner based out of the Chicago office of Laurus Strategies. With 13 years' experience in corporate employee benefit consulting, Scott works with clients to create sustainable employee benefit strategies and programs to support their overall company mission. He is responsible for leading the Client Management Team within the Health & Welfare Consulting Practice.
Scott's client work focuses on developing innovative long-term strategies, assuring that such strategies produce intended results, plan and vendor management, and leading various client teams in strategy execution. His clients typically have employees in multiple states requiring a national perspective on benefit plan issues and solutions. Scott has established client relationships throughout the Midwest and Southern states.
One of Scott's most significant accomplishments was recommending and implementing one of the first full-replacement consumer-directed health plans of its size, for over 30,000 employees, located in 33 states. Scott continues to be heavily involved in consumer-directed initiatives for many of Laurus Strategies' clients, as well as the formation of a national user group.
Scott graduated with a BA from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. He also received his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, IL. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County.
JAKE CLAYTOR, Associate Consultant, Property & Casualty Services
jclaytor@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 718-2826
Jake Claytor is a Property and Casualty Producer for Laurus Strategies. He is responsible for new business development, policy review and client satisfaction.
Prior to joining Laurus Strategies in 2008, Jake was a Property & Casualty Producer for Wausau Signature Agency. His experience includes reviewing policies for prospects/clients, identifying potential hazards and coming up with not only competitive options for clients, but also customized insurance programs for businesses in various industries.
Jake received his Bachelors of Science in Marketing from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. He is licensed in Property and Casualty, as well as in Health and Welfare, and is actively seeking designations in the insurance industry.
ROBERT J. CZAPIEWSKI, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
rczapiewski@laurusstrategies.com
(248) 438-2205
Rob is the CFO of Laurus Strategies. He was instrumental in the structuring of the mergers and acquisitions that make up Laurus Strategies today. Rob was the President and CEO of one of the organizations acquired. He currently heads the finance and accounting department and provides resources as part of Laurus Strategies integral management team.
Rob has over 24 years public accounting experience with accounting firms throughout Detroit with client bases in construction, real estate and professional services. His previous roles include Audit Management, Firm Quality Control Management, Corporate and Personal Tax Preparation and Consulting, and Personal Financial Planning and Consulting.
Rob left Public Accounting for a job in Private as Corporate/Tax Accountant for a large regional Real Estate Development firm. Subsequently he transitioned within the firm in 2 years to head up Payroll Services and PEO business as President. Rob became involved with Laurus Strategies upon its inception when the Payroll Services business was acquired by Laurus Strategies.
Rob currently sits on boards for several local and state-level non-profit organizations.
Rob graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Michigan, previously licensed in Texas. He has also achieved Certified Financial Planning (CFP) (currently inactive) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designations.
ED DEUTER, Partner
edeuter@laurusstrategies.com
(262) 347-4427
Experience
- Over 30 years of industry experience
- Founder / Owner of benefits division for a regional insurance firm
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Sociology and Economics from South Dakota State University
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) from The American College
Community Involvement
- Has been involved in several community and state projects and committees
JACK DOERR, Of Counsel
jdoerr@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2267
Experience
- 40 years of industry experience
- Frequent speaker at industry meetings
- Quoted and interviewed in numerous journals, newspapers and magazines
- Appeared before U.S. Senate Committees and IRS Hearings on healthcare issues
- National Practice Leader of Group Benefits for an international benefits consulting firm
- Vice President in charge of the Midwest Benefits Operation of a major insurance carrier
- President of a local benefits consulting firm
- U.S. representative to an international benefits committee for a benefits consulting firm
ROB DORSEY, Principal
rdorsey@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2258
Experience
- 19 years experience as a Senior Marketing Executive for a major national managed care company
- Team Leadership with overall growth, persistency and financial responsibility of 65 clients, and 75,000 employees
- Worked with all of the top consulting and brokerage firms in the Illinois marketplace
- Responsible for overall management of clients ranging in size from 200 to 10,000 employees
MARK DUNN, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
mdunn@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2266
Mark is a Senior Consultant in Laurus Strategies’ Chicago, IL office. He advises clients on plan design structure, budgeting, renewals, and consumerism strategies.
Mark has 4 years’ experience with national insurance carriers and has been responsible for all aspects of underwriting and financial accounting for multiple coverages: medical, dental, stop loss, life and disability. He also has 9 years of benefits consulting experience working with clients ranging from 200-30,000 employees, advising them on vendor selection, network assessment, data analysis and vendor negotiations.
Mark graduated with a B.S. in Finance & Law from Illinois State University. He also received his MBA in Finance/International Management from the Illinois State University. He is licensed in Health and Life Insurance.
JOHN C. FITZPATRICK, Partner, Health & Welfare Practice
jfitzpatrick@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2252
John Fitzpatrick is a co-founder and Partner of Laurus Strategies. He is responsible for new business development and client satisfaction.
John has been involved in the insurance industry at a high level for the past 14 years in many key aspects of the business including sales, service, client satisfaction, and underwriting. He is responsible for developing several multimillion dollar businesses in multiple cities across the country.
John is very active in the community. He currently sits on the board for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago and is a founding member of the Chicago Business Resource Group (CBRG). In addition, he serves as a football and basketball coach at Immaculate Conception School in Elmhurst, IL. Lastly, John is a member at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, IL.
John graduated with a major in Government from Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y.
TRACI GLEASON, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
tgleason@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2275
Traci is a Senior Consultant in Laurus Strategies Chicago office. She works with clients to implement benefit plan strategies as well as manages vendor implementations and annual enrollments. She is also responsible for overall vendor management which includes being a resource for contract, claim and eligibility issues. Her first priority is client satisfaction.
Traci has over 20 years of industry experience working with both multi-state, national clients as well as small groups. Before joining Laurus Strategies, she was a Client Manager for a major health insurance carrier as well as a Benefits Consultant and Assistant Vice President for an international benefits consulting firm. Traci has extensive experience in redesigning and implementing Integrated Disability Programs and carving out Prescription Drug Programs. Her review of communications and Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD) is one of her strengths. Traci is an active member of her community. Currently, she teaches Sunday School at a community church. She also regularly participates in fundraisers for multiple non-profit organizations including Autism Speaks, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.
Traci received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University and is licensed in Health & Welfare Insurance through the State of Illinois.
RUDY GONZALEZ, Senior Systems Consultant, Human Resources Solutions
rgonzalez@laurusstrategies.com
Rudy Gonzalez is a Senior Systems Consultant in our Human Resources Solutions practice. In addition to project management, he handles the following for our clients: data conversions, opening balances, system setup and configuration, custom extracts, payroll testing, and many other implementation-related services.
Rudy has extensive experience implementing and supporting ERP, MRPII, HR, Payroll, BI, Data Warehouses, and other financial-related applications. His experience expands the following industries: Staffing, Insurance, Banking, Manufacturing, Distribution, HealthCare, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). In the past he has worked for the following companies: Gevity, HrAmerica, ACS (Affiliated Computers Services), HFC Controls, Carreker, Infoworks Software, DBA Software, WGI Staffing, and Walker Corporation.
Rudy’s accomplishments include over 20 Ultipro HRIS/Web self-service system implementations; over 20 ERP/MRP implementations; two BI/Data Warehouse implementations; over 10 years of Software Development, Software Implementation, and System Consulting; over 10 years of Finance and Accounting experience; as well as over 5 years of Project Management experience.
Rudy has worked with the following software throughout his career:
- Maestro Staffing & Janetk (Timekeeping) Software
- Ultipro, Payplus, ADP, DBA, Abra, Compusource, and Peachtree (Payroll- Hr Software)
- JD Edwards (PeopleSoft), DBA (ERP), Macola, Mas90, Great Plains, Real World, Great Plains, Quickbooks, Accpac, Platinum, and Peachtree
- IBM – Global Reimbursement system
- Hyperion Essbase, Hyperion Enterprise, Hyperion Application Link, Hyperion Excel add-in
- Cognos Impromptu, Crystal Report, FRX, ReportSmith
- Ms Sql, Access, Visual Basic, VBA, Visual Basic .Net, Magic (RAD), Basic, Cobol, Asp, Html, & Javascript
- Goldmine, ACT, MS CRM, & Adapt
- Ms Project, Visio, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Rudy is very active in the community. He currently sits on the board of the Mission’s Committee of the Town North Presbyterian Church of America.
Rudy received his MBA from University of Phoenix and his BA in Accounting from California State University Fullerton. He also received the following Associate’s degrees: Programmer Analyst, Accounting, and Business Administration from Cerritos College, CA. Rudy is certified in Finance, Rapid Application Development and Unix, and he is a Cisco Network Associate (CCNA) as well.
SELENA GREEN, Implementation Project Manager
sgreen@laurusstrategies.com
Selena Green is an Implementation Project Manager in our Human Resource Solutions practice. She manages comprehensive Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) implementations for our clients, including payroll processing and all other administrative services.
Selena has extensive experience in merger acquisitions, upgrades, implementations, payroll (outsourced and internal environment), employee and manager self service and HRIS and has worked in various industries including Gevity, HRAmerica, Wendy's, Wachovia, Goodrich Corporation and Time Warner Cable. Her skills and achievements include UAT testing, adhoc reporting, affirmative action plans, preparing test plans and problem-solving. She is also proficient in Peoplesoft, UltiPro, Enterprise, Cognos, Oracle, Crystal Report Writer, Unitime Time and Attendance, Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, Project and Visio.
Selena is quite active in the community and has received awards from companies such as Gevity, First Union National Bank (now known as Wachovia), Goodrich Corporation and Time Warner Cable for her contribution to community service at Charlotte-Mecklenburg School systems and several outreach programs.
Selena received her Bachelor of Arts from Stockton State College in Pomona, New Jersey.
PAM HAYES, Human Resource & Benefits Manager
phayes@laurusstrategies.com
(248) 438-2222
Experience
- 19 years experience in insurance, employee benefits and human resources
- 11 years of experience working for a major insurance carrier
- 4 years experience with major brokerage firms
Education/Credentials
- B.S. from Michigan State University
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute
TRACY HOLCOMB, Account Manager, Property & Casualty Services
tholcomb@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2250
Experience
- 8 years of insurance industry experience
- Managed middle market accounts for a major national insurance carrier – 1,000 accounts, $35 million annual premium
- Achieved high levels of persistency in client retention
Education/Credentials
- Accredidation includes Bonds, Employment Practices Liability, Business Auto
- Licensed in Property and Casualty and Health and Welfare
KATE HOLM, Communications Manager
kholm@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2260
Kate Holm is the Communications Manager at Laurus Strategies. Her responsibilities include assisting clients with benefits communication strategies as well as marketing and internal/external communications for Laurus Strategies. In 2006, she spearheaded rebranding efforts following the CSIG/FST/Burton Consulting, Ltd. merger and managed the launch of the Laurus Strategies brand.
Kate has over 6 years of communications experience including newsletter design, editing and production, communication writing, special events coordination, and direct mail campaigns. At Laurus Strategies she designs, edits and produces the quarterly client newsletter, The Laurus Resource, the client legislative bulletins, and client open enrollment communication materials. She also develops and executes customized client benefits communication strategies.
Kate graduated with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in French from DePaul University. Her proficiencies include Adobe Creative Suite 2.
DAN HUGHES, President
dhughes@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2253
Dan Hughes is a founder and President of Laurus Strategies. He is responsible for orchestrating the mergers and acquisitions that make up Laurus Strategies today. He is also responsible for directing the organization to become one of the fastest growing consulting and professional services firms.
Dan works diligently for the development and growth of Laurus Strategies employees to afford them the time to provide unprecedented service to our clients. His greatest pride is not in the accomplishments listed below, but in the accomplishments listed in the bios of the employees of Laurus Strategies.
Dan has been involved in the insurance industry at a high level for the past 15 years in many key aspects of the business including sales, service, underwriting and operational structure. He is responsible for developing several multimillion dollar businesses in multiple cities across the country. He has received many awards and accolades throughout the industry.
Dan currently sits on boards for non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and community organizations. He has a strong belief in the importance of being a true participant in crucial community services and brings that commitment to the organization.
Dan graduated with a double major in Business and Sociology from Lake Forest College, IL.
ANDY HULETT, Partner, Property & Casualty Services
ahulett@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2251
Experience
- Insurance Professional since 1996
- Nine years of experience with a major national insurance carrier
- Managed the risk evaluation, pricing, contract implementation/evaluation and renewal process for two national insurance carriers
- Sales and management oversight for the midwestern book of business for a national insurance carrier
- Developed client strategy for the commercial property & casualty practice at CSIG Insurance
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Finance and Marketing from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota
- Licensed in Property and Casualty and Health and Welfare
Community Involvement
- At Volunteers of America of Illinois, Vice President of Board
- At Medinah Country Club, Committee Member
KATIE JENIO, Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
kjenio@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2270
Experience
- 10 years of indsutry experience
- FSA Coordinator and Implementation Specialist for third party administrator
- Account Manager with a national employee benefits brokerage/consulting firm
- Client Manager with Chicago-based consulting firm
Education/Credentials
- B.A. in Marketing from Michigan State University
MARK KENDALL, Partner, Health & Welfare Practice
mkendall@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2287
With 24 years' experience in the corporate employee benefit industry, Mark has a proven record in consultative sales and marketing. His core competencies include alignment of strategic and tactical objectives of Fortune 1000 corporations to enhance their future financial position with the insurance carrier. Starting his seventh year in consulting, Mark has created over $120 million in documented savings for large corporations and their employees relative to their Life, Accident, Disability, Voluntary Benefits and International coverages.
Mark's background includes managing the Midwest Regional office of Trion in Chicago; leading the Chicago sales operation of Unum as well as Prudential Financial's Midwest sales operation. His past experience also includes extensive sales and marketing training to the industry, product innovation and development specifically directed towards the large corporate environment.
While on the carrier side of the industry, he was also instrumental in the development of Prudential's Integrated Disability Management (IDM) model and subsequent partnership with GatesMcDonald (now Nationwide Better Health).
Mark plays an active role in industry associations and is EMPAQ certified. EMPAQ (Employer Measures of Productivity, Absence and Quality) provides a methodology and standardized metrics for employers and their suppliers to effectively measure and evaluate the cost effectiveness or "quality" disability and absence management programs through a set of standardized definitions and metrics.
Mark graduated with a BSB from Emporia State University, Emporia, KS. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for First United Methodist Church in Evanston; is co-chair of the Annual Fund Drive for Sacred Heart Schools of Chicago; is a member of the Membership Committee and Golf Committee at Evanston Golf Club; a member of The University Club of Chicago; and since February, 2007 has served on the Illinois Finance Committee for United States Senator Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign.
JENNA KLEIN, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
jklein@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2268
Experience
- 14 years of industry experience
- 7.5 years of current benefits consulting experience
- Extensive experience in advising a multi-site employers with various levels of plan designs, network access and consumerism strategies
- Analysis includes vendor selection, network assessment, vendor negotiations and data analysis
- 3 years experience in Sales and Underwriting for a managing general underwriter (MGU) and third party administrator
- 4 years experience with national insurance carrier in the area of Underwriting health, life and disability
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Finance from the Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
- Licensed in Health and Welfare
KEVIN KLOTZ, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
kklotz@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2271
Experience
- 17 years of industry experience
- Extensive experience advising a wide range of employers on various managed care arrangements including vendor selection, network assessment, data analysis and vendor negotiations
- Underwriting Manager of a multi-state HMO
- Consulting Underwriter for large/national groups at three major managed health care companies
- Varied geographical experience
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Finance and Business Administration from Illinois State University
- Licensed in Health & Welfare Insurance
DENISE KRUEGER, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
dkrueger@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2288
Denise D. Krueger is a Senior Consultant of Laurus Strategies' Health and Welfare Practice and is based out of the Chicago office.
Denise has been in the employee benefits industry for the past 20 years with several large, high-profile, multi-state corporations in a medley of industries including consumer products, the airline/transportation industry as well as the title insurance business. In addition to her corporate experience, Denise brings consulting expertise in the areas of strategic benefits planning and design; business process outsourcing, including benefit service delivery; as well as customer relationship management. Her experience also encompasses creative writing in the form of clear, concise, customized benefit communications.
Denise's primary focus is the execution of world-class practices with cost-effective measures in order to assist clients in achieving a higher level of performance.
NANCY SCOLA LOMBAER, Principal, Health & Welfare Practice
nlombaer@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2276
Experience
- 25 plus years in employee benefits
- Assists employers with all aspects of health and welfare benefits, including health care strategy, managed care, consumerism, pricing analysis, design and plan/vendor management.
- Principal and national resource for managed care financial / actuarial issues for a large international consulting firm. Developed method to project and measure managed care financial results.
- Vice President, Group Underwriting for two major insurance carriers and a for-profit hospital company. Created and implemented pricing policy and financial controls for managed care products.
- Developed a feasibility model for one of the initial “start-up” Consumer Driven Health Plan companies, to determine their viability in the large group market.
Education
- B.S. in Mathematics from The Pennsylvania State University
Community Involvement
- Board of Managers of The Service Club of Chicago for over 10 years
Mitch Maddox, Vice President of Implementations, Human Resource Solutions
Mitch Maddox is responsible for leading implementations and administrative services software technology for Laurus Strategies' Human Resource Solutions practice. Mitch has over 12 years of HRIS and financial system experience complemented by a background in Human Resources with more than 10 years in both union and non-union environments. This experience includes Human Resources management positions for UPS, AirTouch (now Verizon Wireless), Trammell Crow Residential, and Riverstone Residential Group in the following areas: recruiting, training, safety, employee relations, compensation, corporate communications, payroll and HRIS.
Originally focused on Oracle HRMS, Mitch began using UltiPro in 2001 when he joined Trammel Crow Residential. Within two years he founded UltiPro's Southwest User Group and later brought all six regional user groups together and founded a national organization called the Ultimate User Group. At user group meetings Mitch has given presentations and led training classes for hundreds of UltiPro clients. He also served on the Customer Advisory Board for Ultimate Software for six years.
At Riverstone, Mitch was Director of Payroll and Treasury where he began his work with financial systems. This position included managing over 500 bank accounts with four major banking relationships and their integration with the company's financial system. In less than six months, he was promoted and given responsibility for the company's real estate financial system. As the Director of Systems Integration he led a team of 25 employees in two departments with locations in California, Florida, and Texas.
While at Riverstone, Mitch also became a certified Scrum Master and is qualified to assist teams in developing an agile project management philosophy. ("Scrum is an Agile process that can be used to manage and control complex software and product development using iterative, incremental practices" - www.controlchaos.com.)
Mitch is actively involved in the community. At Member Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX, he is advisor to pastor of Apartment Outreach, a partnership with Apartment Life, a non-profit organization that helps "connect people and community" in apartment communities.
MAUREEN MARGALUS, Account Manager, Property & Casualty Services mmargalus@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2255
Experience
- 10 years’ account management experience
- Claims management for a major property management firm
- Underwriting for a major national insurance carrier
Education/Credentials
- Accredidation includes Bonds, Employment Practices Liability
CLAUDIA McINTYRE, SPHR, Director, Human Resource Solutions
cmcintyre@laurusstrategies.com
(248) 438-2212
Claudia McIntyre is a consultant and the Director of Human Resource Solutions for Laurus Strategies. She played a pivotal role in developing the human resource and administrative services we offer today. Claudia currently manages administrative services and is a member of our valued leadership team.
Claudia has over 13 years of experience in human resource management with national clients across a range of industries including engineering, manufacturing, sales, and management. Her background includes HR policies and procedures development, management training initiative institution, compliant safety program creation and execution, customer and employee satisfaction measurement and benchmarking initiative implementation.
Claudia received her B.A. from Michigan State University and her M.A. from Central Michigan University. She obtained a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute. She is an active member with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Human Resource Association of Greater Detroit (HRAGD), and the American Society of Employers (ASE).
DAVE MEYER, Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
dmeyer@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2254
Experience
- Over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Employee Benefits, Training, and Account management
- Proficient in plan assessment/evaluation, carrier implementation, and employee communication / meetings.
- Extensive experience in managing Customer Service / Client Teams
KRIS MONROE, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
kmonroe@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2272
Experience
- 16 years of industry experience
- Assistant Vice President in the benefits consulting department of two different international consulting firms
- Financial Underwriter for large groups at a major health insurance carrier
Education/Credentials
- B.A. in Finance from University of Illinois Champaign – Urbana
- MBA in Finance from Northern Illinois University
BARB NELSON, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
bnelson@laurusstrategies.com
(262) 513-1070 x325
Experience
- 10 years of benefit experience
- Human Resource Manager for a national corporation
- Office Manager for a local manufacturing company
- Notary Public for the State of Wisconsin for 6 years
Education/Credentials
- Licensed in Health, Life and Property and Casualty
Community Involvement
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Inc. Volunteer
JOANNE NOONAN, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
jnoonan@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2269
Joanne is a Senior Consultant in Laurus Strategies’ Chicago office. She works with clients to develop and implement benefit plan strategies, manage vendor relationships and assist with general plan management. Joanne has been with Laurus Strategies since 2002.
Prior to joining Laurus Strategies, Joanne spent her career with several national carriers. Most recently she spent 4 years with a national insurance carrier responsible for all aspects of account management for various coverages including administrative services, consumer-driven health plans, stop loss, HMOs, Prescription Drugs, Group Life & Disability and Medicare Advantage/PDP plans.
Joanne received her B.A. in Marketing and Economics from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. She is also licensed in Health & Life Insurance.
GREG O'DONOGHUE, Managing Director, Human Resource Solutions
godonoghue@laurusstrategies.com
(214) 505-1570
Greg O'Donoghue is responsible for the management and direction of the Human Resource Solutions practice of Laurus Strategies. Greg has over 15 years of experience in Human Resource, Payroll, Benefits and HRIS support.
Greg began his career in the United States Air Force, serving 10 years as both a Korean Linguist and a Special Agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. After leaving the USAF in 1992, he began working in human resources at Dell Computer Corporation as an HR Specialist. After 3 years at Dell, Greg joined the renowned Dr. Jac Fitz-enz at the Saratoga Institute where he specialized in tracking best in class HR practices and reporting on the key metrics that were used to benchmark some of the top HR organizations in the country. He then took on an International HR role with Hyundai Electronics where he was able to use his Korean language skills while working as an International HR Representative. While at Hyundai Greg was part of a selection team tasked to choose and implement a new HRIS system.
It was this new challenge that changed Greg's focus to HRIS and led him to spend the next several years both at PDS and then Ultimate Software as a product specialist. While working at Ultimate, Greg was unexpectedly offered an opportunity to head up the HR function at Cyberlane, a research and development company in San Diego, CA. After serving as the Director of HR and Administration for 2 years Greg then assumed the role of Director of HRIS for Affiliated Computer Systems (ACS), an organization with 35,000 employees. Greg then spent a year working as the Vice President of Implementation and Professional Services for HR America, a company that utilizes UltiPro to provide outsourced HR and Payroll services to mid-market companies in the US.
Greg holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from Wayland Baptist University, a Korean Language Degree from the Defense Language Institute of Monterey, and an Associates Degree in Intelligence Collections from the USAF.
REBECCA OLESEN, CLU, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
rolesen@laurusstrategies.com
(309) 938-4722
Rebecca Olesen is a Senior Consultant in Laurus Strategies Health & Welfare Practice in Morton, IL. Becki works with her corporate clients in all aspects of their Life, Health, Disability & Voluntary benefit plans — plan assessment and evaluation, implementation, employee communication, vendor negotiations and management, network access, health management tools/resources and consumerism.
Becki has 23 years experience in the insurance and financial services industry working with both individual and corporate clients. Her success is measured by the long term multi-site client relationships she has retained.
In addition to life, accident and health insurance licensing, she has held a Series 6 & 63 license and earned the Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 2001. She is also an active member of the Central Illinois Health Underwriters Association.
LISA PEPOON, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
lpepoon@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2247
Experience
- 8 years of current benefits consulting experience
- 10 years of prior experience with two national insurance carriers in the areas of Account Management, Underwriting and Inside Sales
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois – Champaign/Urbana
- MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from DePaul University
- Online Benefits Advisory Board Member
- Licensed in Health and Welfare
Community Involvement
- Chicago Insight Tutoring Program for Kids
CARL PETERSON, Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
cpeterson@laurusstrategies.com
(262) 347-4428
Experience
- 8 years of health and welfare benefits consulting experience with a major global consulting firm specializing in benefit plan administration
- 3+ years of experience with a major national insurance carrier focusing on health and welfare accounts from 100 to 10,000 employees
- Extensive experience in vendor relationship management, plan design and strategy, and employee communication
- Implemented a full replacement consumer driven health plan for a client of 8,000 employees
Education/Credentials
- B.A. from National-Louis University
BRIAN PHILLIPS, Director of Financial Management
bphillips@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2264
Brian Phillips is the Director of Financial Management for Laurus Strategies Health and Welfare Practice. With an extensive background in underwriting Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance products, he works closely with each member of the Laurus Strategies Financial Management team to provide direction and develop company policy in the areas of underwriting protocol, client strategy and client work product.
Brian also works in a consultative capacity with several large multi-site clients in the gaming, education and manufacturing industries and is recognized for his dedication and commitment to his clients.
Brian has been in the employee benefits industry for the past 25 years serving in a variety of managerial roles in the areas of consulting, underwriting and client service operations. As Director of a Regional Business Unit for a major insurance carrier, he held overall administrative, underwriting and financial profitability responsibilities for a portfolio of over 350 group insurance clients. He was instrumental in developing an underwriting training program for new hires and was a primary source for technical advice for the entire underwriting operation.
Actively involved in his community, Brian also serves as a coach for local youth sports programs.
Brian graduated with a major in Business Administration from Aurora University in Aurora, IL.
WILLIAM (BILL) RACINE, Executive Vice President
bracine@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2246
Experience
- 40-year career in the insurance industry
- Western Regional Vice President of an international insurance and risk management group
- Vice President of a national brokerage firm
- Regional Manager for the Group & Pensions division of a national insurance carrier
- Has designed and implemented all facets of employee benefits plans for public and private employers, including special needs groups such as unions
Education/Credentials
- B.S. from Northwestern University
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
MITCH ROGERS, Partner, Director of Sales, Human Resource Solutions mrogers@laurusstrategies.com
(248) 438-2213
Experience
- Over 13 years of sales leadership experience
- Worked closely with professionals in the human resource, corporate finance and insurance fields throughout career
- Led regional sales teams for three major market employee benefits insurance companies, constantly ranked as a top performer in client retention and new sales objectives
- Implemented initiatives with organizations from start-up to over 5,000 employees
Education/Credentials
- B.A. from Colby College
BETTY SPARTZ, Senior Consultant, Health & Welfare Practice
bspartz@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2263
Experience
- 21 years of experience
- 18 years of corporate employee benefits consulting with several of the largest consulting firms
- Large group Financial Underwriter for a major health insurance carrier
- Assistant Vice President for major international consulting firm
- Extensive financial analysis on full replacement and slice Consumer-Directed health plans for large clients
- Merger/acquisition activity financial analysis and impact on client benefit strategies
Education/Credentials
- B.A. in Finance from Buena Vista University
LINDA STACK, Consultant, Human Resource Solutions
lstack@laurusstrategies.com
(312) 429-2273
Experience
- 25 years of experience
- Client Service Representative for a large insurance company
- Executive Assistant for an international benefits consulting firm
BRUCE STAHL, Principal
bstahl@laurusstrategies.com
(262) 347-4426
Experience
- 20 plus years in employee benefits consulting
- Senior District Sales Director for Employers Health for a major health insurance company
- Vice President of Sales for Chris Schroeder Insurance, Inc.
- Partner at CSIG Insurance Agency
HEATHER WAGENBACH, Consultant, Health and Welfare Practice
hwagenbach@laurusstrategies.com
(309) 938-4721
Heather Wagenbach is a consultant for Laurus Strategies' Health and Welfare Practice and is based in our Morton, IL office. She is responsible for the analysis and implementation of individual and small group Health and Welfare clients and works with clients in all aspects of their Life, Health, Disability and Voluntary benefit plans. Heather has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry.
Heather graduated with a major in History from Bradley University. She holds licenses in Life, Accident and Health insurances.
DAN WIELECHOWSKI, Financial Administrator
dwielechowski@laurusstrategies.com
(248) 438-2204
Experience
- 2 years in the consumer lending industry
- 1 year accounting/accounts receivable experience with CSIG
Education/Credentials
- B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo
MICHAEL WITZIG, CPA, MBA, CMA Registered Investment Advisor*, Financial Services mwitzig@mscmail.biz
(309) 282-6403 x016 or (800) 227-6481
Experience
- Started career as a controller for a family-owned business in central Illinois
- In 1992, became an agent for a major insurance company concentrating in the areas of personal and business insurance, as well as retirement, estate, and tax planning
- Joined Laurus Strategies in 1998 and continues in these areas of concentration along with investment and portfolio management
Education/Credentials
- B.A. in Business Administration from the Unviersity of Minnesota
- MBA in Finance from Illinois State University
- Series 6, Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65 licenses
- Authorized instructor for Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement Seminars
- Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Community Involvement
- Chamber of Commerce, board member and past President
- Rotary member and Paul Harris Fellow
*Securities offered through Mutual Service Corporation, member NASD & SIPC. Advisory services offered through Michael F. Witzig, a Registered Investment Advisor.