|
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
|
|
-
|
|
2001 - 2007
Vice President/Associate Director Employee Benefits
|
Digitas
|
Boston, MA
|
Led strategic review and design of benefit and HR programs and policies for 2,000 employees in the U.S. and U.K. Ensured policies and practices added value, were competitive, cost effective, and supported the company's vision and culture. Managed four direct reports.
Leadership
- Led initiative to create a more flexible culture and implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements impacting retention and supporting recruitment of a more diverse workforce.
- Drove the implementation of New Parent Transition Program improving retention of women returning from maternity leave by 20%. Program was recognized as best practice by The New England Employee Benefits Council.
- Led employee survey to identify factors that influence employee commitment, to understand organizational strengths, and identify opportunities for improvement. Partnered with HR in the implementation of initiatives designed to increase commitment, retention, and productivity. Result: 18 months later, scores on weakest performing drivers of commitment improved significantly.
- Managed seamless benefits integration of 400 employees from two acquisitions. Developed strategy, conducted cost analysis, delivered recommendations, and obtained support of key decision makers. Result: Developed communications and delivered presentations to employees resulting in acceptance and smooth transitions.
Communications
- Partnered with Corporate Communications to market Digitas as an employer of choice. Honored each year since 2003 by the Boston Business Journal as a "Best Place to Work" recognizing positive work environment, rich benefit programs, development opportunities, and company culture.
- Developed comprehensive communication strategy to market benefits programs and to increase employees' awareness and understanding. Included open enrollment materials, benefit fairs, monthly newsletter, portal page design, and web banners. Result: 96% of employee survey respondents indicated that benefit communications meet or exceeded their expectations.
- Developed and produced annual "Total Compensation and Benefits Statement" which marketed the value of the organization's total rewards package and demonstrated a very effective use of cash compensation, stock and benefit plans. Well received by employees and senior leaders and used effectively with recruitment and retention efforts.
- Created and delivered training for employees, HR, and Recruiting on such topics as stock programs, leaves of absences, 401(k), compliance issues, immigration, and annual open enrollment.
Program Evaluation and Management
- Revamped leave of absence policies and procedures. Trained HR on new procedures resulting in fair and consistent treatment of employees and cost-savings due to enhanced claim monitoring.
- Introduced "Recognition Time" to provide managers with a formal way to reward employees with paid time off for going above and beyond. An average of 5,000 hours was rewarded each year.
- Drove the introduction of new low-cost medical plan, larger co-pays for high-cost services, and employee education controlling health care costs.
- Consulted with HR and Legal on sensitive employee-relations matters involving disability, FMLA, workers' compensation claims, severance, and other medical and financial issues.
-
|
|
2000
Benefits Manager
|
Thomson Financial
|
Boston, MA
|
|
Led benefits analysis, integration, employee communication strategy, and open enrollment for two simultaneous acquisitions involving over 2,000 employees in the U.S.
-
|
|
1995 - 2000
Benefits Manager and International Benefits Analyst
|
The Boston Consulting Group
|
Boston, MA
|
Managed U.S. benefits strategy, plan design and administration for more than 1,100 employees in nine offices. Substantial involvement in international benefits activities for fast-growing offices outside U.S.
- Provided internal benefits consulting on-site at both mature and start-up offices in Europe, including Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the United Kingdom. Handled major revisions in retirement plans, orienting new administrative staff, and multinational pooling.
- Performed detailed research and technical analysis on a wide range of issues relating to private and government plans. Gained meaningful in-country experience in: Thailand (implemented retirement plan); Malaysia and Singapore (negotiated health and welfare renewals); and Hong Kong (audited benefits).
- Designed and conducted a two-day benefit administration training program for all U.S. HR staff and produced the company's first comprehensive Benefits Administration Reference Guide.
- Developed a complete array of well-received benefits communications products, ranging from the company's first comprehensive guide to benefits and personal benefit statements, a quarterly newsletter, life-event brochures, and an administrative resource guide.
-
|
|
1994 - 1995
Pension Consultant
|
Fidelity Investments
|
Boston, MA
|
- Provided non-discrimination testing and external consulting services to 165 retirement plan clients.
- Provided advice to clients on a variety of compliance and plan design issues.
-
|
|
1989 - 1994
Various roles in the Employee Benefits Department
|
Fidelity Investments
|
Boston, MA
|
|
-
|
