Buck's Leadership
Region Leaders
Practice Leaders
Strategic Development
Corporate Support
BUCK'S LEADERSHIP
Jan K. Grude
President and Executive Managing Director, Buck Consultants
As the leader of the firm's global business operations, Jan's primary areas of focus are continuous development of thought leadership, client satisfaction, and business growth. He joined the firm as Managing Director of ACS/Buck in Canada in May 2004, providing leadership and direction to the Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal offices. Jan has more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles with large consulting firms, including Mellon Financial Corporation, Arthur Young International, Ernst & Young LLP, and Watson Wyatt. He has experience across many industry sectors, as well as broad expertise in corporate governance, pension governance, strategy, restructuring, re-engineering, privatization, project management, labour management relations, and business change management. Jan’s academic credentials include: M. Phil. and M.Sc. from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dip. CS, Economic History from the University of British Columbia, and B.A. Economics and Political Science from the University of Alberta. He has also undertaken continuing leadership education in the Executive Development Program at Cornell University. Jan has been extensively quoted in the Canadian media on various governance and human resource issues, and has co-authored a successful business book entitled: “Vanishing Jobs: Canada's Changing Workplaces.”
Manoj Sharma
Principal, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Manoj holds major responsibility for Buck’s achievement of ongoing global growth and financial performance goals. As COO, Manoj is responsible for all aspects of Buck’s internal operations related to cost management, efficiency, and optimization. With a strong consulting background and extensive senior operations experience, Manoj has expertise in employee benefits and administration, HR services, business development, strategic planning and execution, and business process improvement. Manoj joined Buck after serving as COO at Willis North America Employee Benefits, a division of Willis Group Holdings (WSH), where he was responsible for operations and technology initiatives as well as strategic planning to drive revenue growth. He was co-founder and COO of Sunaro Inc., an employee benefits technology solutions firm, which was acquired by Willis. His previous roles also include founding partner and managing director of CyberStarts, Inc. (a venture incubator); senior director, financial services practice group, with iXL, Inc.; senior consultant, strategic services division, with Accenture; and senior engineer and project manager with Shannon & Wilson, Inc. His academic credentials include an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a frequent industry conference speaker and presenter.
Gordon St. John
Managing Director, East Region, United States
Gordon leads Buck’s East region and the Philadelphia (Berwyn) office. In that capacity, he is responsible for all aspects of client management and service delivery for Buck's clients in the region. His extensive background and continued involvement in client relationship management has been central to meeting the changing needs of clients that face strategic business, economic, and regulatory human capital challenges. Gordon has been responsible for the staffing and leadership of major client engagements ranging from the coordination and financial risk management related to global benefit obligations to the comprehensive redesign of all aspects of employee benefit programs. He has 25 years of experience, and his clients value his unwavering commitment to their best interests. Gordon is a licensed insurance agent, a member of PENJERDEL Employee Benefits and Compensation Association (PEBA), and a member of Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Trinity College, Hartford, CT.
Jeff Leonard
Managing Director, Central Region, United States
Jeff is Managing Director of Buck’s Central region as well as a Consulting Actuary and Cincinnati Market Leader. With more than 20 years of experience, Jeff consults with clients on strategic retirement financial management and plan design issues. As a solution architect to his clients, he helps them develop executive retirement and deferred compensation plans, developing objectives and alternatives for retirement program redesign, and analyzing options and building ROI for outsourced versus co-sourced plan administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics from Centre College in Danville, KY, and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, an Enrolled Actuary, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He also serves on Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council and is a board member of the New Edgecliff Theatre.
Bruce Mamary
Managing Director, West Region, United States
As Managing Director for Buck's West region and manager of Buck's Dallas office, Bruce manages strategic client relationships with a focus on service delivery and client satisfaction. He consults with clients on strategic planning, design, funding, and administration of employee benefits and total compensation. Bruce has more than 25 years of experience in the employee benefits field, including 10 years as a human resources executive. This vast experience has provided him with a unique employer perspective that complements his focus on practical consulting approaches and workable solutions for his clients. Bruce holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Wichita State University.
Michael Horton
Managing Director, New York Metro Region, United States
Mike joined Buck as a principal and consulting actuary. Since then, he has expanded his role to New York Metro Region Managing Director and East Region Retirement Practice Leader. With more than 20 years of experience in the retirement field, Mike is also the global actuary for several of Buck's major corporate clients and handles the account relationships for more than 15 corporate and not-for-profit accounts. Mike is a graduate of Whitman College with a B.A. degree in mathematics. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, Enrolled Actuary, and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
Cameron McNeill
Managing Director, Canada
Cameron has more than 20 years of experience in pension consultancy. Having practiced as a signatory actuary in the United Kingdom for 16 years prior to joining Buck Canada, Cameron has experience working with corporations in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and North America on all aspects of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. Cameron is a graduate of Glasgow University, a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries in Edinburgh, Scotland, and an Affiliate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.
Mike Roberts
Managing Director, United Kingdom
Mike is responsible for managing Buck’s U.K. business. He is an astute leader dedicated to the success of Buck through the delivery of unparalleled client service. He works closely with our European and U.S. offices to leverage Buck’s global reach. With more than 20 years of experience in employee benefits, he continues to manage a portfolio of national and international clients, providing advice on corporate pensions, benefit design, and plan mergers and demergers. Mike attended the City of London University and is a qualified actuary and Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (1994).
Eddie O'Hara
Managing Director, International
Eddie has managerial responsibility for Buck's European, Latin American, and Asia-Pacific offices and is also a member of the Buck Consultants global board of managers. He has more than 30 years of experience in the employee benefits field with both insurers and consulting firms. Previously, Eddie served as Managing Director for Europe and as the practice leader for the U.K. Health and Welfare line of business, assisting major U.K. employers with accounting issues, benefit design alternatives, and executing successful health care strategies. His expertise covers a range of issues affecting employer-sponsored life, health, disability, and survivor income benefit programs. Eddie studied at Reading University and is a member of the U.K. Health Insurance Advisory Panel.
PRACTICE LEADERS
Tamara R. Shelton, F.S.A.
Managing Director, Retirement
Tammy directs Buck’s domestic Retirement consulting business and specializes in employer-sponsored retirement programs, including both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. She also has experience in collective bargaining assistance, merger and acquisition consulting, and retiree medical consulting. Tammy earned a bachelor’s degree with highest honors in mathematics from the University of Texas. She is an Enrolled Actuary, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and a Member of the Southwest Benefits Association. She serves on the University of Texas Actuarial Studies Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors for the Conference of Consulting Actuaries. In 2007, she was named one of Business Insurance magazine’s “Women to Watch,” earning a coveted spot on the publication’s annual list recognizing the achievements of women leaders who are making an impact in risk management, benefits, and commercial insurance. She also is a member of Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.
Sam Marra
Managing Director, Health and Productivity
Sam is Managing Director of the Health and Productivity consulting business. With more than 25 years of experience in the employee benefits field, he has successfully developed and managed a community health plan and been involved in direct provider contract negotiations on behalf of a number of major health care companies. Sam is a member of the Northern California Employee Benefits Council, serves on a number of health care advisory boards, and is a frequent speaker at many U.S. health care conferences. He also is a member of Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.
Donald R. Sanford
Managing Director, Communication
Don is a Principal with more than 25 years of consulting and management experience. Previously, he managed Buck’s St. Louis office, providing a full suite of consulting services to a wide variety of clients throughout the Midwest. Under Don’s leadership as the National Communication Practice Leader, Buck has created successful internal and external communications programs for clients. Don frequently speaks at conferences and events about new trends and approaches in driving effective communication. He is a member of Buck’s Executive Team and its Innovation and Thought Leadership Council, where he serves as an executive sponsor for the firm’s green initiative — developing green communication programs for both internal use at Buck and for clients. Don earned a political science degree from Southern Illinois University. He is a past president of the Employee Benefits Association, and a Member of the Executive Committee of the St. Louis Community College Foundation Board. Don also is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the American Marketing Association, and the Advertising Agencies Association of America.
Sanjiv Kumar, Ph.D.
Managing Director, Human Capital Management
Sanjiv has more than 15 years of experience helping companies improve performance by aligning their organizational and people programs and practices with their overall business strategy. His specific areas of focus include talent management, organizational change, and HR strategy and service delivery. Sanjiv received his Ph.D. in management and MBA in Finance from the University of Houston, and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology, India. Sanjiv has authored several articles and is a frequent presenter at conferences on topics of talent management, workforce planning, employee engagement, and joint venture management. He is a frequent media spokesperson on talent management issues, and has taught at the University of Houston and in the EMBA program at Tulane University. Sanjiv also is the chairperson of Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.
Christopher Young
Managing Director, Compensation
Chris leads Buck’s Compensation consulting practice globally. He has nearly 20 years of experience providing compensation, organization effectiveness, and performance management advisory services to a wide range of organizations. He rejoined Buck in 2007 after serving as managing director at Executive Wealth Management. Chris’ broad rewards expertise includes developing capital market solutions to enhance, finance, and hedge employee remuneration programs. He also has specialized experience in nonqualified deferred compensation financing solutions. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and his MBA from the University of Chicago. Chris is a member of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP), WorldatWork, and Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council. He has published articles in the Journal of Compensation and Benefits and Journal of Business Strategy.
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
Steven Maxwell
Managing Director, Global HR Technology and Administration
Steve leads the global expansion of Buck’s HR technology, administration, and customer care services business. He also directs the firm’s Asia-Pacific operations in Singapore and Hong Kong. In these roles he is responsible for service quality, business growth, and solution development. He has more than 20 years of client and business leadership experience, with particular expertise in human capital strategy, large-scale organizational change, and applying technology to enhance workforce performance and lower HR service delivery costs. He is a graduate of Boston University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree finance and organizational behavior. He also has completed executive education studies in strategy, leadership, and technology at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists (ISCEBS), holds a Chartered Financial Consultant designation, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), The Conference Board, and the Human Resource Outsourcing Association (HROA). Steve also serves on Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.
Nicole Giantonio
Senior Vice President, Sales
As Buck’s global sales leader, Nicole is responsible for obtaining new-logo clients as well as cross-selling within existing accounts. She leads a global sales team that works closely with Buck’s regional managing directors, practice leaders, market leaders, and account managers to drive account planning and growth. Nicole’s expertise includes sales team organization, cross-selling, sales strategy, lead qualification, and sales forecasting. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree from Babson College (Massachusetts). A Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Nicole has presented at International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans conferences.
Deborah Ruffins
Vice President, Marketing
Deb leads Buck’s National Marketing team, aligning our marketing and sales strategy to Buck’s top business priorities. Her expertise includes strategic planning, key market identification, proposal development, and creation of thought leadership programs, collateral, and communications. She has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and business development. Deb received her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Marymount College. She is a member of the American Marketing Association’s Corporate Executive Board, and a member of the Marketing Leadership Council. Deb also serves on Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.
Kasey Kirschner
Leader, Operational Excellence and Implementation
Working closely with Buck leadership worldwide, Kasey is responsible for moving forward major strategic and operational initiatives for our firm. This includes developing and implementing new programs and policies to help manage and grow the business — from performance management processes to financial review to infrastructure improvements. Most recently, Kasey served as National Operations Leader for Buck’s domestic Communication practice, where she was instrumental in managing efforts that led to successful growth and strong financial performance. She also manages client relationships, serving as the lead communication consultant on key accounts, and is a speaker at client conferences and industry events on communication hot topics. Kasey has 18 years of experience in the finance and HR communication fields. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Furman University.
CORPORATE SUPPORT
Michael Davidson
Chief of Corporate Services
Michael’s role is enhanced by his years of multi-disciplined accounting, IT, and human resources expertise acquired from his work in the manufacturing, financial, and telecommunications sectors. During his career, Michael has held progressively senior positions in finance and accounting, telecommunications, human resources, and general management. Michael works with various Buck teams to drive the success of our business. A graduate of the computer sciences program at Sheridan College, Michael has also completed post-graduate work in telecommunications management and human resources management.
Michael Hardy
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Mike applies his financial and business acumen to keep Buck’s executive team abreast of the connection between Buck’s operations and its financial performance. He directs quantitative and qualitative analysis to gauge alignment with overall business direction and goals. Mike and his team establish and oversee financial controls that help ensure that Buck continues to grow on a strong foundation. Their reporting and forecasting provide the framework crucial to ongoing financial discipline throughout the firm.
Helene Dankner
Director, Human Resources
Helene Dankner is a Director in Buck’s Human Resources department with nearly 30 years of experience in the HR and benefits field. Helene consults as an HR business partner with senior leadership on HR strategy planning, organizational design, performance management, succession planning, compensation, and other talent initiatives that are imperative to Buck’s business. Her areas of responsibility and expertise include policy design, employee relations, benefit administration and communication, training and development, succession planning, performance management, and staffing. In addition to her ongoing responsibilities, Helene designed Buck’s onboarding, succession planning, and work/life programs.
Karl Lohwater
General Counsel and Secretary
Karl manages the Legal and Risk Management and Compliance departments at Buck, and serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Buck Kwasha Securities LLC, an NASD-member broker-dealer. Karl also consults with clients on matters involving fiduciary responsibility and governance and on compliance matters relating to international equity and compensation and benefit programs. Karl is an ex-officio member of Buck's board of directors. Karl received his J.D. degree from Columbia University Law School, his LL.M. degree from New York University Law School, and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The College of Wooster. He also holds CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) designation from WorldatWork.
Andrea T. Sellars
Managing Director, Knowledge Resources
Andrea is responsible for Buck’s Knowledge Resources group that collects, manages, and disseminates the collective knowledge of the firm. The group provides technical research and resources around HR related laws and trends to ensure that our consultants have the most current information necessary to meet or exceed clients’ needs and expectations. Knowledge Resources also is responsible for Buck Consultants University (BCU), our staff educational program that develops and delivers technical and professional development curriculum to Buck’s staff. Andrea chairs the company’s Professional Services Committee that establishes professional standards and guidelines for the firm. She has more than 30 years of experience in employee benefits and actuarial consulting. During her career at Buck, Andrea has managed the Atlanta office, served as the Regional Leader and Managing Director for the East Region, and served on Buck’s Board of Directors. Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in actuarial science from Georgia State University. Andrea is a member of Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.
Steve McCormick
Managing Director, Chief Information Officer
Steve is responsible for the global IT infrastructure that supports our client systems, consultant tools, and business processes. With more than 25 years of experience developing and managing innovative HR technology solutions, Steve’s expertise includes IT consulting, process management, and managing technology development and implementation teams. His technology thought leadership has appeared in such publications as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and CFO magazine. Steve received his Ph.D. in education from Harvard University. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s degree in education from Purdue University. Steve serves as a member of Buck’s Innovation and Thought Leadership Council.