KELLY RUSSO

Led M&A benefits due diligence and integration, redesigned communications, and negotiated renewals for US and UK benefits. Established UK statutory and paid family leave policies and built India recruiting benefits highlights.

Built Global Total Rewards function from the ground up ahead of IPO, designing benefits across multiple countries and leading RFPs that delivered over $1M in savings. Led compensation strategy, job architecture, and compliance audits.

Stood up Total Rewards function and harmonized 13 subsidiary benefit plans into one self-funded framework, delivering mandate within 10 months. Led carrier RFPs negotiating $800K in savings and strengthened compliance.

Stood up Total Rewards, leave, and payroll functions on an 11-month foundation mandate, building the team and handing off to permanent leadership. Led plan design, renewals, and rate negotiations, and implemented first 401(k) plan.

Stood up benefits and retirement programs across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, compressing a six-month transition plan into two months. Designed retirement plans and led recordkeeper transition and $350M asset transfer.

Managed enterprise control group benefit plans across operating companies, delivering $1.8M+ in savings through RFP and contract negotiations. Led M&A benefits integration and Workday implementation.

Core team member on 14,000-employee M&A benefits integration, leading benefits design workstream and implementing two benefits administration platforms. Led compliance audits and restructured Total Rewards intranet.

Created a new benefits function and team for the Northeast Region, leading benefits design for union and non-union workforce. Led 12 M&A due diligence and integrations, ensuring ERISA compliance.

Completed complex DOL DB overfunding waiver saving millions for client and led employee benefits design changes for plan documents. Mastered ERISA, IRS, DOL, and HIPAA regulatory compliance research.

Founded Kiaro Consulting Inc. and co-founded KLCEI Korean Cultural Education School, leading graduate-level research and 501(c)(3) filing, board governance, administration, and fundraising.

Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate certification in progress.

Master of Arts in Public Policy Analysis from Trinity College in Hartford, CT.

Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT.

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and Wharton School.

Group Benefits Associate (GBA) from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Compensation Management Specialist (CMS) from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

Global Benefits Management Certificate from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Six Sigma Green Belt from the University of Michigan.

Project Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

HR Leadership and Ethics Series Certificates from HRCI.

HIPAA Privacy and Security Certification from HIPAATraining.com.