Leadership Team

Greg Golub, CEO & Founder

As CEO, Greg is responsible for constituting the vision and future of the company, leading the management team, and strengthening our client-centric culture as Sequoia scales. Greg also spends much of his time studying industry trends, serving on advisory boards and figuring out what changes in our industry will serve as opportunities for our clients.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• BS degree in Economics; Washington and Lee University
• Director, The Golub Group investment management firm
• Member, Young President’s Organization (YPO)
• Chartered Life Underwriter, CLU
• Served on many Insurance Companies’ Advisory Boards

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Fly-fishing, Skiing, Triathlons
• Helping Kelly, my wife, raise our three little girls
• Improving health care for children of low-income families

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“The more you give, the more you get in return” – Mike Golub,  My Father

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

Herb Kelleher, Mahatma Gandhi, Paul Newman, Jeff Bezos, Abraham Lincoln, Michael Phelps, David Packard

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Surrounding myself with a team of people who share my ethic of optimism, succeeding as a team and doing what is right and in the best interest of our clients.

Rod Cherkas, Chief Client Officer

As Chief Client Officer, Rod is responsible for delivering an optimized, world-class experience to Sequoia’s clients and their employees through a unique combination of high touch personal guidance and value-added technology solutions. He oversees various operational and line-of-business teams that work together seamlessly to ensure that Sequoia delivers on its excellent reputation for client service.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Duke University – BA, Economics and Political Science
• Stanford Graduate School of Business – MBA

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Peloton, tennis, and hiking
• Seeing Broadway shows in San Francisco and New York
• Cooking with my sous vide, air fryer and other kitchen gadgets
• Watching my kids participate in dance, volleyball, robotics and basketball

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“A basketball team is like the five fingers on your hand. If you can get them all together, you have a fist. That is how I want you to play.” – Coach K, Duke University Men’s Basketball

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

My wife Corey, my parents, my Uncle Gary, Scott Cook, Bill Gates, Bill Campbell

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Raising 3 teenagers who are curious, engaging and who compassionately laugh at my jokes

Bob Lawson, Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Bob is responsible for all finance and accounting activities at Sequoia.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Sports of all kinds
• Cooking and wine
• Traveling with my family

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” – Abraham Lincoln

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

My parents

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Raising three incredibly diverse children

Michele Floriani, Principal & Chief Marketing Officer

As Chief Marketing Officer, Michele is responsible for leading the marketing and brand experience for Sequoia. He works cross functionally to grow the business and ensure the product and service quality is at or above Sequoia’s historically high standards.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Southern California
• Economics courses, Georgetown University
• Executive education course, delivered by McCombs School of Business, University of Texas

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Food and family
• Formula One
• Listening to and playing music

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Thomas Jefferson

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

Ben Franklin, Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Magellan, Niki Lauda

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

I am still able to go to the skate park with my son and not embarrass him.

Jed Cloern, Principal & Consultant Team Leader

As Consultant Team Leader, Jed Cloern is responsible for business development and overall satisfaction of clients. Jed works closely with the Client Service and Marketing & Support teams to ensure clients receive the best value for premiums, efficient administration, positive employee experiences, and all with flexible and scalable programs.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• California licensed Life, Accident and Health
• BA in Business Economics, UC Santa Barbara

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Helping my wife raise 2 toddlers and a teenager
• Enjoying my wife’s cooking
• Enjoying the company of great friends
• Rooting for bay area sports teams
• Jogging (or feeling bad about not jogging)

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.” Babe Ruth

“Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” Vince Lombardi

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Being a valued partner to people I respect in a complex and important aspect for great businesses.

Lesley Grady, Vice President of Client Service

As VP of Client Service, Lesley is responsible for overseeing our client service consultant, client service management and wellbeing teams. Her focus is to ensure a consistent, Sequoia-level service experience across clients of all sizes. Lesley also focuses on managing our NYC office, and working closely with many of our New York clients.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Bachelors of Art in Communication, Villanova University
• NY Insurance License for Life, Accident and Health

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Living in and biking around New York City
• Chasing my young kids around
• I’m surprisingly crafty!

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenges, wish for more wisdom.” -Jim Rohn

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

My husband, he always protects and unconditionally supports me. My sister, she is super smart.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

My twins- They were given a poor prognosis before birth. I am humbled and inspired every day by their strength and perseverance to be amazing healthy little human beings.

Manish Kumar, VP of Engineering

Manish leads Technology team and is responsible for applications and data managements, development process, strategy and overall technology solutions. Manish has over 20 years of experience as a senior technology executive and software development. At Sequoia, he focused on innovative and strategic solutions development for improved client experience for services range. Before joining Sequoia, Manish led product development teams for Employee Benefit applications, real estate services and management, systems programming and related industries, at multiple companies.

Manish holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Bangalore University, India. He is also certified in Agile development methodologies, and MS certified professional.

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Hiking, and playing cricket and ball games with kids
• Camping, travelling and exploring new places
• Family time and doing science projects with kids

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“There are no short cuts to any place worth going.” Beverly Sills
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Albert Einstein
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Henry David Thoreau
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

Vivek Rajanna, Vice President, Products

An engineer at heart, Vivek’s passion for building products of impact led him down the path of product strategy and management. Having built products that are used by millions, Vivek is responsible for building and enhancing Sequoia’s digital products to create a lasting positive impact on our clients.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Masters in Computer science from Manipal-India

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Motorbiking, hiking, yoga
• Watching documentaries and reading biographies
• Long walks with my wife

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Finding happiness beyond material wealth.

Matt Roberts, Vice President, SMB

Matt leads the SMB division for Sequoia Consulting Group. The SMB team is a highly collaborative and strategic group of sales, service, operations, analysts, advocates and more. This team works cohesively to present a unified approach to employee benefits, retirement, risk management, compliance, HR outsourcing, wellbeing and global services to small- and mid-size companies. Matt is responsible for the strategy, revenue, growth, profit and overall client satisfaction for the SMB division.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• California licensed Life, Accident and Health
• BA, Business Administration, California State University Fullerton

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Spending time with friends and family
• Watching sports
• Playing golf when possible

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” -Charles Swindoll
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” -Phil Jackson

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL:

My Mother, who has always modeled resiliency, compassion, work ethic, selflessness and an unwavering love for family. I owe a ton to her!

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

My family. I’m so proud of my incredible wife, our three kids and the life we’ve built together.

Jose Gonzalez, Principal & One Sequoia Team Leader

As a One Sequoia Team Leader, Jose Gonzalez is responsible for business development, overall design and delivery of our One Sequoia client experience. Provided as a “One Stop Shop” solution, he ensures that our teams orchestrate a scalable model for clients while delivering reduced costs, positive employee experiences, reduced administration and flexibility. Jose enjoys working closely with our Client Service and Marketing & Support teams to continue finding innovative ways of meeting the evolving needs of our clients.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• California licensed Life, Accident and Health
• BS in Business Administration cum laude; University of Southern California
• USC Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Spending time with my wife, daughter and son
• Music, Swimming, Water Polo, Soccer
• Spending time with family & friends
• Watching USC Trojan Football

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” Tommy Lasorda

“Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.” Jim Valvano

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Working with exceptional colleagues to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients, while earning and maintaining their trust.

Luciano Costantini, Principal & Director of Retirement Services

Luciano Costantini runs the 401(k) department at Sequoia. His goal is to ensure Sequoia 401(k) clients have suitable investment options, their employees are properly educated on their 401(k) investments and understand their fiduciary responsibilities.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Series 7, 63 and 66 registrations*
• CA Life & Health (CA Insurance Lic. #OB09303)
• CRPC
• BS in Marketing, SFSU

*Series 7 and 63 registrations held through Pensionmark Securities. Series 66 held through Pensionmark Financial Group.

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Golf
• Triathlons
• Traveling with wife and 2 kids

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Damn the Torpedoes, full speed ahead” David Farragut

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

My parents. They came to this country with nothing and worked hard every day so that I would never have to worry about anything.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Sending my daughters to college…I must have done something right.

Pensionmark® Financial Group, LLC (“Pensionmark”) is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Pensionmark is affiliated through common ownership with Pensionmark Securities, LLC (member SIPC). Pensionmark Financial Group, LLC/Pensionmark Securities, LLC and Sequoia Benefits, LLC are non-affiliated entities. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as individual participant investment advice. Check the background of investment professionals associated with this website on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Jill E. Neilson, Vice President, Global Benefits

Jill leads a dynamic team of global benefits consultants leveraging experts through the Sequoia Global Network in 130 countries. From the development of a global HR and benefits strategy through program implementation, Jill’s team helps clients manage their global operation with a consistent and relevant approach. Jill’s role reflects her passion to be a global ambassador, making relatable connections for Sequoia clients and working with a team that deeply cares about delivering excellence.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Business Administration Program, University of Phoenix
• Intensive Course of Study in Cultural Anthropology (Angeles Arrien)

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• International travel
• Challenging long-distance runs with my husband

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Four Rules For Life: Show up. Pay attention. Tell the truth. Don’t be attached to the results.” -Angeles Arrien

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

Barack and Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Raising my son and being part of a loving extended family.

Suzette Germano, Vice President, Client Service Risk Management

Suzette leads client service for property and casualty clients in the emerging risk and technology space. Building on Sequoia’s reputation as a best-in-class employee benefits insurance broker, the Risk Management team delivers a unique partnership experience for clients. Suzette leads the team in diving deep to understand a client’s business and the risks and opportunities they face to help them achieve their corporate goals.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Business Administration, General Management Option, California State University Hayward
• Associate in Risk Management
• Licensed Property & Casualty Broker
• The Risk Management Society – Bay Area Chapter

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Entertaining friends and family, I love to cook and hostess
• Travel, there’s nothing better than exploring new places with my loves
• Reading, yoga, Pelaton, gardening, floral arranging, volunteering

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” -Julia Child

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL:

My mom, who has modeled independence, resiliency, empathy and authenticity. I hope to be just like her when I grow up.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Raising two brilliant, beautiful, kind daughters while managing to grow myself personally and professionally. They’ve taught me more about myself than anyone else and their capacity for love, joy and forgiveness inspires me.

Mark Mangiola, Principal & Consultant Team Leader

As Consultant Team Leader, Mark Mangiola is responsible for business development and overall satisfaction of clients. Mark is proud to be the most tenured member of the Benefit Consultant team and works closely with the Client Service and Marketing & Support teams to ensure clients receive the best value for premiums, efficient administration, positive employee experiences, and all with flexible and scalable programs.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• California licensed Life, Accident and Health
• BA in Business Economics, UC Santa Barbara

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Spending time with my wife and kids
• Watching the 49ers/Giants/Warriors with my family
• Playing golf very poorly
• Playing indoor soccer
• Spending time with family and friends

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.”? John Wooden

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” John Wooden

“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” John Wooden

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Working with the team at Sequoia to come through for people I care about: family, friends and business partners.

Meghna Solorio, Principal & Director, Client Service

As a Client Service Director, Meghna Solorio oversees the emerging growth client service team. In partnering with the client service managers and benefits consultants, Meghna is responsible for making sure we are delivering exemplary client service experiences to our clients while maintaining a high performing team of dedicated Sequoia employees.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Masters in Business Administration – Majored in Human Resources and Health Care
• Bachelors of Science – Economics
• California licensed Life and Health

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Spending time with friends, my husband and adorable puppy
• Reading
• Watching foreign films
• Love animals – volunteered at the Humane Society
• Active member of ASPCA

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle

“Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.” Lao-Tzu

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

My parents – They’ve worked hard and sacrificed so much, so I could have the life I do. I’ve always admired their work ethic, the values they’ve upheld all their life and their drive to always help others in need. They both are an inspiration to me.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

I traveled to America for my Masters. Funded my MBA program on my own by working and also was awarded a teaching assistantship by the Business school.

And, I am proud of working at Sequoia, being able to partner with extraordinary people in our clients and team members.

Melissa Ellsworth, Director, Talent Development

As Director of Talent Development, Melissa is responsible for partnering with leadership to hire and support future Sequoia team members, leading the recruiting team, and supporting initiatives that continue to drive our client and employee-centric culture at Sequoia.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• BS in Business Administration, emphasis Marketing, San Diego State University

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Spending time with my husband, family and friends
• Snowboarding, running, and anything outdoors
• Traveling

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

Julie Sharp – My strong, caring and amazing mother.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Having the opportunity to build our team at Sequoia- in turn allowing me to have a positive impact on the individual, the team and the service that we provide to our clients.

Gaurav Mehta, Vice President, Professional Services

As VP Professional Services, Gaurav leads the Client Operations team towards becoming a world-class delivery group. He is responsible for setting up processes, identifying and delivering innovative services that are scalable and efficient for our clients’ HR leaders and employees. He is focused towards building a culture that drives operational excellence, technical innovation and client delight, by leveraging our expertise and Sequoia’s platforms.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• BS, Computer Science, University of Pune, India

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Tennis, CrossFit and Skiing
• DIY Projects
• Traveling with family and cheering my kids during their sports events

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Neki Kar Dariya Mein Daal.” Translation: “Do good and move on.” – My Dad
“Our greatest glory is not in falling, but rising every time we fall.” – Rocky

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

My Dad and Mom

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

A rock solid family and my close friends.

George Redmond, Director, Employee Advocate Services

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• BA, Public Policy & Management, University of Southern California
• MPA, University of Southern California

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Travel and different cultures
• Photography
• Time with family and friends

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

MLK, Mahatma Ghandi

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Having the opportunity to travel extensively and explore different parts of the globe. And, my family, lovely wife, and beautiful young daughter.

Ruth Buel, Financial Analyst and Marketing Manager

As Marketing and Support Manager, Ruth Buel oversees the Market Analyst team responsible for compiling market analysis presentations, creating financial analysis, building carrier relationships, researching and compiling market trend data, benchmarking and responding to client inquiries. The Marketing team partners closely with the Client Service and Sales teams to search out ways to save our clients money while allowing them to maintain a competitive and robust benefit program. Ruth focuses on making sure things are done efficiently and accurately in our fun, fast paced environment.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• BS in Psychology, San Jose State University

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Hiking and Biking
• Spending time with my husband and two children
• Watching the Giants play and win
• Traveling to broaden my view of the world

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

Warren Buffett, Albert Einstein, John Lasseter

Stephen Cahalan, Director of Finance

As Director of Finance, Stephen Cahalan is responsible for all aspects of the Finance and Accounting function at Sequoia. Stephen works closely with the founder and CEO to help keep the team focused on taking care of our clients, by taking care of the financial activities of the company. Stephen has 10+ years experience helping guide executive decision-making in acquisitions, divestitures, and business analytics in public accounting and industry for middle-market to large private and venture-backed companies.

CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION & RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant (Inactive)
• BS in Accounting; University of San Francisco

HOBBIES, INTERESTS & FAMILY:

• Hunting, camping, and general outdoor enthusiast
• Spending quality time with my wife and our two sons
• Cooking

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget the way you made them feel.”

MOST INSPIRING ROLE MODEL(S):

Steve Jobs, and other entrepreneurs who provide the vision and leadership required to constantly reinvent their companies for a better future.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

My family, and being fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with great companies and business professionals during my career.