Team

Robert D. Birdsell

Robert D Birdsell

Robert D Birdsell is a dedicated consultant at Grahall Partners, LLC, with an impressive 30-year career specializing in the efficient funding of benefit liabilities for corporations. He has honed his expertise as a specialist in the securities industry, collaborating with numerous securities firms over the past 15 years.

Areas of Expertise

Mr. Birdsell has developed highly specialized concepts aimed at attracting and retaining talented financial consultants and executives. His primary goal is to create comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to executives and financial consultants. Notably, he recently designed exclusive and elite executive benefit programs that address the evolving landscape of non-qualified benefits, offering alternatives to traditional retirement plans commonly used before the implementation of Section 408A.

Thought Leadership

Mr. Birdsell is a prolific writer on these topics, having authored numerous articles. He has also been a sought-after speaker, sharing his insights with peer professionals in the fields of Compensation Consulting, Law, Accounting, and Insurance, focusing on the tools and intricacies of total wealth planning and executive benefits for the executive suite.

Professional Journey

• Capital Financial Group, LLC: Mr. Birdsell was a founding member of Capital Financial Group, LLC.
• Clark Consulting: He served as a Principal with Clark Consulting.
• RCG, Retirement Capital Group of San Diego: Mr. Birdsell held the position of Managing Director with RCG, Retirement Capital Group of San Diego before joining Grahall. Notably, he continues to collaborate with these firms and their Clients.

Educational Background

Bob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Loras College. He has also achieved the Chartered Life Underwriter professional designation from the American College, further affirming his expertise in the field.

William M. Byrnes

William M. Byrnes, a dedicated consultant at Grahall Consulting. Bill brings his extensive expertise to work with Boards of Directors and corporate executives in determining people strategy requirements for the successful implementation of organizational business strategies.

Professional Journey

Bill founded Grahall Executive Search Alliance LLC, a business solutions consultancy. In his role as Managing Partner, he leads the firm’s executive search practice, specializing in various disciplines within the Financial Services sector. Additionally, his practice extends horizontally across industries, covering key management functions such as Finance, Human Resources, Legal/Audit/Compliance, Technology, Sales, Operations, and more.

A Broad Spectrum of Experience

Bill’s corporate experience is both broad and deep. He has a comprehensive background in Litigation Efforts, gained primarily during his tenure at Fidelity and Xerox. His expertise spans disciplines like Evaluation, Acquisition, Integration, Management Development, and Divestiture. In the realm of Financial Services, Bill has served in various roles in domestic and global firms.

• ICMA Retirement Corporation: COO
• New York Life Investment Management: VP – Sales & Consultant Relations
• Boston Financial: SVP & GM
• Putnam Investments: SVP
• Fidelity Investments: VP & Partner

Educational Background

Bill’s educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science (BS) in History from SUNY – Geneseo and a Master of Science (MS) in Personnel Administration from SUNY – Albany.

With a wealth of experience spanning multiple industries and functions, Bill Byrnes is a valuable asset to Grahall Consulting and a trusted advisor for Boards of Directors and corporate executives.

John Tropeano BS, MBA

John Tropeano: Litigation Opinion Expert

John Tropeano is a seasoned consultant affiliated with Grahall, LLC, a renowned consultancy specializing in compensation, overall reward strategy, and comprehensive Human Resources advisory. Grahall boasts a cadre of over fifty consulting partners spanning 26 cities across the United States and Canada. With a global reach, the firm operates in Zurich, Switzerland, and India, boasting a diverse team of experts, including MBAs, CPAs, actuaries, tax specialists, psychologists, and legal experts. The typical Grahall consultant brings over two decades of experience to the table.

Individual Background

John’s distinguished career revolves around offering invaluable counsel to boards of directors, their compensation committees, and senior management members. His expertise spans all facets of total rewards strategy, encompassing base salary, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, retention awards, benefits, and perquisites. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has crafted executive employment agreements for more than 100 senior executives. John has an impressive 45-year track record in compensation, benefits, human resources analytics, and total quality management.

Educational Background

John earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1975. His academic achievements are underscored by his MBA in Management Science, which he pursued while working full time at General Foods Corporation, culminating in the prestigious John G. Hagan Award for Academic Excellence for graduating at the top of his class in 1981.

Employment History

• 2022-2023: Consultant at Grahall, LLC
• 2021-2022: Independent Total Rewards Consultant
• 2005-2020: Bunge Limited – Vice President Human Resources – Total Rewards
• 2004-2005: John Tropeano Consulting, LLC – Principal, Total Rewards Consulting
• 2001-2004: Unilever United States – Vice President, Total Rewards
• 1997-2001: Bestfoods Europe (Acquired by Unilever) – Director, Compensation & Benefits
• 1995-1997: Bestfoods – Manager, Compensation Planning
• 1993-1995: Kraft General Foods Bakery Cos. (Acquired by Bestfoods) – Manager, Compensation
• 1978-1983: General Foods (Acquired by Philip Morris and merged with Kraft Foods)

Publications

John has co-authored a significant publication with colleagues at Grahall, LLC:

“Reasonable Compensation Expert Testimony” – 2nd Edition (To be Published April 2023) This 450-page book offers a fresh perspective on the role of an expert witness, surpassing legal definitions and requirements.

Reasonable Compensation Expert Witness Experience

• Peer Reviewed eight of Grahall’s Reasonable Compensation cases.
• Led as the lead expert on a Grahall Reasonable Compensation case, managing a team under tight deadlines.
• Served as the expert witness on a recent case, encompassing report writing, deposition, testimony, and closing argument preparation.

Christopher K. Young BA, MBA

Christopher K. Young: Litigation Opinion Expert

Meet Christopher K. Young, a distinguished Grahall Consulting Partner with a profound wealth of experience in the realm of compensation advisory, spanning over 30 years. Chris’s commitment to organizational coherence and alignment has made him a trusted advisor to boards of directors and management, particularly in the realm of executive remuneration programs.

A Vast and Diverse Portfolio

Chris’s consultancy journey has taken him through a diverse range of industries, including insurance and banking, logistics, construction management, technology, manufacturing, professional services, and many more. He has provided invaluable advice across various organizational settings, from traditional C-corporations to private equity portfolio companies, early-stage enterprises, and even non-traditional entities like mutual companies, reciprocal exchanges, non-profits, LLCs, S-Corporations, ESOP companies, and hybrid organizations.

Comprehensive Advisory Approach

While Chris offers advisory services across a spectrum of human resources disciplines, his primary focus has consistently been on evaluating and designing executive total remuneration programs. He champions a comprehensive advisory approach, ensuring that a multitude of factors, including technical (tax, legal, accounting, regulatory), performance, risk, financing, organizational, behavioral, and governance considerations, are meticulously addressed.

A Dual Expertise

In addition to his compensation advisory prowess, Chris brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in investment banking and related financial services realms. He specialized in developing and implementing innovative financing, value enhancement, and administration solutions for deferred compensation and equity programs. He also excelled in structuring and marketing capital markets solutions to meet institutional needs for hedging, financing, and returns modification.

Educational Background

Chris holds an impressive academic background, with a B.A. in Mathematics and Math Sciences from Johns Hopkins University, an M.B.A. in Finance and Econometrics from the University of Chicago Booth School, and postgraduate studies in Alternative Risk Management at the University of Chicago.

Jay Wolf BA

Jay Wolf:

Jay Wolf, a seasoned Consultant and Executive Coach at Grahall, LLC, with a remarkable track record in Leadership Development, Performance Assessments, and Organizational and Executive Coaching across diverse industries. Mr. Wolf is also a principal and co-founder of JCris Consulting Group, a renowned international consulting and coaching firm. Together, they employ the “Power Methodology” to empower organizations, enhance human capital performance, and drive bottom-line results.

Expertise Across the Spectrum

Jay’s expertise spans a wide spectrum of industries, where he specializes in Leadership Development, Performance Assessments, and Organizational and Executive Coaching. His vast experience and insights have made him a sought-after advisor for organizations looking to elevate their leadership capabilities and overall performance.

A Journey of Learning and Certification

Prior to his roles at Grahall and JCris Consulting Group, Jay Wolf served as an Executive Coach and Consultant in the Executive Services Practice of Hay Group. In this capacity, he honed his skills in Leadership Development and Organizational and Executive Coaching at the C-Suite level. Jay holds valuable Hay Group certifications in BEI Interviewing, Emotional Intelligence (ECI), Leadership Styles (LSI), and Organizational Climate (OCS).

Educational Background

Jay holds a Graduate Masters Certificate in Organizational and Executive Coaching from New York University, underlining his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from City University of New York at Queens College.

Making a Difference

Jay and his wife are actively involved with charitable organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Their dedication to increasing awareness for juvenile diabetes and breast cancer research highlights Jay’s commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Jay Wolf’s extensive experience, dedication to coaching excellence, and commitment to philanthropy make him an invaluable asset to Grahall, LLC, and a catalyst for leadership and performance enhancement.

Garry Rogers BA, MBA, JD

Garret Rogers

Mr. Rogers has accumulated 25 years of professional experience, including a remarkable 15-year tenure in the compensation and benefits arena. He brings a wealth of expertise to Grahall Consulting Partners, LLC.

Professional Journey

Pearl Meyer & Partners: Prior to joining Grahall, Garret worked for 10 years in the New York office of Pearl Meyer & Partners. In this capacity, he consulted with publicly and privately held companies, specializing in the design and implementation of equity participation programs and incentives for subsidiaries, business units, spin-offs, IPOs, bankruptcies, joint ventures, and Litigation Efforts. Mr. Rogers also excels in the design and negotiation of employment, change-in-control, severance, and retention arrangements. While his experience spans various industries, he has particularly extensive experience working with clients in the financial services industry, private equity, hedge funds, technology, and insurance sectors.

Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross: Previously, Garret was associated with the law firm of Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross, where he advised public and private companies on structuring and negotiating employment, change in control, severance arrangements, and Litigation Efforts.

Capitol Hill Internship: Garret also gained valuable experience during an internship in the Washington D.C. office of current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. During this time, he authored a white paper on the impact of the then-proposed IRC Section 280G.

Educational Background

Garret holds advanced degrees from each of New York University Law School (J.D.) and Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management (MBA-Finance). He received his bachelor of arts in World Political Economics from Colorado College.

Book Authorship

Mr. Rogers is currently co-authoring a book on Negotiating CEO employment agreements.

Mr. Rogers’ extensive experience and diverse skill set make him a valuable asset to Grahall Consulting Partners, LLC.

Zachary Riyaz BA, MBA, JD

Zachary I. Riyaz:

Meet Zachary I. Riyaz, a Consultant at Grahall, LLC, and Partner with the esteemed law firm Riyaz LLP. Zachary’s expertise lies in corporate litigation, offering invaluable legal counsel in matters related to employment compensation, human resource regulatory compliance, and strategic business decisions. His extensive experience involves working closely with senior management to harmonize a company’s legal responsibilities.

A Diverse Legal Background

Before joining Grahall, LLC, Zachary served as a partner at Foster, Vandenburgh & Riyaz LLP. During his career, he worked as a judicial intern for Supreme Court Justice Thomas Whalen at the Unified Court System of the State of New York. In this role, he conducted extensive background research vital for resolving complex legal matters, including corporate litigation.

Additionally, Zachary represented clients before the New York State Department of Labor, specializing in unemployment insurance matters. He also served as a certified mediator in the Albany City Court, demonstrating his commitment to alternative dispute resolution.

Educational Background

Zachary’s educational journey is marked by excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Stony Brook University, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) from Union University, Albany Law School. Complementing his legal education, he holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cornell University’s S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management.

A Wealth of Legal Experience

With over sixteen (16) years of litigation experience, Zachary has contributed to over 600 matrimonial cases. His extensive mediation experience as a Counselor at Law underscores his commitment to effective dispute resolution. Zachary is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court – Eastern District of New York.

Zachary I. Riyaz is more than a legal professional; he is a strategic partner in helping companies navigate the complexities of corporate litigation, employment compensation, and regulatory compliance. His unique blend of legal expertise and business acumen is a valuable asset to Grahall, LLC, and Riyaz LLP.

Ali Riyaz BBA

Ali Riyaz: Litigation Opinion Expert

Ali Riyaz, a Consultant at Grahall Consulting Partners, LLC, is your go-to expert for executive compensation and total rewards strategy. With over 15 years of experience, Ali brings a wealth of knowledge to senior management teams.

Professional Journey

• Saudi Aramco: Ali spent 6 years as an Executive Compensation & Benefits Advisor, where he managed incentives for 500+ executives globally and crafted compensation policies.
• JetBlue Airways: During his 3-year tenure as a Compensation Manager, Ali advised on market pricing, performance management, and executive compensation.
• Grahall Partners, LLC: As a Senior Compensation Consultant for 1 year, Ali’s expertise covered executive compensation, job evaluation, equity plans, and more.
• WebMD: Ali consulted on bonus buyouts, job consolidation due to M&A, and executive market pricing during his 6-month stint.
• Cablevision Systems Corporation: Ali spent 5 years as an Executive Compensation Manager, focusing on total rewards design and equity administration.

Publications

Ali is also an accomplished author, co-authoring four books on compensation-related topics:

• “Employee Total Rewards Strategy”
• “Sales Compensation”
• “Executive Benefits and Perquisites Rewards”
• “Expert Witness Testimony in Compensation Related Litigation”
• “Job Analysis for the 21^st Century”

Educational Background

Ali holds a BBA degree in Banking & Finance from Hofstra University.

Ali Riyaz’s extensive experience and expertise make him an invaluable asset to Grahall Consulting Partners, LLC.

Howard Risher BA, MBA, PhD

Howard Risher: Litigation Opinion Expert

Meet Howard Risher, a seasoned Consultant at Grahall Partners, LLC, who brings a wealth of expertise in human resource issues to the table. Howard’s career is a testament to his commitment to HR excellence, with a remarkable track record spanning various industries and levels within organizations.

A Diverse Portfolio

Howard is a versatile consultant who has worked across industries, addressing HR matters ranging from executive compensation to supporting labor contract renegotiations. His extensive career has seamlessly blended consulting, HR management, and research, making him a well-rounded expert in the field.

Consulting Prowess

Howard has managed consulting practices for industry giants such as Mercer Consulting in Manhattan and The Wyatt Company in Washington and Philadelphia. His experience extends to roles such as Director of Compensation at Universal Health Services Inc. in King of Prussia, PA. Early in his career, he contributed his HR insights to I U International, a prominent conglomerate based in Philadelphia.

Editorial Excellence

Howard’s passion for HR knowledge extends to his role as the Editor of Compensation and Benefits Review, a prestigious journal within the compensation and benefits profession. He has also demonstrated leadership by planning and managing conferences on cutting-edge HR topics for Wharton’s Center for Human Resources.

Published Author

Howard is not only an accomplished consultant but also a prolific author. His books include “It’s Time for High-Performance Government: Strategies for Engaging and Energizing Public Employees” (2016), “Primer on Total Compensation in Government” (2016), “Planning Wage and Salary Programs” (2009), and “Aligning Pay Results” (1999).

Educational Background

Howard’s academic journey includes a BA in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in Business and Applied Economics, with a specialization in labor relations, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Howard Risher’s extensive experience, strategic insights, and commitment to advancing HR practices make him an invaluable asset in the world of human resources and organizational management. His contributions empower organizations to navigate complex HR challenges and drive success.

Charles Patton BA, MBA

Charles Patton: Litigation Opinion Expert

Meet Charles Patton, an esteemed Consultant at Grahall Partners, LLC, specializing in the dynamic realm of reward strategy and executive compensation. With a career spanning over 35 years in the compensation and benefits field, Charles brings a wealth of experience and insights to boards of directors, compensation committees, and company management.

Vast Industry Expertise

Charles Patton’s extensive career journey has taken him through diverse industries, including manufacturing, banking, retail, and transportation sectors. His distinguished list of past employers includes General Motors, Bausch & Lomb, GenCorp, PolyOne, Office Depot, and Ryder System, Inc. In these leadership roles, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of compensation and benefit strategies.

Leadership and Oversight

Throughout his career, Charles has held pivotal Vice President roles, overseeing large employee populations exceeding 20,000 individuals. This responsibility extended to managing substantial annual payroll budgets exceeding $1 billion, annual benefit budgets exceeding $100 million, and pension investments exceeding $1 billion. His international compensation expertise has ensured compliance in various regulatory environments.

Expertise in Expert Witness Assignments

In his role at Grahall, LLC for the past eight years, Charles has been a trusted advisor to clients on market pricing for commercial organizations. He has also been a key advisory consultant in expert witness assignments related to reasonable compensation, lost wages, wage discrimination, compensation characterization, and pay equity.

Educational Background

Charles Patton’s academic foundation is rooted in a multidisciplinary B.A. degree in Social Science from Michigan State University. He furthered his education with a B.S. graduate degree focusing on Human Resources. Charles’s commitment to knowledge dissemination led him to serve as an adjunct professor at San Diego State University.

Charles Patton’s extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to shaping reward strategy and executive compensation, make him an invaluable asset to Grahall Partners, LLC, and a trusted advisor in the complex world of compensation and benefits.

Alan Nadel BS, MS, MBA in Tax, CGMA

Alan Nadel: Litigation Opinion Expert

Alan, who serves as the Managing Director of Strategic Apex Group LLC, a prominent management consulting firm specializing in executive compensation and corporate governance. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Denver, Strategic Apex Group LLC is dedicated to providing expert guidance in these critical areas.

Decades of Experience

Alan’s career spans over 45 years, during which he has advised a diverse range of clients on various matters related to executive and board of directors compensation, employee benefits, retirement programs, ESOPs, income tax, and estate planning. His extensive experience includes roles as both a regulator and an advisor.

Expertise and Services

In his current practice, Alan excels in advising clients on the intricate design and implementation of executive and board member compensation programs. His guidance covers strategic, financial, funding, accounting, and tax considerations. He is also well-versed in corporate governance matters. Alan has represented numerous companies and senior executives in negotiations involving employment agreements, severance programs, and change-in-control arrangements. He is a sought-after expert witness in both civil and criminal cases.

Diverse Clientele

Alan’s clientele includes a wide spectrum of organizations, ranging from public and private companies to domestic and international corporations, as well as not-for-profit entities. His expertise is trusted by clients worldwide.

Impressive Credentials

Alan holds several prestigious professional designations, including being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. He earned an M.B.A. in Taxation from Baruch College, an A.P.C. (M.S.) in Actuarial Science from NYU, and a B.S. in Mathematics from John Carroll University.

Author and Educator

Alan is a coauthor of several influential books, including “Accounting for Equity Compensation,” “Equity Compensation for Limited Liability Companies,” and “Expert Witness Testimony in Compensation-Related Litigation.” He is also a contributing author for publications such as “Employee Benefits in Mergers & Acquisitions,” “The Employee Benefits Handbook,” “Compensation Committee Handbook,” “The Stock Options Book,” and “Executive Compensation in ESOP Companies.” Alan’s expertise extends to academia, where he has lectured at renowned institutions like Columbia University (Graduate School of Business), New York University (School of Law, LLM program), Yale University (Law School), and the City University of New York (Baruch MBA program). Currently, he is on the faculty for board of director training at UCLA (Anderson School of Management).

Industry Engagement

Alan has actively engaged with various professional and industry groups worldwide. He has served as an expert advisor on ESOPs to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars and has been quoted in numerous business publications and newspapers. Alan has also made appearances on various national and local broadcast business programs.

Angelo Kostopoulos BS, MBA, MS

Angelo Kostopoulos:

Angelo Kostopoulos, a Consultant at Grahall, LLC, and the visionary Founder and President of AKRON, Inc. Based in Washington, DC, AKRON, Inc. is a data analytics and survey firm that thrives under Angelo’s leadership, bringing over 25 years of experience in technology and data analytics to the forefront.

Pioneering Data Analytics

Angelo is the driving force behind AKRON’s compensation, benefits, and management survey practice. He skillfully manages a team of technologists and subject matter experts who collaborate in the design and administration of intricate surveys. With a track record of designing and developing data-driven statistical databases and systems spanning more than two decades, Angelo initiated AKRON’s survey practice over 15 years ago.

A Trailblazing Journey

Before founding AKRON, Inc., Angelo held the position of Vice President of Software Engineering for Sysnet, Corporation, a pioneering independent internet service provider in the Washington area. In this role, he spearheaded the development of the firm’s internet application development division. Prior to that, Angelo served as the computer scientist-in-residence of Economic Analysis Group, a renowned consulting firm specializing in software and services for legal departments of Fortune 1000 companies.

Educational Background

Angelo’s educational background is impressive. He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from The University of Maryland, followed by a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science from the George Washington University. Further enhancing his skills, he holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Angelo Kostopoulos is more than a Consultant; he is a trailblazer who marries technology, data analytics, and survey expertise to drive insights and innovation. His contributions to AKRON, Inc. have made it a powerhouse in the world of compensation, benefits, and management surveys, and his leadership continues to shape the industry’s future.

Elizabeth Hall BS

Elizabeth Hall:

Meet Elizabeth Hall, a highly regarded Consultant at Grahall Partners, LLC, who brings over two decades of expertise in the field of compensation and benefits to the forefront. Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in analyzing, strategizing, and crafting executive and employee reward programs that drive organizational success.

A Multifaceted Specialist

Elizabeth’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of reward strategy, with a particular focus on executive compensation. Her proficiency encompasses diverse areas, including stock-based compensation, short-term and long-term cash incentives, retention compensation, executive employment arrangements, and the intricacies of benefits and development rewards. Her comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of compensation aligns seamlessly with organizational objectives.

Creative Visionary

In addition to her role as a consultant, Elizabeth takes on the role of Creative Director for the eMagazine “People Strategy Exchange.” Her creative insights and innovative thinking add a unique dimension to the world of compensation and benefits.

A Wealth of Experience

With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the compensation and benefits field, Elizabeth has a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that organizations face. She collaborates effectively with consulting teams and clients from diverse industries, providing tailored solutions that drive performance and engagement.

A Strong Foundation

Prior to joining Grahall Partners, LLC, Elizabeth honed her skills as an actuary at Watson Wyatt, a testament to her commitment to precision and data-driven decision-making. Her background in economics and French from St. Lawrence University further enriches her ability to approach compensation and benefits with a global perspective.

Elizabeth Hall’s deep expertise, creative flair, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset in the realm of compensation and benefits. Her contributions help organizations navigate the complexities of reward programs while enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Michael Graham BS, MBA, CCP

Michael Graham: Litigation Opinion Expert

Michael Graham serves as a consultant at Grahall, LLC, a leading advisory firm specializing in human resources, reward strategy, and compensation. Grahall boasts a formidable team of over fifty consulting partners across 26 cities in the United States, Canada, India, and Switzerland. With an average experience level exceeding two decades, Grahall’s consultants bring a wealth of knowledge to their clients.

Individual Background

Michael specializes in a comprehensive range of people strategy areas, including organization effectiveness, reward strategy, executive compensation (including stock-based compensation), short-term and long-term incentives, executive employment arrangements, benefits, perquisites, and development rewards. Michael has negotiated over 100 CEO and executive employment relationships during his distinguished 48-year career, with 38 years dedicated to consulting. His expertise extends to advising organizations across diverse industries, with a significant focus on the financial services sector.

Educational Background

Michael holds a B.S. in Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where his academic excellence earned him recognition, including inclusion in the Honor Society and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He concurrently pursued an MBA at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while working full-time at Albany International Corporation.

Employment History

• 2007-2022: Consultant at Grahall, LLC
• 2003-2007: Consultant and Compensation Practice Director at Clark Consulting
• 2001-2003: Consultant, Partner & Human Capital Practice Director at Arthur Andersen Worldwide
• 1998-2001: Consultant & Compensation Practice Director at the Hay Group
• 1994-1998: Consultant & Compensation Practice Director at Towers Perrin (Currently Willis Towers Watson)
• 1984-1994: Consultant, Principal, and Practice Director at the Wyatt Company (Currently Willis Towers Watson)
• 1980-1984: Corporate Director of Compensation & Benefits Worldwide at Bausch & Lomb
• 1974-1980: Various roles at Albany International, including Junior Engineer and Manager of Compensation & Benefits Worldwide

Publications

Michael’s extensive portfolio includes authoring or co-authoring several books published by AMACOM, LULU, or Grahall Omnimedia Publishing. These titles encompass subjects such as “Creating a Total Reward Strategy,” “Effective Executive Compensation,” and “People Strategy – The Revolution.” Additionally, he has overseen various research studies examining executive rewards and board governance.

Robert Cirkiel FCCA, ASA, FSA

Robert Circkiel

Robert Cirkiel, the senior actuarial consultant at Grahall, specializing in employee benefits. With an impressive career spanning over 35 years in actuarial insurance and consulting, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His primary focus is on serving large and middle-market Clients, and his expertise has allowed him to provide invaluable guidance to some of the world’s largest organizations.

Areas of Expertise

Robert excels in performing and advising Clients on a wide spectrum of total rewards strategy valuation and analysis. His expertise covers employee and executive benefits analysis and design, as well as operational audits, internal controls, risk-based capital assessments, and various other types of analyses and audits.

Educational Background

Robert earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of New York at New Paltz. He is also an enrolled actuary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), further highlighting his actuarial proficiency.

Professional Accomplishments

Robert has held significant roles in his career, including Vice President and Partner at Hay Group’s Philadelphia and Metro New York offices. During his tenure at Hay Group, he also served as the National Actuarial Practice Leader – Health and Welfare Benefits.

Professional Associations

Robert is a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries and an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, further underlining his dedication to his field.

Thought Leadership

Robert has made significant contributions to the field of actuarial science and employee benefits. He has been a featured speaker at various conferences and seminars and has also appeared on national television and radio. His insights and expertise have been sought after, and he has been quoted on topics ranging from managed care and medical cost control to benefits and aging, selling, and emerging benefits programs.

With his vast experience and profound knowledge, Robert Cirkiel is a valuable asset to Grahall, contributing to the firm’s excellence in the employee benefits arena.

Arlene Brewster BS, MS, PhD

Arlene Brewster:

Arlene Brewster, a distinguished Consultant at Grahall Partners, LLC, specializing in organizational culture, communications, individual position analysis, person/position matching, individual coaching, and holistic people strategy. Arlene is a trusted resource who contributes her wealth of expertise to Grahall’s endeavors, particularly in executive interviews and the diagnosis of individual and organizational issues across a wide spectrum of people strategy assignments.

A Legacy of Experience

With over 28 years of experience in individual therapy and organizational consulting, Arlene Brewster has forged a remarkable career. She has partnered with organizations on their journey to achieve their organizational goals, demonstrating a unique ability to navigate crises when they arise. Dr. Brewster’s extensive training and experience in Systems Theory, a framework that analyzes closed loop patterns of interaction hindering change, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) have been instrumental in helping individuals overcome barriers to reaching their aspirations within organizations.

Educational Background

Dr. Brewster’s academic journey is marked by excellence. She earned her PhD. from the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where her exceptional work was honored with the Best Dissertation Award in her field. Her academic pursuits also include an M.A.T. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from Skidmore College.

Arlene Brewster embodies a profound commitment to facilitating organizational excellence. Her extensive background in individual therapy, organizational consulting, and academic achievement make her an invaluable asset to Grahall Partners, LLC, and a beacon of guidance in the world of people strategy and organizational culture.

Bill Byrnes BS, MS

Bob Birdsell BS, CLU