Manager Executive

Richard E. Kelly

Spring, Texas ***** 832-***-****

*********@*******.***

www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kelly-5a95539/

Employee Benefits & Retirement Executive

Extensive success constructing innovative benefits and merger/acquisition plans for large organizations

Dynamic, hands-on Employee Benefits and Retirement Executive with a wealth of knowledge and experience in mergers and acquisitions, benefits strategy design, retirement programs, compensation and payroll. Collaborate with benefit vendors to obtain priority pricing and features for comprehensive plans. Provide excellent customer service to all employees, quickly responding to their questions and resolving their concerns. Build strong teams and hone their technical and leadership skills through interactive training and on-the-job learning experiences.

Highlights of Expertise

Strategic Benefits Planning

Plan Audits & Management Controls

Key Business Partner Relations

Customer Service Excellence

Expediting Claim Resolution

Employee Engagement

Compensation & Payroll Processing

Training & Development Programs

Motivational Team Leadership

Retirement Programs

Career Experience

Spurrier Benefits Consulting, Houston, Texas

CONSULTANT (Contract) – BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT PLANS (2018 to 2020)

Clients include employers of 1,200 to 5,000+ union and non-union employees; evaluate strategy, plan design, administration, cost, risk and compliance. Partner with Legal, Tax, Accounting, Payroll, etc. on solutions. Provided solutions, support and client presentation for Ms. Spurrier.

Examples:

Marine terminal construction and disaster response company: evaluated benefits design and administration. Recommended department reorganization, and automation, efficiency and risk avoidance options.

Progressive funeral and cemetery company: integrating benefits and all associated functions (accounting, finance, payroll, banking, automation, etc.) from several acquisitions.

Specialty supplier of technical solutions to the energy sector.

SGS North America – Houston, TX

Director – Total Rewards NAM 2017 - 2018

Conceptualize, secure resources, and implement a comprehensive total rewards program. Collaborate with the Vice President of Human Resources to effectively implement the program.

Thoroughly analyze contracts and audit plan rebates for cost saving opportunities. Slash long-term costs by 12.5%.

Guide strategy development of the group healthcare, prescription drug, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement plans. Improve coverage and options for employees.

Recommend changes to the benefit programs to the senior leadership team. Deliver the highest ratio cost-to-benefit ratio possible.

Construct a physical and financial wellness program. Coordinate benefit fairs to educate and empower employees to make powerful, positive, long-lasting decisions.

Draft total rewards statements that encourage employees to actively participate in their benefits program. Design informational documents that serve new and existing employees.

Obtain performance feedback from the leadership team to determine compensation increases. Accurately process payroll and streamline the process for maximum efficiency.

DYNEGY INC. – Houston, TX

Sr. Manager, Benefits: 2003 – 2017

Promoted several times to positions within the employee benefits departments. Navigated complex strategy to provide employees with the maximum benefit for their contributions. Evaluated, analyzed, and recommended improvements to the overall benefits package. Improved the cost effectiveness and competitiveness of the benefits program in the local market. Collaborated frequently with ERISA attorneys, benefit vendors, and other consultants to design innovative benefit programs that served the entire employee base.

•Audited the compliance of the company’s benefits and total reward programs. Slashed the number of nonconformances by preparing the plan, system, and team for the audit.

•Facilitated comprehensive training programs for field and local employees. Honed their technical and leadership skills through interactive training programs.

•Strategically reviewed administrative costs and expenses. Reduced annual plan administrative spending by $300K.

•Consolidated and condensed several traditional plans into a single, outside-the-box solution. Realized $15M in initial savings with a projected $100M over the lifetime of the program.

•Aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the HR, benefits, and HRIS systems. Streamlined the collection, storage, and transfer of data.

•Collaborated with key stakeholders to align benefit goals and objectives within the rest of the organization. Frequently exceeded senior leadership’s expectations.

•Assertively negotiated benefits plans directly with a variety of different insurance provider types. Realized annual broker commission savings of nearly $135K.

•Forged strong relationships with third party benefit vendors. Specified contract requirements and drove down the annual cost by 15%.

•Performed extensive claims analysis and promoted group membership growth through competitive quotations. Secured consecutive renewals with a zero-premium increase.

• Researched, analyzed, prepared recommendations for approval and implemented changes to the benefit package to enhance the overall competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the packages. Transitioned to full replacement HDHP resulting in an effective year over year leveling the trend rate and a $2 million year over year cost savings in each of the first three years and continued savings in following years.

• Transitioned from six traditional (6) pension plans with seven (7) formulas to two (2) plans, one (1) cash balance plan and one (1) frozen prior plan, with an initial impact of $15 million in savings with an expected savings of $100 million over the next ten (10) years as well as significant saving from PBGC premiums, audit cost and 5500 preparation, etc.

• Transitioned from six (6) 401(k) plans to one (1) resulting in almost $1 million is cost saving from vendor administration cost, audit fees, 5500 preparation, etc.

• Administered the organization’s benefit plans and programs in accordance with the plan documents, insurance contracts, vendor agreements and applicable federal, state and local regulations.

• Managed and supported recommendations on the structure, platforms, and implementation strategies for the Benefits, Leave services and HRIS systems.

• Designed, developed and implemented a local benefit platform that facilitates and impacts HR technology programs, benefits self-service and other HR initiatives.

• Supported the management of budget and resources including both internal resources and external vendor relationships. Served as the liaison to the business users and the 3rd party vendors during the implementation of the systems and collaborate with vendors to implement innovative quality solutions.

• Collaborated with other key stakeholders – Finance, IS, Business Units to achieve cross functional goals, meeting business needs by designing integrated systems platforms and solutions related to people management. Established standard streamlined processes and manage the integrity of HRIS systems.

• Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state and local tax laws and regulations. Ensure compliance with all internal and external compliance requirements. Remained abreast of regulations to identify revisions of internal standards, policies, and operating procedures, and new programs to ensure compliance.

• Coordinated multiple audits annually. Worked with staff on the timely resolution of outstanding issues. Researched and resolved complex problems; developed training when knowledge gaps were identified within the staff.

• Oversaw implementation and plan amendments as required. Evaluated and compared local benefits with other employers. Participated in, analyzed and conducted benefits surveys and developed specific recommendations for review by management.

• Compiled and analyzed financial and statistical data for administrative reporting, contract negotiations / renewals and program / vendor evaluation. Supervised the preparation of data/reports for non-discrimination testing, surveys, data transmissions, claims analysis, reports and special requests.

• Partnered with ERISA attorneys, vendors, consultants and investment managers to design, develop, implement and administer benefit programs. Developed SOX compliant procedures, correspondence, coordination and process analysis related to ongoing operations as well as merger, acquisitions and divestitures.

• Ensured legal compliance through plan amendments and document maintenance, coordination and development of government filings, testing, valuations, SPD/SMM communications and written correspondence.

• Preserved data integrity through benefit plan audits, benefit to payroll system assessments, plan document and forms review, process/procedure revisions, all in accordance with DOL, ERISA requirements and applicable IRS laws.

• Cultivated and managed multiple third party vendor relationships. Ensured timely and accurate delivery of information and documents as specified in contract requirements. Remained abreast of current legislation, regulations and requirements as they pertain to Qualified Plans and Health & Welfare programs. Consistently volunteered to participate or serve as the lead for on-going HR and Benefits projects.

EGL, INC. – Houston, TX

Sr. Benefits Analyst: 2001- 2003

• Developed, reviewed and edited plan documents, SPDs and other participant correspondence. Led the process of transitioning the 401(k) Savings Plan to new vendor and merged plans due to acquisitions.

• Provided expertise for various qualification issues with respect to compliance testing and 5500s for plan year 1998 to 2002, including VCO submissions, DOL audits and responses.

• Established ongoing audit processes. Supervised auditors through completion of the audit process for years 1998 to 2003.

• Managed the Deferred Compensation Plan, Employee Stock Option and Executive Life Plan.

• Resolved day-to-day operational issues for management and plan participants.

AETNA FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. – Hartford, CT

Client Service Manager: 1999 - 2001

• Responsible for managing 401(k) Retirement Plan Administrators and plan assets of $750M.

• Managed department responsibilities for 401(k) plans: including relationship management, consulted on day-to-day issue resolutions, statement development and generation scheduling, 5500 reporting, compliance testing, RFP responses, etc.

Developed a new line of business for Aetna Financial Services in the 403(b) market space.

• Identified and provided necessary documentation to support process changes to management.

• Created position descriptions to assess, acquire and develop appropriate talent. Developed procedures and process workflows.

• Managed a team of 403(b) Retirement Plan Administrators as well as support staff. Performed short and long term department managerial responsibilities.

Compliance Technical Team: 2000 - 2000

• Successfully developed a Nondiscrimination Testing Team and drafted standardized employer communications, procedures and process workflows. Trained Retirement Plan Administrators to calculate and perform cutbacks as necessary as authorized by plan sponsor.

ANNUITY BOARD OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION – Dallas, TX

Manager of Retirement/Benefit Administration: 1995 - 1999

• Established and managed budgets. Developed department goals and supervised the administration team.

• Performed operational tasks of scheduling, staffing and individual goal setting. Drafted and delivered annual performance and bonus evaluations.

• Developed and managed the Loan Program's for Annuity Board's 401(k) and 403 (b) retirement plans in compliance with applicable legislation and respective plan documents.

• Designed and implemented a loan system, coordinating with the existing retirement recordkeeping, general ledger, and investment and reporting systems. Amended plan documents; created forms, notices, letters and reports; developed communication materials to include written policies and procedures. Managed Loan Department and department personnel and consulted on standard retirement processing practices. Performed department managerial responsibilities.

FIDELITY INSTITUTIONAL RETIRMENT SERVICES COMPANY – Irving, TX

Supervisor: 1992 - 1995

• Managed a team of 10 -20 full time representatives, and 70 - 150 temporary representatives during peak processing seasons. Responsibilities included budgeting, staffing, goal setting, performance appraisals, task prioritization, coaching and feedback, development and discipline.

• Participated as a team member during the implementation of new plans; developed innovative solutions to complex plans and retirement issues.

• Educated employers and participants on retirement plan legislation, regulations and tax implications. Trained, developed, supervised and motivated a team of 7 to 15 representatives.

• Ensured the accuracy of the daily operational tasks of 401(k) plan and participant administration, as well as daily operational responsibilities of staffing, scheduling and managing call volumes.

• Administered account and account maintenance for over 1,000 institutional retirement plans. Counseled participants on retirement needs, investment objectives, and tax implications which enabled them to make educated decisions.

• Executed trades involving mutual funds by Guaranteeing the investment contracts and company stock funds in the participant accounts of Fortune 500 companies. Served as liaison between phone groups and client management. Presented demonstrations of Fidelity Investments' Institutional operations and systems to existing and prospective clients.

FIDELITY INVESTMENTS RETIREMENT SERVICES COMPANY – Irving, TX

Correspondence Representative: 1989 - 1992

• Assisted shareowners on how to properly establish IRA, Keogh, and SEP- IRA accounts through written communications.

• Established and funded IRA, Keogh and SEP- IRA accounts for Fidelity share owners. Trained on retirement account tax law and reporting.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of General Studies – Liberal Arts Emphasis: Business & Communications

University of Texas, Arlington, Texas

Professional Development

Annual Southwest Benefits Conference Attendee

SunGard Pension Conferences Attendee

Former Registered Representative of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Series 26, 6 & 63)

Great Strides- Problem Resolution Training

Fidelity Investment’s Retirement Specialist Program

Effective Performance Appraisals

Certified Employee Communication Specialist

Effective Business Writing

Effective Presentations

Social Skill Training

Influencing Others Training

KASAT- Customer Service Training

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