Your Team at CEA
Kim Gusman
President & CEO
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Kim is an experienced HR Generalist, a dynamic speaker, and a proven leader who has been successfully leading CEA since 2002. Thoroughly immersed in human resources and operations for over 25 years, she has a variety of HR experience in retail, insurance, and manufacturing environments and exhibits her comprehensive bank of knowledge and crystal-clear strategic guidance with CEA members and staff every day.
Kim earned her BA degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Human Resources, at the University of Puget Sound. Kim is a founding member of the Employers Association of America (EAA) and regularly meets with other HR and association leaders to learn best practices and offer more services for our members. She also serves on the board of directors for the California Society for Association Executives and was a past board member of the California State Workforce Investment Board.
When Kim is not working to provide Peace of Mind for employers, she enjoys visiting her daughters in Austin and San Diego, traveling across the US with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.
Karen Smith Olson
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
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Karen is responsible for leading sales and marketing initiatives at CEA. From launching new websites to rebranding and creating new lead-generation programs, Karen is an experienced business-to-business marketing and sales professional. Before coming to CEA, Karen had her own consultant company and spent 20 years at CalChamber leading marketing and sales strategy development. Originally from Kansas City, Karen graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the beauty and diversity that California has to offer with her family and friends.
Andrea Fredrickson, CPA
Vice President of Finance
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Andrea helps guide our financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing our internal controls. From handling Accounts Payable to Accounts Receivable to our monthly financial statements, Andrea helps plan, direct, and coordinate all accounting operational functions for our organization. Andrea is personable, approachable, accurate, and has an incredibly high work ethic.
As a critical member of our leadership team, Andrea helps us improve our Operational efficiency while at the same time ensuring we keep an eye on making things better for our customers, members, and employers across California. Prior to joining CEA, Andrea worked for a variety of companies from tax firms to businesses that built clean rooms, and she owned her own business at one time. A graduate of the University of Texas, Andrea holds a Master's degree in Professional Accounting and spent time living in Utah and Texas before landing in California.
When Andrea isn’t working on ways to improve member retention and providing employers with Peace of Mind you can find her playing the piano and learning to play the cello.
Jessica Rivera MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Vice President of Human Resources
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Jessica manages our HR Support Team. Her years of HR and Coaching experience enhance the learning process and develop the right strategies for employers’ talent needs. As an experienced trainer and coach with a passion for building talent, whether in groups or as an executive coach, Jessica has earned a reputation as an engaging, fun, and effective professional who delivers results. She has conducted training for thousands of leaders and teams across the country.
As a highly experienced executive with over 25 years of spearheading high-impact initiatives and leading teams, Jessica assists in managing, developing, delivering, and administering various workshops and training programs for employers and professionals in all fields. Jessica holds a Master of Business Administration degree and has her PHR certification from the HR Certification Institute and her SHRM-CP certification from the Society of Human Resource Management. She is a certified and licensed instructor and coach for Dale Carnegie programs and a StrengthsFinder Coach. She is a member of the American Society for Training and Development.
When Jessica isn’t providing Peace of Mind to CEA members, you can find her watching Jack Ryan or making plans to visit Paris with her sister and daughter.
Daniela Devitt
Innovation & Workforce Development Consultant
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Daniela is an excellent keynote speaker, professional facilitator, and trainer. She looks for new opportunities to provide programs such as Leadership training, Employee Development, Professional Edge Training, Recruiting, and Talent Management for employers. She also has many years of experience working with Workforce Development Boards and their job centers throughout California.
Daniela has managed and led peer advisory boards that assisted CEO & C-Level executives from companies throughout Sacramento. She works with employers and workforce boards throughout the state as they manage their workforce transitions. Daniela holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from the Kansas State University/Fort Hays. She sits on various Workforce Development Boards and speaks at Workforce Conferences, Chambers, Job Fairs, and Community groups on building a strong, engaged workforce, professional development, and transitioning careers.
When she isn’t providing employers with Peace of Mind, Daniela enjoys the many islands of Hawaii where she visits her family and friends.
McKenna Arnold
Survey & Research Manager
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Our survey and research guru, McKenna is a data science specialist who plans, implements, and publishes annual pay and benefit surveys. She also creates custom surveys for employers of diverse sectors. McKenna loves digging into the details to deliver high-quality, highly-valid survey results. She also provides Affirmative Action Plan support.
McKenna earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Data Science from Willamette University. In her free time, McKenna can be found with a book or knitting needles in her hands.
McKenna partners with us through Cascade Employers Association, a fellow employers association based in Oregon.
Mari Bradford
Senior HR Director, PHR
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Mari manages our team of HR Directors and is an experienced HR Generalist and an HR expert on California employment law and compliance matters. With an HR background in various industries and experience working with both large and small employers, she understands the challenges managers and owners face when running a business in California.
Mari is a dynamic speaker with an incredibly dry wit and great sense of humor. Employers who talk with Mari say they walk away feeling more knowledgeable and with more confidence in their ability to handle an employment issue. Mari does a great job of seeing through the smoke of a complex issue and providing employers with the tools they need to handle the root cause of a problem quickly.
Mari has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications from CSU Sacramento and her PHR from the Society for Human Resource Management. When she isn’t providing employers with Peace of Mind, you can find Mari at one of her kids’ practices or dreaming about her future world travels.
Melody Correia
Director of Business Development
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Melody brings over twelve years of experience working with non-profit membership associations. An incredibly successful multitasker, in a past career with an association management company, Melody handled membership services for four associations simultaneously. Her ability to engage and connect with members to ensure they are getting the most out of their membership makes her an incredible asset to our team.
While she now specializes in customer service and business development, Melody also has experience in accounting, human resources, and database management which makes her incredibly well-rounded and gives her a robust understanding of the challenges employers face. Able to see the big picture and relate to anyone, Melody provides excellent service to business owners across the state.
When Melody isn’t finding the perfect solution to a member’s needs or providing an employer with Peace of Mind, you can find her spending time with her rescue animals, writing, attending concerts, and traveling to any place near the ocean.
Sara Curtis
Creative Marketing Specialist
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When you see beautiful, colorful, impactful digital marketing pieces from CEA, that is all thanks to our Creative Marketing Specialist, Sara. She uses her natural talent and creative genius along with extensive training and experience in the world of graphic and web design to assist in promoting services and membership benefits to employers.
Before coming to CEA, Sara worked as a graphic designer and digital media supervisor for a popular Northern California retailer. Her ability to view things from a user’s perspective and develop beautiful works of art makes her an incredible asset to our marketing team. She understands the needs of employers and works to develop flyers and advertising campaigns that catch your eye and invite you to learn more about whatever she is promoting.
Sara is an avid genealogist. When she isn’t creating works of art for CEA, she enjoys helping others start their own family history searches.
Daryl Dixon
Director of Equity & Inclusion for Cascade Employers Association
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Daryl brings over 20 years of experience in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Daryl’s passion in this area is driven by his desire to help organizations achieve a truly inclusive work environment: an environment where every employee feels recognized, appreciated, and valued and that their talents are being optimally utilized. Daryl has led this work in organizations ranging from small non-profits to Fortune 500. An award-winning diversity practitioner, Daryl has presented at the national SHRM Diversity Conference and was cited in HR Magazine for his expertise in the area of workforce diversity. Daryl earned his BA degree from Morehouse College and his Master of Divinity degree from George Fox University.
Daryl partners with us through Cascade Employers Association, a fellow employers association based in Oregon.
Kelley Downey
Operations Assistant
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When you call CEA it’s likely you’ll hear Kelley on the other end of the line. With her friendly smile, positive attitude, and sunny disposition, she brings years of customer support, sales, and team-building experience to our team. Her attention to detail and organizational skills keep things moving. Kelley's goal is to ensure every person who calls CEA has a positive experience and receives the assistance they need.
As one of our operations team members, Kelly helps our members with questions about invoices and billing. When covering the phones, Kelley dispatches calls to our HR Advisors quickly and efficiently so that every person has a consistently pleasant experience when they reach out to CEA.
When Kelley isn’t practicing superior customer service with our callers and providing employers with Peace of Mind, you can find her watching horror movies or visiting haunted houses.
Giuliana Gabriel
Senior HR Compliance Director
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Giuliana supports our HR Team by researching and dissecting new employment laws to make them easier for employers to understand and comply with. She assists a multitude of employers in HR compliance and training. She is a whiz when it comes to drafting policies and procedures, creating employee handbooks, and providing day-to-day HR guidance. Her work has included a significant number of workplace investigations for employers of all sizes and in a diverse variety of industries.
Giuliana's background in employment litigation before both state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies, makes her well-equipped to guide businesses as they navigate the complexities of California HR compliance. Her practice included defending employers in discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour class action lawsuits. This experience gives her the ability to provide real-world assistance to California employers.
Before joining CEA, Giuliana was an associate attorney at Downey Brand and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Giuliana is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Disclaimer: Giuliana is not acting as an attorney in any capacity at CEA.
Jennifer Guerrero
Operations
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When you call CEA, you’ll likely hear Jen’s friendly voice on the other end of the phone line! Jen has over 30 years of dedicated phone, customer service, and operational support experience. Jen is an extremely capable team player, with a passion for delivering excellent support to our members, prospective members, and the internal CEA team. Jen loves to establish a rapport with our members and is in the business of making people happy and connecting them with the resources they need to be successful.
Prior to joining CEA Jen worked in the Building Products industry for 17 years, and also in banking and retail. Her impressive technical and organizational skills allow her to serve your needs quickly, efficiently, and with outstanding customer service.
When Jen isn’t providing employers with Peace of Mind, you can find her doing home remodeling DIY projects. She says she’s a regular at Home Depot!
Sherri Guttenberg
HR Business Partner
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Sherri started her HR career with the Walgreens Distribution Center in Woodland. She has also worked as the HR Manager for a family-owned, multi-entity food and ag manufacturer in Yolo and Colusa counties. Sherri is a Northern California native, who grew up in the East Bay but has lived in Yolo County for most of the last 38 years, with the exception of a few years in between spent in the Russian Far East and Denmark.
Sherri most loves the people part of HR. She especially enjoys her current role as a fractional HR business partner where she has the opportunity to meet new folks, learn their business, and help and support them to further their HR-specific policies and procedures. When she is not working, Sherri enjoys cross-country skiing and hiking in the Sierras with her husband and their two dogs, as well as spending time with their combined 9 children and 14 grandchildren.
Kecia Hanson
Learning & Development Director
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As CEA’s Learning and Development Director, Kecia draws on over a decade of expertise in enhancing employee engagement and career development. Her strategic focus is on delivering high-impact training solutions ensuring a robust and skillful workforce. Kecia is not only a dynamic speaker, but she can truly engage with participants. She also has the ability to observe the current workplace trends and develop relevant trainings for employers and participants. Whether it’s job search strategies, employee relations, essential skills for employers, harassment prevention training, or leadership training, Kecia assists CEA businesses in developing strong and successful workforces.
Kecia has a BA in Spanish Literature from the University of Montana, a Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of California, Irvine, and is a certified Clifton Strengths Coach through Gallup. When Kecia isn’t helping businesses develop strong and successful workforces, you can find her making plans to visit Norway to see the Aurora Borealis.
Lindsay Hill
Director of Compensation Services
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As the Director of Compensation Services, Lindsay provides professional-level compensation support with a focus on understanding business needs to develop and implement comprehensive compensation solutions. Her experience with compensation in a variety of industries enables her to effectively tailor compensation strategies to specific employer needs.
Lindsay earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business–Human Resources Management from Portland State University. She holds a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification and a Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) certification from WorldatWork. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and traveling.
Lindsay partners with us through Cascade Employers Association, a fellow employers association based in Oregon.
Melissa Hotell
HR Business Partner
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Melissa is an experienced Human Resource generalist who specializes in HR compliance and employee relations issues. She’ll tell you that she actually began working at age five when her parents opened a 24-hour restaurant. “The entire family pitched in to keep it going. I started my illustrious restaurant career pulling weeds, graduated to busing tables, then hostess, and the pinnacle, serving. Growing up in the restaurant business taught me the value of hard work, teamwork and not to be a slacker.” After college, she began her impressive HR career in the healthcare sector and later expanded her knowledge by working in manufacturing, education, and technology industries. Melissa is a hands-on HR Business Partner who leads with understanding, preparation, and empathy.
A native of Northern California, Melissa spends her time with her educator husband, her daughters, and their families. When she isn't assisting employers with their HR needs, she enjoys traveling across the world and finding new adventures.
Natalie Jimenez
Director of Business Development
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Natalie believes in the importance of providing incredible customer service to everyone she meets. An amazing networker, she knows how to connect people with the information and resources they need. She is interested in building long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships.
Before joining CEA, Natalie had a lengthy and successful history working in the Hospitality Industry. Her past experience includes booking large events as an event coordinator and also working as a Corporate Sales Manager at the Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton hotels. She has certificates in Tourism and Hospitality Management and Event Management from FAU.
Natalie is a big believer in volunteering in her community and being a team player. When she isn’t working and providing employers with Peace of Mind, she spends her free time taking her three rescue pups on hikes and neighborhood walks. An avid sports fan, Natalie roots for the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and the Kings.
Ana Manzano
Digital Media & Event Strategist
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Ana is a progress-driven marketing & events specialist with an extensive background working with small businesses. She has always been dedicated to working for organizations with a mission to support entrepreneurs. She even built a retail company from scratch, employing 5 local team members for over 10 years!
Ana enjoys problem-solving and utilizing her abilities in strategic marketing, content creation, and campaign development. She has drawn on that experience to mentor emerging artists & small business owners in branding, finances, and product development while continuing freelance graphic & web design. She graduated from the Corcoran College of Art + Design with a BFA in Photojournalism.
When she’s not dreaming up content ideas or setting up your next informative webinar, Ana loves paddle boarding with her kids & dogs, dancing hula, and honing her cooking skills alongside her chef husband.
Stephanie Neely
Marketing Director
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As our amazing and fearless Marketing Director, Stephanie Neely is responsible for promoting all of the services and membership benefits that CEA offers to employers. A social media subject matter expert, Stephanie stays on top of growing trends, new tools, and technology and has a strong project and content management background. Stephanie’s experience, style, and understanding of the digital marketing world bring a well-rounded approach to growing our brand.
Prior to joining CEA, Stephanie worked for a variety of well-known companies such as Gap Inc, Banana Republic, Esurance, and the Meredith Corporation. She has experience working on magazines like Fitness, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Family Circle. A graduate of Drake University, Stephanie holds degrees in Mass Communications and English. She spent time in Texas, Iowa, New York, and the Bay Area before landing in Sacramento.
When Stephanie isn’t designing impactful marketing campaigns, managing our incredible marketing team, and providing employers with Peace of Mind you can find her chasing her kids or enjoying some delicious BBQ.
Eli Nuñez
HR Director
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Eli is a strategic, pragmatic HR professional with vast experience in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and distribution settings. With experience in both union and non-union environments, he gives employers the confidence to handle HR issues correctly so that they can focus on the rest of the business. Eli has a fun and informative training style and provides employers with resources so they come away feeling like they can handle any issue that comes their way.
Eli is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. A great relationship builder, some of his key strengths are in employee relations and safety. He has extensive experience conducting workplace investigations, CalOSHA investigations, and supervisor training. A strong and relatable communicator, Eli has a presence about him that helps leaders easily handle compliance and progressive discipline issues.
Eli is a graduate of CSU Chico with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Human Resources. When he is not providing employers with Peace of Mind, Eli spends time with his wife and sons, practicing Muay Thai, or dreaming up plans to visit Mexico.
Astrid Servin, PHRca
HR Director
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Astrid is a strategic, creative, and passionate HR professional with over 20 years of experience. As a long-time member of SHRM and PIHRA, she is committed to her career in human resources and helping organizations grow and maximize business results. Before coming to CEA, Astrid held key HR positions for companies in both the public and private sector, ranging from retail to large media and information system companies.
Astrid is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. Her key strengths are in Employee Relations where she has extensive experience conducting workplace investigations, preparing and responding to EEOC/wage and hour position statements, conducting pulse and attitude surveys, handling progressive discipline issues, policy review, and harassment prevention training. Astrid is a graduate of CSU San Bernardino with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
When she isn’t providing employers with Peace of Mind, you can find Astrid doing Girl Scout events with her 3 daughters, enjoying her girls’ softball and soccer teams, going to concerts with her husband, and traveling locally here and there.
Vicki Simpson
Senior HR Business Partner
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Vicki manages our outsourced HR program, called HR Assist. She also manages our Ultimate memberships. Vicki’s team of HR Business Partners offers high-touch assistance to employers when navigating all the challenges that California employment laws present. She enjoys working with various organizations that need on-site or virtual assistance to administer their HR functions. Vicki came to CEA with a successful career in human resources and over 35 years of experience, beginning her career as an entry-level benefits administrator and advancing to an executive-level HR professional.
While working full-time Vicki has also taken on additional challenges such as teaching adult courses for a major California University in Training & Development and Performance Management, volunteering with HRCI to help develop its initial California certification test, and teaching mindful art courses at a local learning exchange.
Vicki received her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications from Sacramento State University and holds a Certificate in Mediation. When not helping employers with their HR needs, Vicki will be doing arts & crafts and spending time with her family and her clowder of cats.
Craig Strong
HR Director
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Craig Strong has over 25 years of extensive experience in human resources. His areas of expertise include recruiting, interviewing, record keeping, regulatory compliance, conflict resolution, union relations, employment law, training, and team building. Craig began his human resource career right out of high school when he joined the Navy. Working in personnel administration with both military personnel and civilians, Craig gained knowledge in all aspects of human resources and specialized in criminal investigations. He also played a key role in developing and implementing the Sexual Harassment Awareness program for the Navy after the Tailhook scandal.
Craig retired from the military with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management. He then continued to round out his career by working for a large banking institution, later a small private employer, and was also employed by a large manufacturer in Fresno, before landing at CEA.
Craig's favorite motto is: “There are those who are great but perhaps the greatest are those who need not the recognition of others to feel great to themselves.”
Evan Wise
Member Services Manager
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Evan brings over 20 years of customer service experience and over 7 years of dedicated service in the non-profit membership associations sector. His extensive background includes working for an association management company where he adeptly handled a diverse portfolio of 6 clients while managing the Membership Department, which serviced over 17 membership associations.
In his role as the manager of the membership services department, Evan also contributed to accounting, event management, and database management. This diverse range of responsibilities has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted needs of associations and their members.
Evan is passionate about building meaningful relationships with members and is committed to helping them maximize the benefits of their memberships. His expertise and dedication ensure that each member receives the highest level of service and support.
Outside of work, Evan enjoys going to the movies and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Virginia Young
HR Compliance Director
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As our HR Compliance Director, Virginia tracks and reports on new employment laws, regulations and cases that affect California employers. And just to make sure she has enough on her plate, she also creates trainings, drafts and updates policies and handbooks, and provides day-to-day HR guidance for our members.
Before joining CEA, Virginia practiced employment law in California for over 25 years, as Senior Counsel at Roger Josephs O’Donnell, PC and an associate attorney at SNR Dentons in San Francisco, providing counsel to employers of all sizes and across a variety of industries. In addition to extensive advice and counseling, her practice included defense of employers in single plaintiff and class action matters in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. She uses her decades of experience to provide practical assistance to California employers.
Virginia is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California School of Law San Francisco (Hastings) and also served on active duty in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Judge Advocate General’s Corps. When Virginia isn’t helping CEA members she enjoys spending time with her family. Disclaimer: Virginia is not acting as an attorney in any capacity at CEA.
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