About Us

President

Gui Wu

Gui is the Vice President of Total Rewards & Benefits at Accordion Partners based in New York, Gui oversees key programs including payroll, 401(k) administration, and employee benefits in the US, UK, and Canada, with a strong focus on compliance, plan integrations, and optimizing the employee experience. He started his career at Cigna as Medical Underwriter. He has proven track record of centralizing and improving employee lifecycle operations, Brings a strong foundation in benefits strategy and cross-functional partnership to deliver data-informed, operationally sound people solutions.

Vice President

Brian Krejci

Brian serves as VP of Benefits at USI, he focuses on sustainable cost
management, specializing in cost control and consumption behaviors related to Pharmacy/PBM Management, underwriting, and disease management. Brian’s approach includes year-round strategic guidance to mitigate future risk. He is focused on bending the cost curve and empowering employees to take control of their health.

Secretary

Elizabeth (Quinn) Smith

At Major Leage Soccer, Elizabeth leads the management of Benefits for HR Total Rewards, focused on employee and player benefits, wellness, work-life balance programs, and employee engagement. She joined the league in 2020 and has shaped the MLS employee experience through implementing engaging benefits and programs. Prior to MLS, she served as an Account Manager with Aetna, negotiating renewals for employes and advising on strategy across her book of business.

Treasurer

Iliana Farris

As the Director of Benefits at NRDC, Iliana is instrumental in leading a team of professionals focused on optimizing programs, mitigating risk, and delivering a great employee experience. She is passionate about smart, efficient, benefits design, and is a known inclusive and empowering leader, emphasizing team work and shared ownership.

Collegiate Connection Chairpersons

Francis Jasmine

We are thrilled to have Francis on the Board, especially given her strong connections with her MHR alma mater, Stony Brook University. She has a full plate leading fund administration for tri-state area pension programs but a willingness to facilitate connection with students who foresee a career in HR, but may not know how enriching employee benefits may be!

Collegiate Connection Chairpersons

Michelle Randazzo

Michelle has served in multiple positions over the years, but has found her next initiative in building relationships with leading universities who have Masters of HR programs. What a better place to find inquisitive minds who may not be aware of how enriching a career in benefits can be. Michelle is the Total Rewards Retirement Lead for AlixPartners, a leading business management consulting firm. In her 5 years at AlixPartners, she has implemented meaningful changes in their US retirement program. Prior to her role at AlixPartners, she spent 10 years at Skadden & Arps LLP focusing on DC and DB plans with an emphasis on compliance and operations. Michelle earned her CEBS designation in 2018 and has been the Education Director of our Chapter since January 2023.

Marketing & Communications
Chair

Marilyn Espinosa

Marilyn Espinosa is a seasoned employee benefits leader with over 18 years of experience advising mid-market and large employers on health and welfare strategy, risk mitigation, and workforce solutions. She brings a consultative, data-driven approach with deep expertise in renewals, alternative funding, compliance, and M&A benefits due diligence and integration. Known for stepping into complex, high-stakes situations, Marilyn partners with HR and executive leadership to align benefits strategy with business goals, reduce risk, and deliver sustainable, long-term results.

Social Chair

Dan Kinney

We are excited to welcome Dan back as Social Chair. Between his ability to work the room like a veteran politician, create meaningful connections with members and non-members, alike, Dan’s joy and love for brining people together is back for 2026! Dan Kinney is the Director of Compliance for Kinney Law & Compliance, a hybrid law-compliance firm specializing in employee benefits, particularly in health care policy. He has 15 years of experience in the field, including prior work on Capitol Hill and with policy-based nonprofits while studying at George Washington University. Dan holds a JD and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Miami.

Virtual Education Chair

Randi Weingarten

We are pleased to welcome back Randi as our steward in cultivating leads to virtual education events hosted by other chapters, the Society, or vendor-partners, as well as organize chapter-specific events. Randi has hit it out of the park with countless virtual sessions ensuring all members have the opportunity to earn Continued Education Credits regardless of location in the tri-state area. Randi is a benefits leader with over 30 years of experience in various industries. Her focus is on employee engagement, streamlining processes, and offering a competitive, compliant benefits package. Randi holds a BS in Psychology from Queens College and an MBA from Bernard M. Baruch College. Randi earned her CEBS designation in 1995 and has been an active member of the Board for many years, previously serving as the president of our Chapter.

Chairperson at Large

Nick Ashback

Nick serves as an at-large board member, lending his time and talent wherever it’s needed most. He wears many hats, filling in gaps, supporting initiatives across the chapter, and always stepping up to move the project forward. His versatility and dedication make him invaluable to the team.

Board of Directors Emeritus

Stephanie Chiodi 

Stephanie is the Global Head of Benefits for Moelis & Company, a global independent investment bank headquartered in New York, NY. She has spent 12 years focused on cost-effective and strategically aligned employer-sponsored plans in the US, UK, APAC, and EMEA. She has served on the Board for multiple years as a Co-Chair of Education and Treasurer. Stephanie is focused on creating a value member proposition for chapter members and CEBS students.