My day job is all things comp, benefits, and recognition. We’re a small but mighty team of four, and even though we’re fully remote, we’re constantly chatting and collaborating on Teams. Day to day, I’m usually:
•     working on compensation - making sure our pay is fair and competitive
•     managing benefits and wellness programs so colleagues feel supported
•     building recognition programs that help colleagues feel appreciated and seen
Nothing too fancy, just making sure people are paid well, taken care of, and recognized for the great work they do.

One thing I’ve learned from attending the NFCBA meetings is how valuable it is to hear real‑time, practical insight from peers who are dealing with the exact same challenges. It’s one thing to read industry reports or benchmark data, but it’s completely different to sit in a room with people who can speak candidly about what’s actually working, or not working, in their organizations.
Those conversations have broadened my perspective in a meaningful way. Hearing how others navigate pay transparency, vendor negotiations, wellness or recognition programs has given me ideas I can apply immediately. It’s also reassuring to know we’re not alone in handling the complexities of compensation and benefits. Everyone is facing similar hurdles, just from different angles.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say the paycheck matters. This field is a lot of work, but it’s the kind of work I genuinely enjoy. What I love most is that it lets me blend two very different sides of my brain: the analytical side (digging into complex data, Excel modeling, and market research) and the human side (helping colleagues make the most of their benefits and recognizing them for a job well done).

That’s also what I love about NFCBA. It’s a group of people who get that same balance. It’s a space where we can share challenges, swap ideas, and learn from each other in real time.

I’m proud to be an active committee member of the One Call Foundation. This organization originally launched in 2020 to support furloughed colleagues during the toughest months of COVID. Since then, it has grown into a broader resource that helps One Call colleagues navigate some of life’s hardest moments, from financial hardship after a natural disaster to the sudden loss of income due to a medical emergency. Our committee meets weekly to review applications. What makes the Foundation truly special is that most of our funding comes directly from colleagues through payroll‑deduction donations. It’s colleagues helping colleagues in their time of need, and being part of that impact is incredibly meaningful.