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Maryland FAMLI Success Starts Now! Build Your Plan for 2026

Cost

Free to registrants

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When

July 30, 2026

@ 2:00 p.m. ET

Where

Online

Webinar
Jul
30

About the Webinar

Maryland FAMLI Success Starts Now! Build Your Plan for 2026

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program will require employer payroll contributions beginning January 1, 2027, and benefits will become available starting January 2028. Employers must prepare now by understanding compliance obligations, contribution rules, private plan options and communication requirements for their workforce.

In this session, Sarah Hipp and Jason Petsche of Centro Benefits Research, will walk through the program structure, outline strategic choices for employers, and explain the steps organizations should take throughout 2026 to ensure a smooth transition into the new statewide paid leave environment. Moderated by Mike Schaeffer.

Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Online

Approved for 1 CE credit

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2026 HRCI recertification provider seal | Corporate Synergies

This program is valid for PDC(s) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

Corporate Synergies is a recognized provider of recertification credits. HR Certification Institute® pre-approved this activity for HR (General) recertification credit hour(s) toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification.

Presented by:
Sarah Hipp

Sarah Hipp
Absence Consultant
Centro

Sarah is a Certified Leave Management Specialist. She brings over 15 years of absence management experience, providing strategic leadership across disability and leave operations. As an Absence Management Consultant for Centro, Sarah helps our broker partners and their clients navigate the complexities of leave programs.
Jason Petsche

Jason Petsche
National Director Absence Consultant
Centro

Jason brings 25 years of experience in the employee benefits field to Centro, with a focus on disability and absence. His background spans various roles with leading absence management carriers, including sales, account management, and product director, having started his career in claims.
Mike Schaeffer

Mike Schaeffer
Broker Partner Consultant
Centro

Mike brings 15 years of employee benefits experience, with a focus on non-medical ancillary benefits, broker strategy, and employer plan design. Prior to Centro, Mike spent over a decade on the carrier side supporting brokers and employer clients across disability, life, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, and absence management. As a consultant for Centro, Mike partners with brokerage firms to improve operational efficiency and help their employer clients align existing benefit programs with the evolving private PFML landscape.

Thanks to our presenter:

Centro logo

Foundation Risk Partners and Corporate Synergies are recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.

2026 HRCI recertification provider seal | Corporate Synergies

HR Certification Institute’s® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that Corporate Synergies meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.

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As a Foundation Risk Partners company representing employee benefits nationwide, we partner closely with clients to strengthen the success of their programs by delivering timely, relevant insights into emerging trends.

We are collectively invested in employers’ success and are pleased to offer this educational event.

Event Registration

Maryland FAMLI Success Starts Now! Build Your Plan for 2026

Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:00
p.m.

—

3:00
p.m.
ET

Blake Nicosia headshot

Blake A. Nicosia

AVP, Product Strategy & Analytics – Versant Health

As Assistant Vice President of Product Strategy & Analytics for Versant Health, Blake is responsible for leveraging analytics to drive growth strategies for the MetLife Vision product.  This includes close collaboration with key partners in sales, underwriting, finance, pricing, network development, marketing, compliance, IT, and operations to establish and execute on growth plans.

Prior to this role with Versant Health, Blake spent 15 years with MetLife, holding various positions across its Group Benefits organization.  He most recently led Strategic Planning & Governance for Group Benefits, and was instrumental in transforming the business into an agile framework.

Blake earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at James Madison University, and currently resides in New Jersey with his wife, son and daughter.

Ray Penzi headshot

Ray Penzi

Vice President, Private Client – The Warner Companies

Mr. Penzi specializes in sophisticated life insurance strategies, holistic financial planning, business succession planning, and executive benefits. Mr. Penzi has 15 years of experience advising individuals and corporations on the importance of life, disability and long-term care insurance.

Prior to joining The Warner Companies, Mr. Penzi served as a Senior Vice President at Heritage Strategies LLC. In that role, he delivered integrated financial planning, estate and insurance reviews, and life insurance solutions.

Mr. Penzi earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management from the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® and Chartered Life Underwriter® designations from The American College of Financial Services and is a Certified Financial Planner® professional, as recognized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He holds FINRA Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law) registrations, along with life, accident and health, and property and casualty insurance licenses.

Katee Gran headshot | Warner Companies

Katee Gran

Vice President, Voluntary Benefits – The Warner Companies

As Vice President of Voluntary Benefits, Mrs. Gran oversees the Voluntary Benefits division that manages the implementation and administration of voluntary benefit plans. She is responsible for coordinating the proposal process and managing the enrollment strategy and logistics for voluntary benefit enrollments. She also assists with the recruitment and training of the enrollment team.

Mrs. Gran has over 20 years of experience in marketing and insurance. Prior to joining The Warner Companies, she was Director of Marketing and Administration for a local insurance firm and spent seven years as an Account Manager for wellPORTAL, LLC in Las Vegas, NV, supervising the patient-centered medical home health care program for clients, including corporations and unions within Las Vegas, Nevada with 500 to 2,500 employees.

Ms. Gran is a graduate of Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a specialization in marketing.

Jesse Davis headshot | ClearPoint Health

Jesse Davis

Partner, Captive & Stop-Loss Strategy, ClearPoint Health

Over 27 years of experience in the employer focused insurance industry. Former national executive for Fortune 100 & 500 insurance companies. Public service background includes having served as an elected Public School Board Member in Baker County, FL, Board Member for the Central Florida Society of Human Resources Management, Board Member for the Jacksonville Society of Human Resource Management, Board Member for the Heart of Florida United Way and was the founder of the Central Florida Economic Cooperative which was designed to bring business development, external and internal business education and community involvement to top level executives and their companies in the Central Florida business community.
Chrissy Ogle headshot | ClearPoint Captive Solutions

Chrissy Ogle

Chief Administrative Officer – ClearPoint Health

Healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience across public accounting, provider operations, and alternative health funding. Her background includes leadership roles within hospital systems, where she was directly involved in operational management and network development, as well as extensive experience working with providers to align financial and clinical strategies. Her combined experience across provider systems and captive operations provides a unique perspective on managing healthcare cost, risk, and performance in today’s evolving funding landscape.

Luke Wolkers

Regional Vice President, Sales Employee Benefits – Corporate Synergies

uke Wolkers provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Employee Benefits division of Foundation Risk Partners (FRP). As the National Employee Benefits Practice Leader, he oversees carrier partner relationships, drives collaboration across FRP agencies, and ensures consistent delivery of a best‑in‑class benefits service platform. Luke also serves as Regional Vice President of Sales for FRP’s New York Metro region, which represents the organization’s largest Employee Benefits operation. With over 17 years of experience in insurance and consulting, Luke is recognized as an industry leader.

Luke specializes in human capital and employee benefits strategy, workforce demographic analysis, cost‑driver identification, and program design. He is licensed in both Life & Health and Property & Casualty insurance, enabling a holistic advisory approach. He holds the Certified PPACA Professional designation through NAHU and served as former President of the Pensacola, FL Chapter for NAIFA. Luke also participates in several health insurance advisory boards.

Pamela Smith | Corporate Synergies

Pamela Smith

Vice President, Account Management – Corporate Synergies

In her role as Vice President, Account Management for Corporate Synergies, Pamela Smith identifies client goals and objectives, understands service requirements, and engages the appropriate people and resources to create an exceptional standard of client satisfaction. She works closely with internal functional teams to maximize communications of client needs and ensures all deliverables are attained as promised.

Her background includes key account management and employee benefits consulting. She has particular expertise in strategy development, negotiations, communications, claims analysis, alternative funding arrangements, marketing, compliance and Healthcare Reform. Pamela maintains a continued presence on accounts as a primary contact.

Previously, she worked in customer service and business account management, and managed key accounts for US Healthcare. She has prior key account management through her association with Aetna. She joined Corporate Synergies in 2013 as an Account Manager and was promoted to Senior Account Manager in 2015.

Pamela earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Lafayette College. She is licensed in Life, Accident and Health insurance in the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut.

Melissa Ostrower

Principal – Jackson Lewis

Melissa Ostrower is a principal in the New York City office of Jackson Lewis P.C. and co-leader of the firm’s Employee Benefits practice group. Her practice focuses on advising employers on complex employee benefits, executive compensation, and employment tax matters, including the design, compliance, and administration of qualified and nonqualified retirement plans and issues arising under Sections 409A and 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. 

She also counsels clients on welfare benefit plan matters, including cafeteria plans, health plans, flexible spending accounts, COBRA, and compliance with the Affordable Care Act. In addition, Melissa represents clients in connection with Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor audits and information requests, and regularly assists employers in correcting operational and document failures in employee benefit plans. 

Melissa also works closely with benefits providers, volume submitter and prototype vendors, third-party administrators, insurers, and auditors. She is a frequent speaker on employee benefits topics, including health care reform, fiduciary compliance, executive compensation, and tax issues affecting employers and employee benefit plans. 

Melissa earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review, and her LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law. 

Daniel Kuperstein

SVP, Compliance – Corporate Synergies

Daniel Kuperstein is an attorney with experience in a broad array of sophisticated employee benefits and labor and employment matters, including matters involving ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, COBRA, HIPAA and GINA compliance.

His experience includes representation of both public and private companies, as well as health and pension plans. He is a respected thought leader on Healthcare Reform and has published articles on the Affordable Care Act and other laws and regulations. Prior to joining Corporate Synergies he was an Employee Benefits and Labor and Employment Associate with Fox Rothschild LLP, in Roseland, New Jersey.

Dan earned a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law in New York and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (with distinction) from Indiana University in English and Jewish Studies with a Minor in Religious Studies. While at Hofstra, he was the Managing Editor of Articles for the Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal.

Amanda Freudenthal for workforce strategy for employers

Amanda Freudenthal

 Founder and Chief People Advisor
Trusted HR Synergies, LLC  

Amanda holds dual-Bachelor’s degrees in Human Resources  (HR)  Management and Computer Systems and has more than  20 years of HR practitioner experience in-house and as a consultant for the last ten years. Her consulting experience includes supporting start-ups to 500 employees, nationwide and internationally, across all industries and supporting everything from the day-to-day people functions to strategic advising for executives and Boards.

Amanda brings a strong passion for helping organizations streamline processes, remain compliant, and she takes pride in viewing all matters through the lens of all involved.  Amanda aims to place the “human” in Human Resources through her white glove approach. Understanding the why (a.k.a. “know”) versus providing “no” without a solution, is what sets her aside from other HR professionals.  

Jeff Litwin

Vice President, Finance – American Contracting and Environmental Services

Jeff Litwin has been with American Contracting & Environmental Services Inc. for over 17 years. During his tenure, he has held positions in estimating, preconstruction and has held his current role as VP of Finance for the last 3+ Years. In his current role, Jeff oversees all accounting and finance functions of the company, while still staying heavily involved in operations through his guidance in the preconstruction department. Jeff was a key contributor during ACE’s transition from a fully funded insurance model to self-funded in 2023 and maintains a strong interest in the company’s healthcare setup.

Alexis Holdcroft - workforce strategies for employers

Alexis Holdcroft

Senior Account Manager
Corporate Synergies

Alexis Holdcroft provides account management support and supervises day-to-day program deliverables for clients serviced by the Corporate Synergies Bethesda, Maryland, regional office.

She assists in the development of health and welfare benefits programs based on needs analysis, budget forecasting and detailed contract comparisons. She draws upon her human resources and account management background to deliver exceptional client service.

Prior to joining Corporate Synergies, she was an Account Executive for SET SEG, where she specialized in employee benefits for Michigan public schools. Previously she was an HR Coordinator for SET SEG Insurance Services Agency, where she handled benefits and ADP administration, recruitment, policy administration and new-hire orientation.

Alexis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources from Michigan State University. She holds a Life and Health Insurance license.

John Crable

RHU Senior Vice President 
Corporate Synergies

After initially launching his career with MetLife in 1993, John Crable soon joined the brokerage and consulting firm Corporate Dynamics, the predecessor to Corporate Synergies formally established in 2003. 

John is a lead consultant to a broad array of organizations across all industries from private and public sector companies to non-profit organizations and associations; expertly aiding in the negotiation, design, implementation and servicing of their employee benefits programs. He has a particular talent for reducing employer costs through diligent carrier negotiations and identifying creative funding strategies, while helping an organization maintain high- value, comprehensive healthcare solutions. Web MD, RWJ Barnabas Health, H&M, The Barnes Foundation, Celgene, Sharp Electronics, Einstein Health System, Rhodia, IKEA, Wellpath, NVR homes and Carrington Mortgage represent several of the employers John has partnered with over the years. 
John currently sits on the broker advisory board for Cigna. He is also proud to serve as Chair of the Corporate Executive Board of The Philadelphia Museum of Art and regularly volunteers as a mentor to at-risk youth at Urban Promise in Camden, New Jersey.

Raymond Kim

Regional Vice President of Account Management
Corporate Synergies

Ray has been with Corporate Synergies for over 15 years, serving in all roles within Account Management. Ray is responsible for leading a team of Account Managers with a primary objective of guiding employers in the design of benefit programs that emphasize cost control and higher value for the organization and the plan participant. He serves as an executive sponsor for clients and ensures the teams have the support and resources to successfully provide benefits and insurance consultation. Prior to joining Corporate Synergies in 2005, he was a Benefits Specialist with then Towers Perrin. Ray is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Communications.

Dr. Tim Sullivan

Managing Director, Pharmacy Advisory Services
Optum Advisory

Dr. Sullivan is a pharmacist by training and a seasoned managed healthcare executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience across health insurance and pharmacy benefit management. His expertise spans employer group strategy, drug pricing, PBM design, and pharmacy network operations.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sullivan has led the development and execution of high‑impact pharmacy programs that balance affordability, access, and clinical value for health plans, employers, and patients.

Currently, Dr. Sullivan serves as Managing Director and leads Pharmacy Advisory Services within Optum Advisory, where he partners with health plans, PBM’s, employers, and life science companies to navigate complex pharmacy and benefit strategy decisions.

Nicole Crowley

Coming Soon

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Matt McCuen

National Executive at Imagine360

Matt McCuen is an industry veteran, with over 30 years of experience in the self-funded space.  

As the National Marketing Executive for Imagine360, Matt works with self-funded employers across the nation to improve the benefits they offer to their employees and families. 

Imagine360 is the leading provider of employer-sponsored health plan solutions that deliver deep cost savings and concierge member support. Leveraging 50+ years of expertise, Imagine360’s solutions combine the financial benefits of reference-based pricing, best-in-class member support, and health plan administration.  

Greg Santulli

CEO of Rx Valet

Greg Santulli is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rx Valet, an industry leading Pharmacy Cost Savings company. Greg has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and pharmacy. His leadership has positioned Rx Valet as the one of the leading providers of Pharmacy Cost Containment, low-cost access to medications and a successful pharmacy benefit manager. His company’s approach is to engage all parties involved to provide unprecedented results. 

Mitch Lamoriello

VP Wealth Advisor at Advus Partners

Mitchell has innovation in his bones. He understands the unique challenges and circumstances clients face in their financial lives, and is passionate about discovering new ways his family firm can help serve a changing investor and investment marketplace.

As an investment specialist, Mitchell sits on the Advus’ investment committee. He also is responsible for assisting in the firm’s qualitative and quantitative due diligence process and contributing to the research on capital markets and global economic conditions. His knowledge base in investments provides him with a strong foundation to help answer client questions and navigate issues with their portfolio. As he spends more time with clients, Mitchell understands the importance of achieving goals and has expanded his knowledge, skills and approach beyond investments to encompass holistic financial planning.

andy rhea

Andy Rhea

President of Align Risk Solutions

Andy is the President of Align Risk Solutions. Prior to the formation of Align, Andy served as General Counsel to the Captive Insurance Division for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. He began his legal career with the Mississippi Insurance Department and in private practice. He is a licensed attorney (in both Tennessee and Mississippi) and holds the Associate in Captive Insurance designation. Andy is very active in various captive insurance associations, currently serving as the President of the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association. Andy is a graduate of Mississippi State University where he received a BBA and MBA, and he earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi. During the feasibility and formation phases of Align’s process, Andy is involved in all regulatory, business plan and application functions. Ongoing, Andy is responsible for corporate governance, regulatory matters, and client relationships. 

Andrew Zito

President/CEO – Advus Fincancial Partners

Andrew has always been fascinated by complex things. The more complicated something is, the more he wants to understand it and fix it. From applying technology to solve business problems to working with plan sponsors to untangle complicated situations, he thrives on finding efficient and effective solutions.

Andrew oversees the operations of Advus, translating the firm’s vision and objectives into actionable processes. His responsibilities encompass technology solutions, business processes, service standards and human resources. He also is directly responsible for the retirement plan division and settingits strategic direction.

Andrew specializes in the qualified retirement plan aspect of the Advus business. Throughout his career, he has worked with retirement plans in a variety of different capacities. He began his career as an intern at Advus (formerly LAMCO Advisory Services, Inc.) assisting with compliance testing. He then spent several years working on platform conversions for retirement plans before moving into his present consulting role. Within the retirement plan space, he specializes in complex plan situations including plan mergers, spinoffs, complex regulatory audits, M&A activity and error corrections.