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Steven D. Hooper, President and Founder, Chief Motivator

As President and Founder of HEG, Steve is largely responsible for this company's reputation of excellence. As part of his commitment to maintain that reputation, Steve goes beyond typical leadership duties to play a vital, hands-on role in the day-to-day workings of HEG. His direct involvement includes things like actuarial analysis, client relations, and communications with employees, sponsors and providers. Steve, also, works directly with customers of HEG's Employee Benefit Programs, on things like plan design, plan economics, cost containment and plan operations.

So, if you are already an HEG client, or you choose to become one, you may find yourself talking directly to the president himself! If he isn't in Rochester at HEG headquarters, Steve is, likely, in California, where our company is expanding. He splits his time between the two coasts, and the planes that brings him back and fourth. When he isn't enjoying pretzels at 30,000 feet, and he isn't with a client, Steve may be lecturing to national healthcare audience and fellow benefits managers, or working on one of his many research-based publications. He is a busy man, but he always has time for his clients, and his employees.

** Please see our Publications page for links to Stephen Hooper's research in areas such as Dental Plan Costs, Safety, and Rochester, NY health cost trends.

Jaqueline Piazza, Vice President, Country Music Fan

Jackie loves working with HEG because she knows that her actions make positive differences in the lives of people in her own community of Rochester. This commitment to positive community impact shows in her choice of job responsibilities, as well as the choices she makes in her personal life. As Vice President, she is the person who ensures the accuracy and efficiency of our Employee Benefit Programs, as well as person with oversight of the Human Resources and Benefit Administration departments. But, her favorite part of her job is her role as the project director for one of our major community service initiatives, the Early Intervention Services Program. Her job focus is, always, on the continuous improvement of HEG's management systems, especially those affecting the Early Intervention Program. When she is not at work, Jacqueline is often volunteering with the local schools attended by her children.

Jeff Zweiben, Vice President, Computer Genius

In the same way that Steve Hooper is the man behind the machine, Jeffrey is the machine behind the man. As Vice President, Jeffrey is responsible for the development of the company's data processing capability, and the development of all computer systems. We hate to brag, but our data processing systems are particularly efficient and cost-effective because Mr. Zweiben oversees day-to-day operational aspects of plan management. His unique combination of theoretical mathematics and practical business experience has resulted in HEG's ability to manage a wide range of employee benefit programs with the sophistication usually reserved for large insurance companies.

Eric R. Lintala, CHC, Director of Sales/New Business Development, Good Guy

Aside from being a downright nice guy, Eric, a Certified Healthcare Consultant (CHC), is our Director of Sales and New Business Development. He spends most of his time establishing new client relationships, and making sure new clients get the attention they need to feel comfortable with their new programs and services. To this position, Eric brings nearly 20 years of benefit plan management and consulting experience. When he is not in the office, Eric gives presentations and guest lectures to various industry groups. Outside of work, but still keeping with our company value of community betterment, Eric holds membership in the Healthcare Executive Forum, and the Small Business Council, and serves as President of the Rochester Sales and Marketing Executive Club. We are excited everyday to put Eric, along with his expertise and friendly smile, out there on our front line of new client service.

Mary Ann Strohmeyer, Client Services Coordinator, Fixer of All Things

If you have a problem, Mary Ann would like to fix it. She is our primary client liaison, with responsibilities that include coordinating plan set-up, conducting enrollment meetings, and year end reconciliations. Daily dealings with clients and problem-solving are things she genuinely looks forward to everyday. Mary Ann has been employed by HEG since 1997, and has nearly 20 years experience dealing with Sections 125, 105, and 132 employee benefit plans. Outside of the office, Mary Ann is dedicated to her social and active life as contributing member of the community. She has volunteered with the Home School Association in Penfield, been an active PTA member, served as a Board member of the Penfield Rangers Soccer Club, and acted as Team Manager of the soccer club for several years. Along with her husband, Mary Ann entertains family and friends as often as possible. Connecting with people is an important part of her life and work. Whether you are a potential or current client, or a plan participant, Mary Ann would love to hear from you, anytime.

Catherine McMillen, Manager, Early Intervention Operations, Helps Kids

Cathy has been manager of Early Intervention Operations since 1998. Prior to that promotion, Cathy was the Senior Coordinator of Early Intervention Operations. As manager, Cathy is responsible for the day to day operations of the department, primarily maintaining the Kids Integrated Data System (K.I.D.S.). She is, ultimately, responsible for the accurate data entry of confidential healthcare information, processing and reconciling provider payments, and billing third party insurance carriers, Medicaid, and New York State according the Health Department provisions. Additionally, Cathy oversees the regular transfer of data files via modem, disc, tape, and the Internet.

Roseann Trotto, Supervisor of Reimbursement Accounts Plans, Claims Guru

In 2002 HEG was thrilled to promote Rosann to Supervisor of Reimbursement Accounts. In this position, she oversees the staff members who deal with reimbursement claims and activities, she deals with internal audit and claim refund processing, she responds to inquiries from clients, participants, and providers, and she conducts enrollment meetings. Even though Rosann acts as a supervisor, she, like the rest of the HEG management team, likes to remain in direct contact with clients and participants. Her favorite parts of the job are the daily variety and the constant support of her co-workers.

Annette Dilal, Supervisor of Dental Claims, Smile Princess

In 1990, HEG brought Annette on board as a Dental Claims Analyst. In 2001, she earned a promotion to Supervisor of Dental Claims. Her current responsibilities include supervision of the staff members who process dental claims and activities, internal audit and claim refund processing, responding to inquiries from clients, participants, and providers, and conducting enrollment meetings. Prior to working with HEG, she was a Certified Dental Assistant, and worked for seven years in that capacity, both in private practices and Rochester General Hospital outpatient clinic. She loves the fact that her job with HEG allows her to stay in the field of dentistry. Outside of the office, Annette remains committed to her local community, serving as a volunteer for Girl Scouts of America and Webster Central Schools. Outside of her volunteer work, Annette spends her free time with family, and plans parties so she can cook delicious food for her lucky party guests.

Judith Barone, Human Resources Administrator, Judy-of-all-Trades
Judith has been with HEG since 1985. After starting in data entry, she worked her way into her current position, deciding to stay with the company because of the flexible hours, work variety, and enjoyable co-workers.