Michael has extensive experience in the human resources field and has conducted or supported over 500 compensation planning, market research, and organizational development projects over the past twenty-five years, with over twenty years specific to the banking industry. Mike has presented to various national and state banking associations including Bank Director, American Bankers Association, the Sheshunoff CEO Conference, the Bank CEO Network and over 20 state banking associations on a variety of bank compensation topics. With a master’s degree in advanced industrial and organizational psychology, Mr. Blanchard’s experience includes advising clients on assessing and designing executive, director, and staff compensation plans.

Matt has been a compensation consultant since 2000 and has been exclusively focused on the banking industry since 2002. Matt founded Blanchard Consulting Group in 2011 and has previously worked at Amalfi Consulting, Clark Consulting, and Arthur Andersen. His areas of expertise encompass multiple disciplines within executive, director, and staff compensation. Matt frequently speaks at banking conferences on various topics and has written several published articles within banking specific publications. He is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, IA

Formerly Jeff served as the SVP, Managing Director of Newcleus Compensation Advisors at Newcleus. Jeff has experience consulting with Compensation Committees, Board of Directors, and Senior level Executives to review executive and director compensation practices and related compensation programs relative to market practices since 2010. He guides and assists clients in developing annual, equity-based, and deferred compensation plans, and market-aligned pay and salary grade structures.

Erica leads our Blanchard Market Comp practice (salary administration software product). Ms. Spencer has prior experience specific to banking compensation in roles at Amalfi Consulting and Clark Consulting. She has also held compensation positions in non-profit, pharmacy benefit management, and food service industries. Erica obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Iowa State University. She holds Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) designations from World at Work, and is a current member of the Twin Cities Compensation Network.

Laura has focused on compensation consulting exclusively in the financial services industry since 2005. Ms. Roth’s areas of expertise include: executive and staff compensation, board of director compensation, and annual and equity-based incentive plan design and review. In addition, Laura leads Blanchard’s survey practice. Our surveys are designed specifically for financial institutions and focus on compensation trends, executive and employee benefits, budgeted salary increases, salary and cash compensation for approximately 190 financial services positions, and director compensation. Ms. Roth obtained her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Concordia University.

Over the past 10 years, Jen has provided consulting in the financial services area focusing on compensation strategies and planning for executives, directors, and staff. Her prior work experience spans the financial, government, and technology industries including the areas of risk & control analysis, compliance, and budget development. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida and also holds a Masters of Science in Operations Management.

Adam leverages his expertise in data analysis to drive strategic insights and optimize business processes. With a background as a Broadcast Research Analyst for Sportradar and a Minor League Analytics Coordinator for the Detroit Tigers, Adam has a strong foundation in sports analytics. Adam holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of St. Thomas and has further honed his skills at the University of Minnesota's Data Visualization and Analytics boot camp. Proficient in Python, R, SQL, and various Microsoft tools, Adam is adept at extracting meaningful insights from complex datasets.

Elyse has been with Blanchard Consulting Group since 2022. She has worked in the HR and benefits space for 5+ years. Previously she worked at Total Administrative Services Corporation as a market research analyst conducting research and trend forecasting in the benefits space. She has now taken the role of compensation survey manager, helping conduct Blanchard Consulting Group yearly surveys. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Winona State University in Mass Communication with a minor in Design.

Jenny works hard to help support the Blanchard team with internal administrative tasks. Previously, she worked as a computer programmer and account manager for Electronic Data System. Then, she stayed at home to manage the household and care for her three daughters. Jenny received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Management Information Systems and Communications from Luther College in Decorah, IA.