Our Leadership Team

Internationally recognized as an expert in the field, he is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers on HR strategy and employee benefits. He has advised four U.S. Presidents on health care and has testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the U.S. House Small Business Committee on employee benefit issues.

Gary Kushner is also a frequent resource to the news media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Associated Press, Knight-Ridder, the Kiplinger Washington Newsletter, CNN News, Fortune, MSNBC, and “Good Morning America” among others. Additionally, he serves on the Editorial Review Board of HR Management magazine and an adviser to the Hope Health Letter.

Prior to establishing Kushner & Company in 1982, Gary Kushner held human resource policy-making positions in both the private and public sectors including the compensation and benefits area. His academic credentials and certifications include the following:

Senior Professional in Human Resources designation (SPHR), Certified Benefit Professional (CBP). MPA. in human resources from Western Michigan University, BA from Franklin and Marshall College.

His professional and community involvement includes serving as a founding member of the board of directors for the Kalamazoo Area Academic Achievement Program (the forerunner of the Kalamazoo Promise); past board member of the SHRM board; past chair of the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI); vice-chair of the Economic Alliance of Michigan; past treasurer of the Bronson Health Foundation; board member of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation; and many others.

Jennifer Alfieri joined Kushner & Company in 2001 and has held a number of positions within Kushner & Company including employee benefits assistant and client services manager. She currently serves as Kushner’s CEO. Previously, Jennifer was the company’s COO. In that role, Jennifer was responsible for the account management team’s daily operations with a focus on improving operational systems through a commitment to continuous improvement.

She has developed Kushner’s internal data collection processes by setting outcomes as well as customer and supplier standards that support the organizational mission and improve the overall client experience. In addition, Jennifer has extensive experience in employee benefits administration and working in a collaborative team-based environment that assures client expectations are consistently exceeded.

Jennifer has been active in a variety of community organizations, including the Epilepsy Foundation, Kushner & Company’s Community Events Team, serving on the board of the Portage Community Center, and others.

Jennifer’s academic credentials include a BBA degree in human resource management from Western Michigan University and an MBA. in value driven organization systems from Central Michigan University. Other key competencies include employee benefits administration, continuous process improvement and goal management.

Lori J. Kiess QKA, joined the Kushner & Company team July, 2015 and was named Director of Retirement Services January, 2021. She is an industry veteran with more than 30 years of progressive experience in all aspects of retirement benefits account administration and extraordinary client service. At Kushner & Company, Lori previously served her clients as their Account Manager and was dedicated to providing a positive experience for all of her clients and their participants. Prior to joining Kushner & Company, Lori spent 11 years as an Employee Benefits Administrator with Aon Hewitt and 15 years with National City/First of America Bank’s Retirement Plan Services Division.

Lori graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kellogg Community College with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Institution Management and holds the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries.

In addition to Lori’s extensive professional experience, she is enthusiastically involved in the community with various organizations, including community outreach programs through St. Thomas Episcopal Church, “Generous Hands” in Vicksburg and Family & Children Services, Kalamazoo. In her free time, Lori enjoys traveling, gardening and entertaining friends and family.