Samantha Olinger joined Christensen Group in 2018 as the Director of HR. Samantha now leads HR and Operations as CG’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining CG, Samantha worked for Target Corporation as a Senior HR Manager (Generalist) supporting the Headquarters Information Technology teams

At CG, Samantha’s primary areas of focus are:

• Corporate strategy and operations

• Employee experience and culture

• Talent development and Talent acquisition

Samantha graduated from University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Human Resources & Industrial Relations. Samantha holds SHRM-CP and PHR designations. She lives with her family in Monticello, MN.

Penelope (Penny) Phillips strongly believes in providing her clients with strategies and solutions (not just answers) based on quality human resources and legal practices.  She focuses exclusively on counseling and representing employers in all areas of employment law.  Penny has spoken to companies and organizations throughout Minnesota, the Midwest, and the United States.  She and her colleague Grant Collins, along with Howard Bolter, have become the editors of Employment Law and Practice, Minnesota Practice Series, Employment Law and Practice, Thompson Reuters, (4th ed. 2020).  Penny is an MSBA certified specialist in labor and employment law, and a fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Attorneys.

A seasoned insurance professional with more than 14 years of experience, committed to excellence in service and benefits strategies.  Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Jack is recognized for his consultative approach and strong client relationships.

John Talbot is a Data Analyst & Large Group Leader at Christensen Group Insurance, where he focuses on supporting Large Group operations, evaluating processes, and identifying workflow efficiencies. He also oversees claim reporting and analytics, transforming data into meaningful insights to enhance decision-making. By combining strategic analysis with operational improvements, John is dedicated to delivering the highest level of service to clients.

Melissa Bryan is a strategic HR leader and Managing Director of HR at Growth Operators, with a proven track record of driving business transformation, optimizing processes, and implementing innovative solutions to help organizations achieve their objectives. With deep expertise in strategic HR leadership, process and systems optimization, and business transformation, she brings a unique ability to assess current challenges, identify future opportunities, and deliver continuous improvements.

Melissa holds a Master of Arts in Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Her diverse industry experience enables her to quickly add value, solve complex problems, and lead impactful change across organizations.