ANNALISA PROVENZANO, MPH
Denver,CO
Summary
People & Culture–focused professional with 7+ years improving employee journeys, onboarding programs, and performance clarity in high-growth environments. Experienced in developing cross-functional culture initiatives, training pathways, and communication frameworks that strengthen confidence, clarity, and connection.
Transitioning from compliance systems into dedicated People & Culture work — bringing strengths in onboarding, employee communication, and experience design to foster well-being, belonging, and trust. Recognized as a builder who thrives in ambiguity, redesigning programs, elevating service consistency, and partnering with leaders to create supportive, human-centered environments where people can do their best work.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead, Corporate Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management
Gusto
Denver, CO
05.2024 - Current
- Established and currently lead Gusto’s Enterprise Risk Management program, creating frameworks for risk appetite and quarterly assessments.
- Partnered cross-functionally with HR, Legal, Security GRC, and Finance to integrate compliance and risk requirements into governance forums.
- Delivered board-level reporting on program risks, compliance needs, budgeting considerations, and vendor dependencies.
- Represented Compliance and ERM in developing Third-Party Risk Management workstream to mitigate vendor-related risks.
- Oversaw compliance assurance programs, including control testing and audit readiness for internal and external reviews.
- Co-led selection of AI-enabled GRC platform to enhance risk visibility and automate reporting processes.
Senior Program Manager, Benefits Compliance
Gusto
Denver, Colorado
01.2021 - 04.2024
- Promoted from Analyst (2022) and Program Manager (2023)
- Oversaw compliance for a $116M+ health & welfare and tax‑advantaged benefits portfolio (FSA, HSA, DCFSA, commuter, QSEHRA) ensuring adherence to HIPAA, ERISA, IRS, COBRA, and ACA regulations.
- Directed broker and carrier relationships, including audits, renewals, and contract reviews, to maintain compliant, cost-effective programs.
- Led annual nondiscrimination and compliance testing for Section 125 and 401(k) plans and prepared data for regulatory reporting.
- Designed and implemented monitoring and reimbursement controls that reduced financial exposure by $2 million.
- Developed employee benefits communications, open enrollment materials, and training resources to enhance understanding and engagement.
- Acted as the primary escalation point for regulatory inquiries and Department of Insurance complaints.
- Scaled compliance operations from 400 → 2,400+ employees through automation, governance documentation, and process training.
Onboarding Specialist (Customer Benefits)
Gusto
Denver, Colorado
10.2019 - 12.2020
- Administered onboarding for 50+ small businesses monthly, ensuring benefits compliance with carrier and state regulations.
- Improved accuracy and customer experience by creating standardized audit checkpoints and setup controls.
- Managed end‑to‑end vendor relationships (carriers, brokers, TPAs) inclusive of SLAs, audits, escalations, operational performance, and quarterly business reviews.
Regional Program Director
Kesem
Chicago, IL
09.2017 - 08.2018
- Managed people operations for 200+ volunteers - recruitment, onboarding, training, development.
- Built culture rituals, recognition practices, and community initiatives improving belonging and retention.
- Directed annual planning, training sessions, crisis communication, and volunteer support.
Education
Master of Public Health - Health Policy & Management
The George Washington University
Washington, DC01-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Biopsychology, Cognition & Neuroscience; Minor in Gender & Health
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI01-2015
Skills
- People and culture strategy
- Onboarding and talent integration
- Training and development facilitation
- Cross-functional change management
- Culture and engagement initiatives
- Performance clarity frameworks
- Employee communication support
- Workforce planning enablement
- Benefits administration
- Regulatory compliance
- Enterprise risk management
- AI transformation leadership
- Vendor and broker management
- Analytics and reporting tools
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Limited
Languages And Systems
Languages: Italian-Beginner, currently studying weekly toward conversational proficiency
Systems: Workday, Microsoft Office Suite, Learning Program Tools, AI Workplace Tools, Change Management Playbooks
Personal Information
Citizenship: Dual citizenship via Italian ancestry in progress; open to sponsorship pathways
Timeline
Lead, Corporate Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management
Gusto
05.2024 - Current
Senior Program Manager, Benefits Compliance
Gusto
01.2021 - 04.2024
Onboarding Specialist (Customer Benefits)
Gusto
10.2019 - 12.2020
Regional Program Director
Kesem
09.2017 - 08.2018
Master of Public Health - Health Policy & Management
The George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Biopsychology, Cognition & Neuroscience; Minor in Gender & Health
University of Michigan