Jennifer Schwientek
Big Lake,MN
Summary
Senior client experience leader with a record of building strong teams, improving service delivery, and strengthening stakeholder trust. Skilled in relationship building, process improvement, and risk management across complex business environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Client Experience
Blue Ridge Associates
01.2026 - 09.2026
- Directed cross-functional initiatives supporting executive priorities and operational alignment.
- Reviewed strategic plans and prepared recommendations for leadership decisions.
- Coordinated communication between stakeholders to maintain clear project execution.
- Collaborated with senior leaders to resolve issues and accelerate deliverables.
- Evaluated risks and escalated concerns to maintain project accountability.
- Organized client and internal meetings to ensure timely follow-through on action items.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Transformed customer experience by designing and executing comprehensive service improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing satisfaction levels.
- Increased company growth through collaboration with sales and marketing departments.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Monitored performance reports and identified process improvements for workflow consistency.
Director, Client Experience
Blue Ridge Associates
05.2024 - 01.2026
- Developed process improvements to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and service delivery.
- Led planning meetings to coordinate resources, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
- Evaluated performance data to identify gaps and guide informed decision-making.
- Collaborated with leadership to refine policies, procedures, and internal standards.
- Mentored team members to support development, compliance, and execution quality.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines and deliverables stayed on track.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Spearheaded successful product launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Relationship Manager
TSC401K
06.2007 - 05.2024
- Managed client relationships for retirement plan participants and sponsors, ensuring timely resolution of service needs.
- Monitored service requests and followed through on escalations to maintain strong client satisfaction.
- Coordinated account reviews, contract updates, and plan documentation with accuracy and consistency.
- Communicated complex 401(k) details clearly to support informed client decisions.
- Collaborated with internal teams to streamline plan administration and improve response times.
- Reviewed plan data and participant records to identify discrepancies and correct issues promptly.
- Advised stakeholders on compliance-sensitive processes while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
- Built and maintained relationships with new and existing clients while providing a high level of expertise.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Strengthened client relationships by actively listening to their needs and providing tailored solutions.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving issues promptly and maintaining client trust throughout the resolution process.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss innovative strategies to improve services.
- Communicated regularly with clients to understand needs, evaluate current product use and cross-sell new products.
- Coordinated efforts between various departments such as sales, compliance and operations teams for smooth delivery of services to clients.
- Facilitated seamless communication between clients and service departments, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
- Organized and participated in client appreciation events, fostering strong community and enhancing client loyalty.
- Conducted regular review meetings with clients, ensuring their retirement plans remained in compliance and met the objectives of the plan sponsor.
Mid-Market Account Manager
Ascensus Retirement Services
05.2002 - 06.2007
- Managed mid-market retirement plan relationships, ensuring responsive client service and issue resolution.
- Coordinated daily account activities across internal teams to maintain accurate plan administration.
- Reviewed plan activity, participant requests, and service inquiries for accuracy and timely completion.
- Supported plan sponsors with retirement services guidance, account updates, and operational follow-through.
- Mentored junior team members by sharing best practices in account management techniques that led to improved overall team performance.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders in each account to foster long-term partnerships.
- Delivered informative presentations to prospective clients, showcasing the value of company products and services for their businesses.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with timely issue resolution, anticipating potential problems, and providing proactive solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align product offerings with client needs and expectations.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
Studio Photographer / Phot Lab Technician
Photo Express
06.1996 - 08.2000
- Directed studio shoots, balancing lighting, composition, and camera settings for consistent image quality.
- Managed client posing, expression guidance, and shot selection to capture requested visual styles.
- Retouched images using editing software to correct exposure, color, and minor imperfections.
- Organized equipment, props, and sets to maintain efficient shoot preparation and turnaround.
- Reviewed proofs and selected final images for print, web, and promotional use.
- Trained junior photographers and assistants on studio techniques, file handling, and image consistency.
- Expanded professional network by attending industry events and engaging with fellow photographers and potential clients online or in person.
- Managed all aspects of photography shoots from pre-production planning to final image delivery for maximum efficiency.
- Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
- Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops, and lighting.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MNSkills
- Client relationship building
- Process improvement
- Risk management
- Decision-making
- Team development
- Client engagement
- Client advocacy
- Documentation and reporting
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Customer service
- Relationship building
Certification
ASPPA QKA
Timeline
VP, Client Experience
Blue Ridge Associates
01.2026 - 09.2026
Director, Client Experience
Blue Ridge Associates
05.2024 - 01.2026
Relationship Manager
TSC401K
06.2007 - 05.2024
Mid-Market Account Manager
Ascensus Retirement Services
05.2002 - 06.2007
Studio Photographer / Phot Lab Technician
Photo Express
06.1996 - 08.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
St. Cloud State University