Melissa Zrelack
Coconut Creek
Summary
Enrolled Actuary (EA, MAAA, FCA) with over 30 years of retirement plan consulting experience across both the public and private sectors. Extensive expertise in statutory and regulatory compliance, assumption setting, and plan design, including hybrid and cash balance plans. Skilled at leading client relationships, translating complex actuarial concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-actuaries, and advising on sustainable retirement design alternatives. Proven ability to bridge technical detail with client understanding, and informed decision-making.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Actuary & Consultant
Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company
Fort Lauderdale
09.2005 - Current
- Generated over $1.0 million in annual recurring revenue as lead actuarial consultant for 20+ municipal and church retirement plans.
- Cultivated strong client relationships, enhancing retention and contributing to firm growth.
- Reviewed and validated actuarial calculations for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Presented findings and recommendations to stakeholders effectively.
- Identified improvement areas within existing actuarial systems, procedures, and processes.
- Collaborated with clients to develop targeted action plans addressing specific challenges.
- Trained aspiring actuaries in best practices and actuarial methods.
- Assessed staffing requirements and directed resource management efforts.
Project Manager/Actuarial Analyst, Actuarial Services
Mercer Human Resources Consulting
Princeton
01.2000 - 07.2005
- Managed actuarial projects for large private-sector pension plans, including valuations and regulatory compliance testing.
- Monitored project progress to ensure timely achievement of all milestones.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets to support project execution.
- Conducted training sessions for junior analysts on industry methodologies to enhance skillsets.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth through guidance and feedback.
- Established team objectives with clearly defined roles and individual goals for improved performance.
- Ensured compliance with laws and regulations throughout each project lifecycle for risk mitigation.
Benefits Consultant
Doyle Consulting Group
Philadelphia
08.1998 - 12.1999
- Conducted actuarial calculations, and developed annual valuation reports, experience studies, and plan design analyses.
- Ensured compliance with regulations for defined-benefit pension plans.
Actuarial Analyst
Sedgwick, Noble, Lowndes Inc.
Philadelphia
02.1995 - 08.1998
- Facilitated compliance-related actuarial support and actionable recommendations.
Education
Master of Science - Actuarial Science
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01.1994
Skills
- Actuarial modeling
- Valuation techniques
- Defined benefit and hybrid plan design
- Financial reporting
- Regulatory compliance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Project management
- Training development
- Attention to detail
- Business development
- Client relationship management
- Process improvement
- Problem solving
- Mentorship capabilities
- Task prioritization
- Effective communication
- Microsoft Office
- Notion
- ProVal modeling software
Credentials
Title: Enrolled Actuary (EA), Member, American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA), Fellow, Conference of Consulting Actuaries (FCA)
Activities
- Committee Member, Committee on Professional Responsibility (COPR), American Academy of Actuaries.
- Co-developed training materials and discussion papers on ASOP and Code of Professional Conduct compliance.
- Presented at multiple regional conferences on legislative changes, GASB Standards, and Professionalism.
Websites
Timeline
Actuary & Consultant
Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company
09.2005 - Current
Project Manager/Actuarial Analyst, Actuarial Services
Mercer Human Resources Consulting
01.2000 - 07.2005
Benefits Consultant
Doyle Consulting Group
08.1998 - 12.1999
Actuarial Analyst
Sedgwick, Noble, Lowndes Inc.
02.1995 - 08.1998
Master of Science - Actuarial Science
Temple University
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Temple University
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