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About Us

Populus [pop-yuh-luhs] noun – It’s Latin for people

As our name implies, we’re all about people

Whether you’re managing a nonpermanent labor program, or you’re looking for a cool new job, we work with you to understand your specific needs so we can guide you to the transformation you’re looking for. When you work with us, you’ll get a solution that addresses your unique goals and challenges and empowers you with the roadmap you need to be successful.

Populus Group is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and a Veteran-Owned Business (VOB). When you work with us, you’ll also earn credit toward diversity spend goals. 

The Populus Project

At PG, community involvement isn’t just something we do—it’s why we exist. It's the force that motivates us to grow our culture and help our customers succeed. We call it the Populus Project. The word Populus is Latin for people, so the name translates to the People Project.

Mission Statement

We're driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. This includes our employees, customers and contractors, but it also includes two core groups in our communities: kids and veterans. As a minority and veteran owned and operated company, they hold a special place in our hearts—and helping them is why we were founded and is what drives us every single day.

The Bus Story: The Foundation of Our Culture & Community Involvement

Our president and founder, Bobby Herrera, shares the pivotal story of his life—and the reason he started Populus Group and is so passionate about giving back.

How We Support the Mission

  • Employee volunteer days and donations with 100% PG match
  • Scholarships for kids in each PG market
  • Storytelling for kids and veterans in each PG market

Populus Group is proud to be a certified Minority Owned business.

Our core belief, everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, drives us in all we do. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we believe working with people with difference backgrounds and perspectives only make us stronger. We’re committed to giving everyone the chance to create the transformation they’re looking for.

If you’re interested in working with an MBE, and earning toward diversity spend goals, let’s talk!

Veteran Owned, Veteran Friendly

Populus Group is proud to be a Certified Veteran Owned Business. With a unique set of skills and experiences, Veterans are an important part of our communities and workforce. We’re passionate about supporting Veterans in and out of the office and we’re committed to giving back to Veterans organizations throughout the year.

Our History

Founded in Detroit, MI on September 9, 2002

2004 - Payroll / Employer of Record Services grows with addition of Transition Services

2006 - September 8th, Immigration Services is created

2006 - Our first Managed Service Provider program kicks off, MSP Services are created

May 2008 - Seattle office in Bellevue, WA opens

August 2008 - Chicago office in Lisle, IL opens

2011 - Independent Contractor Compliance Services are created

April 2011 - Bay Area office opens in San Mateo, CA (moves to Burlingame in 2017)

April 2015 - Populus Group completes the process to become a certified Veteran Owned Business

Meet Our Leadership

Lori Blakey VP of Delivery

Michelle Fedorkiw Executive Director of Customer Success

Rosemarie Fontela Director of IC Compliance

Michael Gardner Director of Customer Success

Leadership Placeholder

Bobby Herrera President

Ed Herrera VP of Workforce Solutions

Mario Lambert VP of Sales

Mel Mallinak

Mel Mallinak Executive Director of Customer Success

Jim Mann

Jim Mann CFO

Tom Mehl

Tom MehlVP of Operations

Alyse Nilson

Alyse NilsonDirector of Operational Excellence

Jen Pasquier

Jen PasquierSenior Marketing Manager

Karen Philbrick

Karen Philbrick VP of Human Resources

Steve Powell Recruiting Manager

David Repovich

David Repovich Strategic Delivery Manager

Josh Schreck

Josh Schreck Director of National Accounts

Jillian Seidl

Jillian Seidl Strategic Account Manager

Jason Smith

Jason Smith Director of Customer Success

Tricia Furnari Director of Financial Operations



Our work is about connecting organizations with the right people to help them grow, and vice versa.

If you’re managing a contingent workforce, or looking for your next contract role, we're here to help you succeed. We’ve been creating people-first workforce solutions for 15 years and if there's one thing we know for sure, it's that achieving goals feels pretty cool. We're here to help you do just that.
A certified Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and Veteran Owned Business (VOB), we’re committed to including and supporting people with different backgrounds while helping companies achieve diversity spend goals.

Our purpose stems from one thing: the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.

We’re passionate about furthering this mission by giving back and paying it forward with two key community groups: kids and veterans.  Our offices partner with local charities and nonprofits to donate, inspire and mentor throughout the year.

To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together.

We're committed to helping organizations overcome their workforce challenges to get to a better tomorrow. Here's how we can help:

  • Immigration Employment Solutions
  • Independent Contractor Engagement / Agent of Record Services 
  • Managed Service Provider Services
  • Professional Payroll / Employer of Record Services 
  • Staffing and Recruiting 

The Populus Group
Blog 

If you’re looking for inspiration, industry insights, practical tips, and some great stories, the Populus Group Blog has you covered.

Culture

A Culture of Giving Back
Gift of Struggle

Culture

Discover The Gift of Struggle
mental health awareness day

Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness & the Importance of Self-Care

Populus Group has an inclusive, deep-rooted culture which comes to life daily through their work.  Each person I have had the opportunity to work with embodies everything you expect from a high-performing culture with an unwavering focus on excellence.  I'm consistently amazed by the drive and positivity every Climber exudes at Populus Group.  I'm honored to work with the team.

Jennifer Labin

Jennifer Labin

Principal
TERP Associates