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
Bobby Herrera President
Ed Herrera VP of Workforce Solutions
Mario Lambert VP of Sales
Mel Mallinak Executive Director of Customer Success
Jim Mann CFO
Tom MehlVP of Operations
Alyse NilsonDirector of Operational Excellence
Jen PasquierSenior Marketing Manager
Karen Philbrick VP of Human Resources
Steve Powell Recruiting Manager
David Repovich Strategic Delivery Manager
Josh Schreck Director of National Accounts
Jillian Seidl Strategic Account Manager
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.
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
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
Principal
TERP Associates