Kenneth R. Hoffman, Managing Director, President
Ken is responsible for Optima Group’s consulting practice, working directly with our clients’ management teams to develop new strategies, products and efficiencies that enhance their ability to compete. Ken has more than 30 years of experience working with leading investment management institutions. Clients seek his counsel in designing and developing strategic marketing programs for retail, institutional and affluent markets. Ken is a regular speaker and contributor to financial conferences and the
press on a wide range of critical issues facing the investment management industry.
Ken holds a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College and an M.S. from Yale University.
Tracy H. M. Hubbard, Creative Director
Tracy is responsible for developing innovative design solutions for print and Web-based marketing programs. With over 20 years as a designer and creative director, Tracy has extensive experience in conceptual development, branding, writing brand guidelines and print production. Throughout her career, Tracy has won numerous awards for her design work. She has worked for such notable design firms as Knoll International, Design Trust and Weizs & Yang; and developed creative solutions for GE Financial Network, Manulife Financial, Bear Stearns, Booz Allen Hamilton, Coopers & Lybrand, Union Trust Bank and Greenwich Capital Markets. Tracy earned her B.S. in graphic design from Sacred Heart University.
Ellen H. McKay, CFA, Managing Director
Ellen is a senior relationship manager responsible for advising clients on investment product strategy and product design, and for developing
marketing programs. Industry publications frequently seek her opinion on breaking news and trends in investment management. Ellen joined Optima
Group after seven years at Bankers Trust, where she worked at BT Global Investors, the Individual Services Group and the Private Bank. Previously,
she worked at First Chicago and the New York City Office of Management and Budget. Ellen contributes more than 20 years of
management, product development and marketing experience with financial services organizations. Ellen earned her B.A. from the University of
Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Dennis Dolego, Director of Research
Dennis is a senior manager and consultant responsible for development and coordination of all market research, data analysis and financial modeling used in our consulting and strategic marketing assignments. Dennis joined Optima Group after four years at Financial Research Corporation, where he was the partner in charge of research and publications. Previously, he was senior vice president at Strategic Insight. Dennis received his B.A. from Reed College and an M.B.A. from Rice University.
Elizabeth A. Fry, Senior Consultant
Liz is a senior strategic consultant responsible for advising clients on business and investment marketing strategy for retail, institutional and affluent markets. Liz has over 20 years experience working with leading institutional investment management and investment banking firms. Liz earned her B.S. from the University of Connecticut and an M.B.A. from Fordham University where she also completed her post-graduate program in taxation.
Shari Lewis, Senior Consultant
Shari is a senior consultant responsible for managing client relationships and developing and managing marketing programs. Her 18 years of marketing experience includes financial services, publishing and consumer packaged goods industries from both retail and institutional perspectives. Shari’s background includes Carroll, McEntee and McGinley, a subsidiary of HSBC; JP Morgan Chase; and consulting in private practice. Her experience spans multiple marketing disciplines, including branding, direct response marketing, qualitative market research, product development, account acquisition and customer retention. Shari holds a B.A. in economics from Brandeis University and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business.
Caroline Pech, Senior Consultant
Caroline is a senior consultant responsible for brand strategies, client relationship management and overseeing a wide range of integrated marketing programs. She has more than 24 years experience in strategic planning, branding, direct response and
co-op advertising. Caroline joined Optima Group in 2000 after serving as vice president of retail co-op marketing at Charles Schwab & Company. She previously held positions
at Clarion Direct and spent more than 10 years at Citicorp. Caroline earned her B.S.
from Southern Connecticut State University and completed New York University’s direct marketing program.
Lee Fara, Senior Designer
Lee joined Optima Group with over 18 years of experience as a graphic designer and art director. She’s worked both on the agency side, as well as within the corporate structure. She has a strong corporate background and has helped develop and direct extensive branding programs for companies such as Aetna and American Skandia. Lee has received numerous awards for her design work. She earned her B.S. in graphic design from Central Connecticut State University.
