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Our Leadership Team

GET TO KNOW US

For almost twenty years, HR Knowledge has made it our mission to demystify the complex and daunting process of HR management. We do more than just provide the level of service and technology you’d expect from an industry leader. We combine unparalleled passion for service with our decades of HR, payroll, and benefits experience to provide our clients with personalized and actionable advice that is second—to—none. From managed payroll to employee benefits to HR support, we can help your organization thrive, grow, and reduce operating costs—no matter what industry you serve. Whether you’re interested in our Full-Service solution or just need your employee handbook written, HR Knowledge can help you minimize risk while staying on top of compliance regulations. The bottom line? We’re not just another cloud-based technology company that also does HR, #WeAreHR.

Meet the Executive Leadership Team

Ken Bettenhauser

Managing Director

Meet Ken, he is one of the Founders of HR Knowledge. He’s been in the HR, payroll, benefits, and technology space for almost 25 years. Since graduating from Bentley, he got married and had three kids with his wife Nikki. His professional experience at ADP, a VC-backed tech startup, and Oracle provided him with the foundation to start his own business. Part of it was out of necessity (he was laid off from Oracle in 2002) and part of it was his desire to build something great. Ken is passionate about service and is constantly honing his skills in the areas in which he advises our clients. His preparation is something that stands out as he strives to find a creative solution to meet the needs of every client.

Ken is also passionate about coaching youth sports. For 15+ years, he has coached youth soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball. He enjoys watching his teams grow athletically and cohesively. He is a stickler during practice and believes the practiced subtle details, if executed in games, will enable his players to get the most out of their abilities. It’s important for him to create an environment that is fun, as he has not sent any player to Pros, although many parents thought their kids would make it.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love the Yankees. (Being in Boston, this makes me super popular!) As a child growing up on Long Island, my dad was a big Yankees fan and we would go to games together. As a police officer who used to patrol in the Bronx, he had friends at the gate who allowed him to park close and bring us to where the players would arrive so we could get autographs.

Favorite movie?

Too many to count, but the ones that come to mind include Shawshank Redemption, Good Will Hunting, The Godfather, and Goodfellas.

Favorite vacation spot?

Martha’s Vineyard in the summer and Delray Beach, Florida, in the winter. Love the sun, the beach, and the water.

Off the bucket list?

Not much of a “bucket list” person. What I love most is spending quality time with my wife and kids; if that happens to be in Martha’s Vineyard, Greece, or in our backyard, I am fine with it all…as long as I am with my family.

One talent you wish you had?

To stay awake past midnight. My kids make fun of me as I am typically the first one to bed at night, but I like to start the day early.

Best gift ever?

Prior to age 20, it was the Atari game console I received for Christmas in the fifth grade. Since then, it was meeting my wife's second-semester senior year at Bentley in a random way; the rest is history.

Jeff Garr

Managing Director

Meet Jeff, he is one of the Founders of HR Knowledge. Back in December of 2001, he recognized the need for an integrated full-service HR outsourcing model and got started on his lifelong dream of owning a business. He hasn’t regretted that decision for one second. The paradigm has shifted since that day in 2001 from “what is HR outsourcing?” to “which company am I going to outsource these functions to?”

A graduate of Northeastern University, one of Jeff’s strongest passions is serving his community. He is a multiple-term President of the Mansfield Rotary Club and, as Chairman of their Annual Auction, has helped raise over $350,000 for various charities in the last 15 years. He finds immense joy working with his fellow Rotarian teammates.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

How spiritual I am and my belief in the Universe as a whole entity — that what you put out in life, hopefully good and not bad, will reap rewards if deserved and earned. That you don’t do good things for people because you want something in return; you do it because it is the right thing to do.

Favorite movie?

Ordinary People back in the early 80s. There is so much to take from this movie. I enjoy powerful acting with a great story, something most movies today don’t give you. The acting in this movie is remarkable.

Favorite vacation spot?

On a cruise ship, reading a good book and being pampered. On the beach just zoning out and relaxing. On a sailboat enjoying the peace and quiet and the sounds of the water.

Off the bucket list?

So many things — too many to state as I am a goal-setter and I set and achieve goals all the time. All through college, I earned money by working at a parking lot in downtown Boston. One of the cars I parked was a beautiful two-seater convertible; I would sit in that car and dream that one day this would be me. I’ve realized that dream multiple times, I’m happy to say!

One talent you wish you had?

I wish I had musical talent and could play the guitar and possibly sing well too.

Best gift ever?

I have had the best life so far and for that I am forever grateful. My wife, my three children, my business — I have so much to be thankful for.

Cristy LaCasse

Director, Benefit Services

More informaiton coming soon!

Jill Buscaglia

Director of Client Services

More information coming soon!

Diane Pereira

Director of Client Services

More information coming soon!