DANIEL H - Key Persons
Alfredo Farinhas has more than 13 years experience in auditing and attestation engagements, and seven years in private accounting.
He has expertise in closely held corporations, wholesale distributors, foreign financial reporting, employee-benefit plans, and compliance auditing.
Mr. Farinhas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New Jersey's Caldwell University, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Geraldo Gonzalez joined Cook Associates in 1995, working in the customer service department, and has since moved into his current role in accounting.
Mr. Gonzalez determines client eligibility for coverage and handles duties including accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Mr. Gonzalez holds an associate degree in Liberal Arts from the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Magaly Plunkett joined Cook Associates in 1981 and oversees client implementations, strategic planning, state-of-the-art software development, and evolving regulatory compliances. She is also the go-to person for troubleshooting client needs, in particular, helping them to streamline and centralize their systems platforms.
Ms. Plunkett holds degrees and certifications in accounting and education. With Bachelors and Masters degrees from Sarah Lawrence College, Ms. Plunkett is a certified New York State Teacher; she taught both elementary and college classes, and is a Certified HIPAA Professional and Certified HIPAA Security Compliance Specialist.
Ms. Plunkett's passion is education-she believes that it helps pave the way to actualizing one's dreams. To that end, she established and helped fund scholarships and educational programs for young women and orphans in Rajasthan, India; Kathmandu, Nepal; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Cali, Colombia; and closer to her home in Peekskill, New York.
Marshall Cook's responsibilities include client services; the preparation and presentation of proposals; the formulation of budget and trends analysis; operational control of client's dental facilities; and utilization data analysis.
He acts as consultant in all employee benefit areas and directly handles the pricing of the services rendered by the company. In addition, he has used his expertise to design and build medical and dental centers.
Mr. Cook sits on the board of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.
Mr. Cook is a graduate of Western New England University, where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Theory.
Job Titles:
- Claims & Customer Service Manager
Melissa Adams-Reme joined Cook Associates 17 years ago, serving in the Customer Service Department as a certified billing specialist and claim processor. Showing great dedication and care in fulfilling our clients' needs, Ms. Adams-Reme rose to her current managerial position.
Over the years, Ms. Adams-Reme has not only gained expertise in customer service, meeting one-on-one with members and clients, she has also become well-versed in many aspects of Cook Associates' business, including such things as supplemental benefits, as well as eligibility and enrollment.
Ms. Adams-Reme is also an adept multi-tasker (a talent gained, perhaps, because she's the mother of five children), managing Cook Associates' workflow, meeting tight deadlines, and even scheduling the company's extracurricular activities. An invaluable member of the Cook Associates team, Ms. Adams-Reme goes about her work with pride and efficiency, ever-ready to lend a hand to members, clients, and co-workers alike.
Michael Braganza is a highly motivated information-technology (IT) professional with more than 15 years' experience in the field. At Cook Associates, Mr. Braganza provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology environment for the company.
Mr. Braganza manages the day-to-day operations of the IT department, including directing staff, networking, user services, telecommunications and other information technology functions. He works closely with other executives to create strategic plans for the business' future growth.
Mr. Braganza graduated with honors from Fordham University, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He is also a Microsoft Certified IT Professional with multiple certifications in SQL Database Administration and Development.
Job Titles:
- Employee of Cook Associates
- Vice President of Provider & Member Services
A decade-plus employee of Cook Associates, Tobi Sue Bergun has managed medical/dental claims processing and call centers for large TPAs and commercial insurance firms for more than 30 years.
She has experience in all aspects of Provider Relations and Credentialing. She oversees all Cook Associates' provider and member issues, manages customer service, and works closely with our clients.
Ms. Bergun is a graduate of Adelphi University with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. She also has completed courses at Nassau Community College, on New York's Long Island, for certification in Medicare billing and medical coding.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations