CLEMANS, NELSON & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons

Amanda Riess

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Professional Staff Member
  • Education
  • in 2020 As an Account Manager
Amanda Riess joined Clemans Nelson in 2020 as an Account Manager and works in our Columbus office. She assists clients in areas of labor relations, discipline, policy development, and other human resources and management issues. Prior to returning to her native Northwest Ohio, Amanda was a litigation attorney for 14 years in Illinois, including working with municipalities on a variety of issues. Amanda holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from Otterbein University, and earned her J.D. at Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law. Education B.A. in Speech Communications, Otterbein University J.D. at Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law Practice Areas Labor Relations

Andrew A. Esposito - COO, Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
  • Shareholder
Andrew A. Esposito is a Shareholder and serves as Director of Operations. Drew advises clients in human resource management, labor relations, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, discipline, and policy development. He regularly conducts training on a variety of human resource and labor relations issues such as social media and technology in the workplace, supervisory principles and practices, performance evaluations, FLSA, FMLA, and discriminatory harassment. Drew joined Clemans Nelson in 2011 after working for two of the most preeminent law firms in Cleveland. He received his J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and his B.S. from Ohio University in Political Science and Biology. Education J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law B.S. (Political Science and Biology), Ohio University Practice Areas Human Resource Management

Brett A. Geary

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Regional Manager
  • Regional Manager With
Brett is a Regional Manager with Clemans Nelson, a member of Clemans Nelson's Board of Directors, and serves as Corporate Secretary. He advises clients in human resource management, labor relations, contract negotiations, arbitration, regulatory compliance, discipline, and policy development. He has conducted training on a variety of human resource and labor relations issues, such as FMLA, drug and alcohol testing, discriminatory harassment, and discipline. Brett received his J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law and his B.A. from The Ohio State University in Criminology. Education J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law B.A. (Criminology), The Ohio State University Practice Areas Human Resource Management

Brian D. Butcher - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • President
Brian D. Butcher is President and Chief Executive Officer, and chairs the Board of Directors. Brian advises clients in human resource management, classification and compensation, labor relations and negotiations, regulatory compliance, discipline, and policy development. He regularly conducts training on a variety of human resource and labor issues such as FLSA, FMLA, ADA, discriminatory harassment, leave abuse, and the use of social media in the workplace. Brian also has experience advocating on behalf of his clients in front of various administrative agencies. In addition, Brian has become a frequent lecturer for public sector statewide associations and has been an instructor for the Ohio State John Glenn School of Public Affairs. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Franklin University teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Brian received his J.D. from Capital University Law School and his B.A. from Muskingum University in both Business and Political Science. Education J.D., Capital University Law School B.A. (Business and Political Science), Muskingum University Practice Areas Human Resource Management

Carolyn Gutowski

Job Titles:
  • Business & Real Estate

Cheyenne Winegardner

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Education
Cheyenne Winegardner joined Clemans Nelson in 2022 and works as an Account Manager in our Lima office. Prior to joining Clemans Nelson, Cheyenne worked for the Hardin County Prosecutor's Office and in private practice assisting corporate insurance counsel. Cheyenne and her husband started and ran their own business while she attended law school until selling the business in 2020. Cheyenne holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Ohio Northern University, earned her J.D. at Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law. Education B.S. in Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern Univerisity J.D. at Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law Practice Areas Labor Relations

Christine Emch

Job Titles:
  • Senior Consultant
Christine Emch joined Clemans Nelson in 2022 as an Senior Consultant in our Columbus office. She uses her education and experience gained while working as a lawyer and HR professional for the State of Ohio and Franklin County to advise her public sector clients. Christine has experience in labor negotiations, disciplinary hearings, and grievance meetings. She also has experience in policy development, personnel management, hiring and recruitment, class and compensation plans, and various regulatory subjects including ADA, FLSA, FMLA, drug and alcohol testing, and sexual harassment. Christine has conducted numerous employee and management trainings, including policy compliance, conflict management, documentation for discipline and performance management, managing in a union environment, and leadership skills. Christine received her J.D. from Cleveland- Marshall College of Law and her B.A. in English from Youngstown State University. Besides being a licensed attorney, Christine is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Education B.A. in English, Youngstown State University J.D. at Cleveland Marshall College of Law Practice Areas Labor Relations

Columbus Offfice

E. Pete Nevada - VP

Job Titles:
  • Director of Research
  • Vice President
Pete is Clemans Nelson's Director of Research and a member of the firm's Board of Directors. He has over 40 years' experience and regularly represents employers in labor negotiations, arbitrations, and before state and federal labor relations boards. He assists clients with unemployment compensation claims, EEOC and civil rights complaints, and other state and federal regulatory compliance issues. He is a frequent lecturer before state and national employer associations on all types of employment issues. As Director of Research, he is responsible for keeping Clemans Nelson's staff on the cutting-edge of employment issues, court decisions, arbitration awards, and legislative and regulatory developments. Pete received his B.A. from Marietta College and his J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law. Pete previously served as a Deputy Director of a State Bureau of Employment Services and is a former Assistant Attorney General.

Frank Pompa

Job Titles:
  • Senior Consultant
Frank Pompa joined Clemans Nelson in 2016, and is a Senior Consultant in our Cincinnati office. Frank has over 30 years' experience in human resources management and is skilled in conducting organizational analyses, FLSA audits, employee relations audits, regulatory compliance, performance management and conduct, and discipline. He has a Bachelor degree from National University where he majored in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Law from LaSalle Extension University. He formerly served as a Personnel Officer and a Legal Administrative Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Personnel Manager for a large military contractor and for a County Public Health agency, and as Human Resources Manager of a U.S. division for a global service company. Education Bachelor degree, National University (majored in Business Administration) Bachelor of Law, LaSalle Extension University Practice Areas Human Resources Management

Fred Lord

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Education
  • Service Account Manager in 2023 After Previously Working
Fred Lord returned to Clemens, Nelson & Associates as a full-service Account Manager in 2023 after previously working for Clemans Nelson for twelve years. Fred has over twenty years assisting clients in general management consulting services, labor relations, organizational and operational analysis, civil service, regulatory compliance, and policy development and regulatory compliance. Fred routinely consults with clients on strategies for labor negotiations and serves as their lead negotiator. Fred has vast experience representing counties, cities, townships, villages, and various other public sector entities throughout Ohio. Fred received Bachelor's Degrees from Bowling Green State University and Wright State University and a Master of Business Administration from Wright State University. Education Bachelor's Degrees from Bowling Green State University and Wright State University Master of Business Administration from Wright State University. Practice Areas Negotiations

Heidi L. Miller

Heidi L. Miller joined Clemans Nelson in 2014 and is an Regional Manager and Shareholder Heidi L. Miller joined Clemans Nelson in 2014 and is a Regional Manager and Shareholder, working with clients on various employment and human resource management issues, compensation plans, and wage surveys. Heidi received her Bachelor of Science degree, with dual majors in Human Resources and Business Administration, from Franklin University. Heidi is a SHRM Certified Professional, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA). Education Bachelor of Science (dual majors in Human Resources and Business Administration), Franklin University Practice Areas Employment Management

Jacob Booth

Job Titles:
  • Senior Consultant
  • Senior Consultant in Our Columbus
Jacob Booth is a Senior Consultant in our Columbus office, and joined Clemans Nelson in 2021. Jake assists clients with a variety of employment and human resource management issues, compensation plans and wage surveys, and labor relations related work. Jake is a graduate of Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree, with dual majors in Health Services Administration and Business Administration. Education Graduation, Bachelor of Science degree, with dual majors in Health Services Administration and Business Administration Practice Areas Employment

Joshua Onyemachi

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
Joshua Onyemachi joined Clemans Nelson in 2019 and is an Account Manager and works in our Lima office.

Kelly Babcock

Job Titles:
  • Director of Training
  • Member of the Board of Directors
Kelly is a member of the Board of Directors, a Shareholder, and Director of Training. Kelly has experience representing clients in labor negotiations, arbitrations, discipline hearings, and grievance meetings. She is also experienced in regulatory compliance, civil rights, personnel management, and compensation and classification plans. She regularly advises clients and conducts training regarding compliance with ADA, FLSA, FMLA, drug and alcohol testing, and sexual harassment. Kelly has represented clients in employment actions before various agencies, including the State Employment Relations Board (SERB), Industrial Commission of Ohio, Unemployment Review Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the State Personnel Board of Review, as well as in federal and state courts in employment and civil rights actions. Kelly Babcock is a member of the Board of Directors for Clemans Nelson

Kevin J. Shebesta - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Shareholder
Kevin J. Shebesta is a Shareholder and an Account Manager with Clemans Nelson. He joined Clemans Nelson in 2012 with over seven years of general litigation and private employment law experience, as well as experience with private labor law matters. While in private practice, Mr. Shebesta's work included counseling employers with regard to employee personnel issues and dealing with employment discrimination, wage and hour, ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, and COBRA cases, among others. Mr. Shebesta has experience litigating before various state courts in Ohio and the Federal Northern District Court of Ohio. Mr. Shebesta now advises clients in human resource management, labor relations, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, discipline, and policy development. Mr. Shebesta obtained his Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 2005 from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Education Juris Doctor, cum laude, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Madison Practice Areas Human Resource Management

Madalynn Helmig

Job Titles:
  • Senior Consultant
  • in 2022 As a Senior Consultant
  • in 2023 As a Senior Consultant
Madalynn Helmig joined Clemans Nelson in 2022 as a Senior Consultant and works in our Akron office. Madalynn Helmig joined Clemans Nelson in 2023 as a Senior Consultant and works in our Akron office. She grew up in Lima, graduating from Bath High School. She went on to receive a B.A. in Strategic Communication and Political Science from the Ohio State University. While at OSU, she was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, which is a professional business fraternity with a focus on marketing and sales strategy. She then earned her J.D. from Ohio Northern University in 2022. During her time at ONU, she co-founded a Civil Rights Law Journal and served as the Managing Editor. Prior to joining Clemans Nelson, Maddie worked for the Ohio Attorney General in their Criminal Justice Division and, more recently, the Ohio Public Defender's office lobbying for their Policy and Outreach team.. Education B.A. in Strategic Communications and Political Science, Ohio State Univerisity J.D. at Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law Practice Areas Labor Relations

Melisa Fisco - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Shareholder
Ms. Fisco conducts administrative investigations, represents clients in arbitration proceedings, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, conducts client training on a variety of topics, including discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, FMLA and ADA compliance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), employee discipline, and contract administration. In addition, Ms. Fisco advises and represents clients in human resources and labor matters, develops compensation plans and conducts compensation studies, develops and updates policy manuals, job classifications, and other human resource system components. Ms. Fisco rejoined Clemans Nelson in 2021, after serving as an Assistant Law Director in Cuyahoga County. Prior to joining Clemans Nelson in early 2014, Ms. Fisco represented clients in litigation and matters involving employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour claims, and contract disputes. Ms. Fisco has experience litigating before various state courts in Ohio and representing clients before administrative agencies, including the State Employment Relations Board, State Personnel Board of Review, the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Melisa received her J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and her B.A. in Public Affairs from Cleveland State University. Education J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law B.A. (Public Affairs), Cleveland State University Practice Areas Investigations Melisa Fisco is a Shareholder and Account Manager working out of our Akron office.

Michael D. Esposito - VP

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Vice President
Michael D. Esposito is a Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. Michael received his B.A. from Miami University (OH), and his J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He is experienced in all aspects of personnel systems development, regulatory compliance, human resource management, and collective bargaining. With more than 200 sets of negotiations to his credit, his practice primarily consists of representing municipal, township, and county clients in complex labor negotiations and dispute resolution proceedings. His experience bargaining and guiding managers in some of the most labor friendly environments in the state of Ohio has made him particularly adept at achieving client objectives for dynamic change, while maintaining the critical relationships between the parties so they can function effectively after negotiations have concluded.

Monica Williams

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Professional Staff Member
  • Education
Monica Williams joined Clemans Nelson in 2023 and is a Consultant. Monica works with clients on various employment and human resource management issues, compensation plans and wage surveys, and labor relations related work. Monica received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in Business Administration specializing in Human Resources and minoring in Communications. Education Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Ohio State University Practice Areas Employment Management Monica Williams joined Clemans Nelson as a Consultant in 2023.

Patrick A. Hire - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Regional Manager
  • Shareholder
Patrick A. Hire is a Shareholder, Director, and serves as Regional Manager of Clemans Nelson's Lima office. Pat is a Shareholder, Director, and serves as Regional Manager of Clemans Nelson's Lima office. Pat assists clients in human resource management, labor relations, regulatory compliance, and staff training and development. He has over 20 years' experience in arbitration, mediation, negotiations and contract interpretation. He is skilled in organizational and operational analysis, civil service, EEOC compliance and policy development. Pat received his B.A. in Comprehensive Social Studies from Bluffton College, and received his Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Public Administration from the University of Findlay.

Robert Young

Job Titles:
  • Senior Consultant
Robert Young joined Clemans Nelson in 2022 as an Senior Consultant in our Columbus office. Rob has over 35 years' experience at the State and County level in law enforcement and human resources. Rob has experience in labor negotiations, disciplinary hearings, and grievance meetings. He also has experience in policy development, personnel management, and workplace investigations. Rob received his J.D. from Capital University Law School and his B.A. from The Ohio State University. Education B.A., Ohio State University J.D. at Capital University Law School Practice Areas Labor Relations

Robin L. Bell - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Regional Manager
As a Regional Manager with Clemans Nelson, Robin oversees the administrative operations of the Akron Region, and is a member of Clemans Nelson's Board of Directors as well as serving as Director of Human Resources. Like all Clemans Nelson managers, however, she remains intricately involved in working with clients on various employment and human resource issues. She represents clients at labor negotiations and arbitration proceedings, and counsels clients on dealing with complex issues arising in the context of discipline, regulatory compliance, and allegations of discrimination. Robin also works with clients to develop and manage personnel systems components, (i.e., position descriptions, classification plans, personnel policies, etc.) so as to mitigate liability and provide a sound basis for the employment actions that our clients take. A sought after speaker, Robin regularly conducts supervisory training on discriminatory harassment and contract administration for clients. She has lectured on selected public sector personnel and labor relations topics for the Labor Arbitration Institute, the Kent State School of Public Policy & Public Administration, and other statewide associations. Additionally, Robin was a contributing author to the revered labor arbitration text, Elkouri & Elkouri How Aribtration Works (6th Edition) 2008 Supplement. Robin received her B.A. from Ohio University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law. Robin joined Clemans Nelson in 1999 after serving as General Counsel for one of the largest Sheriff's Office in the State of Ohio. Prior to that, she was in private practice as a labor attorney in the State of California. As General Counsel, she was responsible for evaluating legal compliance in a highly regulated environment, and intricately involved in aspects of labor relations and human resources. Education B.A., Ohio University Juris Doctor, University of Akron School of Law Practice Areas Labor Negotiations

Ryan P. Woodward - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Shareholder
Ryan P. Woodward joined Clemans Nelson in 2017, and is a Senior Consultant and Shareholder in our Cincinnati office. He represents clients in areas of labor relations, contract negotiation, discipline, wage surveys, and other human resources and management issues. Ryan earned dual BA degrees in Applied Communications and Philosophy from Asbury College and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maine School of Law, where he was the Managing Editor of the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal. Prior to his legal education, he worked in finance and in law enforcement. Education Dual BA degrees in Applied Communications and Philosophy, Asbury College Juris Doctorate, University of Maine School of Law Practice Areas Labor relations

Somany Pich

Job Titles:
  • Senior Consultant
Somany joined Clemans Nelson in 2017 and is a Senior Consultant. Prior to joining Clemans Nelson, Somany worked for a law firm and also clerked for several years in a County Public Defender's office. Somany works with clients on various employment and human resource management issues, compensation plans, and wage surveys. Somany received her M.B.A. from Capital University in Finance, and her B.A. from Muskingum University with dual majors in Accounting and Political Science. Somany is a member of the Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA). Somany Pich joined Clemans Nelson in 2017 and is a Senior Consultant.