The Optima Team
People Who Practice What They Preach
At Optima HR Solutions, we’re not just consultants—we’re practitioners who’ve walked in your shoes. Our team includes experienced HR leaders, strategists, and specialists who know what it takes to build great workplaces and navigate complex business challenges. We bring the right mix of insight, execution, and empathy to help growing companies succeed. Every client engagement is led by someone who’s been there, done that—and is ready to do it with you
Steve Schad, Founder & CEO
Steve is a seasoned HR executive and business leader who founded Optima HR Solutions to bring high-impact, right-sized HR support to small and midsized companies. Drawing from a career that spans organizational strategy, leadership development, and HR transformation, Steve helps business owners turn HR into a growth driver. He also serves as a fractional CHRO, advisor, and trusted partner to companies undergoing change, scaling operations, or building infrastructure for what’s next.
Jamie Shiek, Business Development Lead
Jamie combines a background in project management and process optimization with a deep understanding of business development. As Integrator and VP of Business Development at Optima HR Solutions, he ensures that our strategic vision is translated into actionable plans and executed efficiently. Jamie’s expertise in aligning cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence makes him a vital asset in delivering tailored HR solutions to our clients.
Lee Reinhardt, HR Operations Lead
Lee leads Optima’s HR operations team, bringing structure, consistency, and care to every client engagement. With deep experience in compliance, employee relations, benefits, and HR systems, she ensures that day-to-day HR functions run smoothly and reliably. Lee is known for her approachable style, attention to detail, and ability to support both people and processes with confidence and clarity.
Tammy Hansen, Client Support HR Business Partner
Tammy brings more than 15 years of hands-on HR leadership in manufacturing, financial services, and global industrial settings to her work with Optima clients. A SHRM-SCP strategist and seasoned HRBP, she holds a Master’s of Science in Strategic & Functional HR Management and has led large-scale initiatives—from HRIS implementations and M&A integrations to compensation restructuring and culture transformation—earning awards for project-driven results and employee-centric solutions. In her role as Client Support HR Business Partner, Tammy pairs strategic insight with practical know-how to deliver responsive, compliant, and people-focused HR support that helps growing companies navigate complexity with confidence.
Alicia Reyes, Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
Alicia brings hands-on payroll and benefits expertise across multiple industries and HRIS platforms to Optima clients. From processing complex multi-state payrolls and reconciling benefit deductions to auditing HRIS data for accuracy, she applies a strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in every step. Known for her calm problem-solving and customer-first approach, Alicia helps clients streamline processes, stay compliant, and deliver a seamless payroll and benefits experience.
VT., HR & Technology Specialist
VT supports clients with both operational HR services and Rippling platform implementation and other technology configuration and support. As a certified Rippling payroll specialist, she brings precision and tech-savvy insight to every rollout and support engagement. Known for her calm professionalism and depth of knowledge, VT ensures smooth onboarding, accurate payroll, and responsive guidance for clients using Rippling.
Michelle Jiosne, Senior HR Consultant
Michele brings deep experience across all areas of HR, including, compliance, handbook development, process improvement, and performance management. As a Senior HR Specialist, she supports clients with steady expertise and a practical, people-first approach. Michele’s ability to listen, guide, and implement makes her a go-to partner for businesses navigating both everyday HR needs and complex workforce issues.
Sarah Leider, Senior HR Consultant
Sarah brings practical, responsive HR support to Optima clients with a strong focus on compliance, employee relations, and process improvement. Her background spans a variety of industries, giving her the adaptability to meet unique client needs with confidence. Sarah is known for her calm presence, follow-through, and ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of an organization.
Lorri Anderson, Fractional HR Executive & Executive Coach
Lorri brings over 30 years of strategic HR leadership experience to Optima clients, having worked across banking, manufacturing, and other mid-market industries. With an MBA and a background in executive coaching, she helps leaders align people strategies with business goals. Known for her practical wisdom and thoughtful guidance, Lorri is a trusted advisor to clients navigating growth and change.
Melissa Hoepner, Fractional HR Executive
Melissa brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience with a focus on aligning HR practices to support business strategy. She partners with clients to build scalable systems, enhance compliance, and strengthen people operations. Known for her strategic mindset and practical execution, Melissa helps companies grow with confidence and clarity.
Neil Moses Zirkes, Fractional HR Executive
Neil is Optima’s most tenured team member and a trusted advisor to more clients than anyone else on our team. As a seasoned HR executive, he brings a steady hand, deep experience, and a strategic mindset to every engagement. Neil partners closely with business leaders to build HR foundations, manage change, and create high-performing teams aligned with organizational goals.
Peggy Kadlec, Fractional HR Executive
Peggy brings over 25 years of executive level strategic HR business partnering. As a fractional executive with deep generalist background blended with her focus on financial savings she rapidly becomes a trusted advisor on benefits or payroll migrations. Peggy is especially skilled in organization development, leadership support, employee engagement and assisting businesses align culture with strategy.
Paula Oleson, Fractional HR Executive
Paula brings decades of HR leadership experience across a variety of industries, making her a versatile and strategic asset to Optima clients. Known for her calm confidence and collaborative style, she helps businesses tackle complex HR issues with clarity and care. As a fractional executive, Paula supports clients in building strong cultures, enhancing compliance, and navigating growth with stability and foresight. She also brings coaching expertise, with credentials from ICF, ACC, & PCC.