A year ago in April 2020 I created a fun series here on my blog where I introduced my network to some amazing HR pros! It was so much fun to highlight a variety of HR professionals which lead to great networking and discussion over on LinkedIn. (: I think we can all agree that we could use more fun, helpful content in our social media feeds that lifts each other up! I also love to give someone a spotlight and help them network online. I am so grateful to the amazing HR Community for showing up for each other and offering information and support during the past year, which was challenging for so many of us. You all are the best! If there’s anything I can help you with, please send me a message on LinkedIn or through the contact me area here on my blog.
Meet Chuck Privitera, AIF, SHRM-SCP and connect with him on LinkedIn here! Chuck and I first met at the NY State SHRM Conference in Albany in September of 2018! We immediately hit it off because 1) Chuck is one of the kindest and easiest people to talk to you you will ever meet and 2) Even though he currently lives and works in the NYC area, he is from Buffalo! Throughout 2019 we would get lunch when he was in town visiting family or clients. We also had a blast on his ChuckPTV Podcast back in May 2020. Thanks again for having me on the show Chuck! Read on to learn more about him – he works in a unique niche in financial services and HR, you’re going to want to learn more.
Introduce Yourself!
I am a senior consultant, relationship manager and business development executive. I have had client relationship responsibilities primarily in the Metro New York and Mid-Atlantic regions. I assist clients with the design, implementation, and investment monitoring of their retirement plans, financial well-being of employee participants, human capital advisory services, and diversity and inclusion issues in financial benefit utilization.
I have over 25 years of financial industry experience that has encompassed all areas of the employee benefits industry. The last 15 years have been specifically focused on investment consulting, fiduciary liability consulting, and plan design consulting for mid-market defined contribution plans.
For the last 3 years, a major focus for me has been the financial well-being of employees who are typically left behind by the financial services industry. I have identified serious gaps in 401(k) plan savings rates and large disparities in financial stress levels in the workplace based on race and gender. These issues have only been exacerbated by the pandemic and spotlighted by the recent high-profile murders of Black Americans. The type of consulting I am doing seeks to address these issues through an innovative approach to financial coaching and wellness.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Science/Economics from the State University of New York at Cortland and the London Metropolitan University. I have also received the industry designation of Senior Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and am in the process of attaining the SHRM Credential for Inclusive Workplace Culture. I am also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF).
I reside in New Jersey with my wife Kathy and our 8 year old son. I enjoy spending time with my family, coaching little league, powerlifting, and volunteering. I compete frequently in local USAPL Powerlifting competitions. I have been called an ally to women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
How did you get into the financial services industry?
I had always admired what my dad did for a living. I wrote a couple of papers on some of the more complex financial problems my dad solved for some of his financial planning clients. For a few years out of college, I went to work with him to learn the business. I quickly realized I did not have the stomach for working with individual or family money. My dad knew some guys who were getting a 401(k) plan business off the ground. Since I was still interested in financial services, this was a way to work in that industry, but with corporations rather than individuals.
What part of the work excites you the most or is the most rewarding?
Well, I haven’t always felt this, but as noted above, the work I have been doing recently is addressed at serving the underserved, or the people who don’t typically have access to financial services professionals. Better stated, people without money or with money troubles. I find all of this rewarding as it is part of the financial services that has eluded the industry forever. I can’t think of anything more exciting than helping to focus on issues that are important to BIPOC, women and LGBTQ+, groups that have traditionally been overlooked by financial services professionals.
How do you work together with HR pros in your role?
Financial stress is a problem. It’s a problem for engagement, culture, health, decision making, absenteeism, presenteeism and now, gender and racial equity. These are all areas that HR is addressing as we speak. I can’t solve all of them, but I sure can help.
What do you like to do to practice self-care?
Powerlifting. There is a lot that goes into having to lift very heavy weights. And there is a ton I get out of it. I’m sure some of it has to do with hormones, but nothing really relaxes me more than lifting very heavy weight. Also, cold exposure. I take cold showers, ice cold. There is a ton of science behind how this helps reduce stress, and calms the crazy voices we all have!
Share something fun about yourself!
I have been going to Grateful Dead concerts since I was 15 and hope to continue when we can, until I’m 90! I find the music and the atmosphere at the concerts to be extremely fun, peaceful and thoughtful.
Claire is Coaching 