Our Team

Hi, my name is Joe Donovan and I am the Chief Executive Officer at The Difference Card.  

I ended up in the Insurance Industry because, like many people graduating college, I needed a job. Back then, UnitedHealthcare had a training program called “group school” and I was lucky enough to get accepted. Little did I know that once you start in the insurance business it’s very hard to ever leave.  

I was drawn to The Difference Card because of the innovative nature of the company. Since its inception, The Difference Card has been an industry leader in designing creative funding strategies to achieve savings for employers and their employees.  

My favorite part of the job is the people I get to work with. Both my Difference Card Teammates and what I view as the most forward-thinking Brokers within the brokerage community.   

My proudest accomplishment is playing a role in creating our Difference Guarantee Savings Solution. Since we first rolled this product out in 2018, it has helped organizations across the country save hundreds of millions of dollars.  I am motivated by competition – I love to win and I believe strongly that building a winning culture is important.   

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker I was born in Philadelphia, PA, but grew up in Westchester County, NY.  I attended Syracuse University and currently reside in Armonk, NY with my family. 

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:

1. I have twin boys

2. I traveled to Ireland to compete in a boxing match as part of the NYPD Boxing Team vs. The Garda.

3. I have an irrational aversion to tuna fish.

Rosa Garcia Rinder is the Chief Operating Officer and joined The Difference Card in 2020.

Rosa joined The Difference Card because they are an organization that is innovative, diverse and helps employers save money on insurance while retaining high level of benefits for their employees. Rosa’s main objectives at The Difference Card are to deliver an amazing experience for our client partners, grow so that our teams can share in that, and be a great place to work.

Rosa started her career in this industry at Choice Strategies in 2005. Rosa joined the Choice team as a member service representative and employee number 20; and within a few years rose to Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Rosa was responsible for a team of over 100 employees and functions including, Member Services, Claims, Client Services and Implementation and Enrollment functions.

In 2012, Choice was acquired by WageWorks and Rosa stayed on for another two years, working to bring the Choice team into the WageWorks Family. In 2015, Rosa joined Alegeus where she held roles including Director Solution Architecture and Director of Strategic Accounts. At Alegeus, Rosa worked with dozens of administrators and some of the largest carriers in the United States, helping bring to market their CDH solution.

Rosa is originally from Queens, and grew up between there (Go Sunnyside!) and Madrid, Spain. Rosa went to college in Vermont, graduating from the University of Vermont. She loved it so much, she stayed in the Green Mountain State for 20 years- hiking, skiing, swimming! Currently, Rosa resides in Arlington, Massachusetts where she is raising a wild and fierce daughter, Ava Luna (yes, adaptation of Eva Luna from the book!). Rosa loves to learn, loves to run, loves to travel, loves her nieces and nephews and spending as much time with family and friends.

Hi, my name is Chris Calderone and I am the Chief Revenue Officer at the Difference Card. I got my start in the insurance business a little differently than most people. The head of maintenance at the school I worked in was family friends with an Aetna Sales Director. That Aetna contact was married to my 3rd grade teacher, and we had gone to the same University, so we had a few connections. I enrolled in the Aetna Group School to learn the insurance business. I was drawn to The Difference Card because after working for Aetna and Anthem BCBS, I saw first-hand the excess margin on the insurance carrier side.

The Difference Card was disrupting the middle market by giving back premium to the employer and providing great benefits for employees. My favorite part about working for The Difference Card is the commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit. Our team is constantly improving processes to make the customer experience outstanding. My proudest accomplishment is helping one of our large non-profit customers to save $5 million off their health insurance policy in their first year with The Difference Card. I am motivated by our customers. I love to learn about our customer’s business and help them to solve complex insurance problems.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I was born in New York, NY and I currently reside in Mamoroneck, NY with my wife Erica, two children, Stella and Cooper, and our wire-haired Dachshund, Rigatoni. I attended the University of Notre Dame and was the captain of the club boxing team. Every year we would host an annual charity boxing tournament called the Bengal Bouts with all proceeds funding a mission in Bangladesh. My first job was a cleaner in the New York City public schools. I can still give any floor a great shine! Growing up, my favorite movie was The Mighty Ducks and I played on a travel street hockey team.

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:
1. My favorite sports team is The University of Notre Dame. Go Fighting Irish!
2. If I could travel anywhere in the world I would travel to Italy. There are so many great parts of Italy, and the food is incredible.
3. Outside of work I love to swim and paddle board. I love being around the water!

Since joining The Difference Card, as the Chief Technology Officer, Dan has focused on optimizing the use of technology to better serve our broker and employer clients. Previously, Dan has spent over 20 years working in the healthcare technology space focusing on sales automation and analytics.

He architected and managed the development of the HealthConnect platform, which was the largest provider of small group health quotes in the US.

Hi, my name is Olivia Allison and I’m an Operations Manager at The Difference Card. Some of the things I love most about working here is the supportive people-first culture, and the chance to lead and contribute to meaningful operational improvements. I’m most proud of the opportunity to mentor teammates and support their growth into new roles. Watching someone I’ve coached thrive and take on more responsibility is incrediblly fulfilling.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I’m originally from New York City and now live in Delaware. Prior to The Difference Card, I worked in a variety of healthcare and customer-focused roles, where I developed a deep appreciation for service excellence and building strong relationships, which gave me a strong foundation in process improvement and team development. Outside of work, I’m a proud dog mom to a mini Goldendoodle named Ginger! Some things I am passionate about is mental wellness, leadership growth, and empowering others.

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me: 

1. 1. I start every morning with a hot cup of tea, it’s my favorite daily ritual.
3. 2. I love writing affirmations and creating motivational content, it helps me and others stay grounded.
5. 3. If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d visit Ghana. Exploring the culture, history, and vibrant landscapes is high on my bucket list.

Hi, my name is Ashley Dube, and I am the Senior Director of East Markets at The Difference Card. I ended up working in the insurance business because I completed an internship with Northwestern Mutual when I was in college. Initially, I was focused on personal financial planning, but then received an opportunity to work in the Employee Benefits Department. The rest is history.

I was drawn to The Difference Card because I love being able to offer a unique health insurance funding product to companies who are struggling to contain costs or looking to improve benefits. My favorite part about working for The Difference Card is working with a diverse and very talented team. My proudest accomplishment is how the New England Market has grown over the past seven years. I am motivated by competition. I am an extremely competitive person. I always strive to finish first in any aspect of my life.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I was born in Providence, RI and I currently reside in Cumberland, RI with my husband, Steve, and our two children- Brady, who is 6 and loves sports and Brooklyn, who is 4 and loves unicorns and princesses. I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a major in Business Management & Marketing. I loved living off campus (“down the line”) in a beautiful beach house with an ocean view. This is when I fell in love with the cute beach town of Narragansett, RI. Growing up my first job was as a Food Runner at a local restaurant when I was 15.

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:
1. My idea of a perfect day is working out in the morning, hitting the beach on an 80-degree day, followed by happy hour with a cold drink in hand.
2. My most useless talent is that I can easily memorize license plates.
3. If I could have dinner with any person dead or alive it would have to be Kenny Chesney!

Hi my name is Jourdan Englert  and I’m  Manager of Client Success for the West Markets. My favorite parts of the job are getting the chance to coach my team and help them become the best professionals that they can be, while connecting with our clients and working through creative strategies to help keep client costs down while maintaining incredibly rich benefits. My proudest accomplishment at The Difference Card is building the team that I currently get to lead every day. The drive, attention to detail, and passion for our clients and their success is contagious amongst my account executives, making coming to work a very easy thing to do.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I was born, raised, and still reside in Pittsburgh, PA with my wife Loren and our three children, Jameson, Macallan, and Emerson, along with our two dogs, Stella and Sadie. I began my professional journey as an educator, teaching 8th grade American History and earning my M.Ed in Education Leadership. After five years in the classroom, I felt the need to take my experience and transition into a career where I could take more control of my professional path. This led me to UPMC Health Plan as a Sales Support Specialist, where I learned the ins and outs of the health insurance industry, learning a lot from my Sales Executives along the way.

After a quick 18-month stint with UPMC, I was recruited by a representative from White Plains, NY to discuss an opportunity with The Difference Card as a Renewal Consultant. After meeting with Rachel Wilburn and Josh Pyzik, I was very interested in the role. When I shared this opportunity with my wife Loren, it came up in conversation between her and my father-in-law about me looking into a new job with “the difference something.” He quickly asked, “The Difference Card?” and continued, “Our company has The Difference Card and we love it!” Needless to say, he has made some good decisions in his life, (allowing me to be his son-in-law, of course), and I decided to jump onboard as well!

Three fun facts about me:

1. 1. I love teaching my kids new things like different sports, reading, spelling, math, and anything outdoors.
3. 2. I am an avid Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers fan. I love the Pirates too, but they break my heart too much.
5. 3. Yes, all three of our children have names that are also brands of whiskey.

Hi, my name is Maria Gamb, and I’m the Sales Enablement Manager at the Difference Card. I was drawn here because this company isn’t just talking about making healthcare more affordable—it’s actually doing it. That mission speaks to both my head and my heart.

What sealed the deal? The people. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by collaborative, sharp, and genuinely passionate teammates who bring both humor and hustle to the table.

One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been reimagining our onboarding experience and launching the first Difference Card Sales Bootcamp—an immersive, practical learning journey now built into every new sales hire’s experience. I’m motivated by the opportunity to remove friction, streamline tools, and create systems that help our team win faster and more confidently.

Before I Was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I’m a native New Yorker, now living in the mid-Atlantic with my husband, a cancer survivor whose journey deeply shaped my path into healthcare. That experience showed me how life-changing access to great care can be—and why the work we do here matters.

Before joining the Difference Card, I ran my own learning and development company, partnering with clients across industries—especially insurance. I’ve always loved building systems that make people’s lives easier and careers stronger.

I’ve completed a Certificate in Learning Design from NYU’s School of Professional Studies, further deepening my focus on practical, high-impact learning experiences. Whether I’m designing a training, coaching a new hire, or mapping out a smarter process, I lead with heart, clarity, and a deep respect for the people doing the work.

Here are a few fun facts you might not know about me:

1. 1. I started a Supper Club in Richmond to bring curious, creative people together over unforgettable meals. It’s part dinner party, part community experiment—and proof that strangers become friends faster when there’s good food and wine involved.
3. 2. I’ve filled three passport extensions, extensively traveled the world, lived in the UK, spent five years working in Melbourne, Australia and never say no to an adventure.
5. 3. Live music is my happy place. If there’s a band playing, I’m front and center—dancing like a lunatic and completely in my element.

Hi, my name is Renee Hoppes, and I am the Operations Manager for the Member Services Contact Center at The Difference Card. I joined The Difference Card because I’m passionate about helping our members receive the best in healthcare, and I wanted to be part of a team that’s actively working to address the challenge of rising healthcare costs.

My favorite part about working here is the people. You won’t find a more dedicated, hardworking, and caring group of individuals who come together every day to solve problems. This team is deeply committed to creating a world-class experience for our members.

One of my proudest accomplishments is helping to create future leaders. Supporting their growth and watching them reach their full potential is incredibly rewarding. I’m constantly inspired by this team and the innovative solutions we’re building to make healthcare more affordable.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker
I was born and raised in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. A small town where my grandmother owned the first grocery store. Today, I live in Louisville, KY, with my husband. We have 6 children and 8 wonderful grandchildren, all of whom my husband and I, lovingly known as Mammie and Pop Pop, spoil rotten.

We also have 3 fur babies: Jaxson (a Pitt), Salem (a Shepherd), and Tiger (our cat). Family means everything to me, and their support is what allows me to do what I love every day. I grew up with one brother and one sister. I’m the baby of the family, but today, they jokingly call me the “family matriarch”.

Oh, and one more thing: I’m a true Kentuckian – Go Wildcats!

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:
​1.I love to explore, see new places, and learn about their history.

​2.I’m a direct descendant of both the Hatfields and the McCoys. (Yes, on both sides)

​3.I’ve known how to drive a motorcycle since I was very young.

Hi, my name is Stephanie McNellis, and I am the Director of Client Retention at the Difference Card. I ended up working in the insurance business by chance.  When I first interviewed at The Difference Card, I had a great feeling about the company and the people, It turns out I was right. 15 years later I know I made a great decision! My favorite part about working for The Difference Card is the savings we achieve every year for our clients. I am fortunate to work with incredibly talented people who consistently challenge me to learn and grow. My proudest accomplishment has been leading the Client Success team. It is a privilege to be part of a team who cares so deeply for our clients. I am proud of the passion I see every day from our team and the results they have been able to achieve. My daughters are what motivate me every day; I try to be the best version of myself for them.  

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I was born in Sleepy Hollow, NY and currently reside in Buchanan, NY with my husband, Brian: our two daughters, Madison 7 and Aubrey 4. I attended the State University of New York at Oneonta. One of my first jobs in high school was waitressing at Friendly’s, I learned very quickly how bad my balance was while trying to hold more than one milkshake.  That moment didn’t end well but I learned many foundational skills from my short time there that I carry with me today.  Growing up I spent hours outside, riding bikes with friends, and waiting impatiently until it was dark enough to play flashlight tag around the neighborhood.  

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:  

1. Outside of work in the warmer weather, I love to be on the water, going for boat rides or swimming in the pool.

2. I love any true crime podcast or documentary.

3. As hard as it is to admit, I am a NY Jets fan. Sunday’s in the fall are reserved for tailgating and cheering them on, J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!

Hi, my name is Terry L. Robinson and I am the Manager of Client Success for the East Region at the Difference Card. I ended up working in the insurance business through a contact. I was working as a STEM teacher for the NYC Department of Education and my program funding was cut from the budget. An employee of the Difference Card shared an opportunity with me, and I went for it. I was drawn to The Difference Card because it was different than anything I had heard of. Health insurance was not particularly attractive to me, I thought it was complicated and I wasn’t sure about it. I believed The Difference Card could change that perception for those like me. My favorite part about working for The Difference Card is Creating solutions. There’s always an issue to solve for. My proudest accomplishment is Becoming the youngest black male leader at the organization and I am motivated by my family.  

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker  

I was born in Hampton, Virginia and I currently reside in New York, NY with my wife and three children. I attended City College of New York and growing up my first job was as a Docent at Hudson River Museum.  

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:  

1. My idea of a perfect day is Sleeping in until about 11am, shopping at the mall with my family and a great dinner and dessert to end the day.  

2. My favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Lakers.  

3. If I could travel to anywhere in the world, it would be Israel.  

Hi, I’m Loretta Silecchia, Senior Director of Operations at The Difference Card. I joined the organization in 2010, drawn by the incredible company culture and the opportunity to work alongside a team of smart, passionate, and inspiring individuals. As someone who’s a helper at heart, our mission of service deeply resonates with me—healthcare can be confusing and overwhelming, and I see my own family in the customers we support. I take pride in helping create a seamless experience that makes accessing care easier for our members.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I’m a native New Yorker from Long Island, where I grew up enjoying summers on the beach, building snowmen in the winter, and jumping into leaf piles in the fall. Influenced by both Italian and Irish heritage, I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a large, close-knit family that values tradition, music, and creating lasting memories. Early in my career, I worked in medical and dental office administration, which gave me valuable hands-on business experience while I pursued my college education. Today, I live in New Fairfield, Connecticut with my husband and our two young children. We cherish our time together—whether it’s cozy movie and game nights at home or sunny adventures at the beach or lake. My family is the core of what drives and inspires me each day.

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:

1.  I love reading thriller novels—especially those by my favorite author, Shari Lapena. There’s nothing like that edge-of-your-seat, jaw-dropping, “whodunit” suspense that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

2.  When it comes to vacations, our family loves cruising! From calypso music and delicious dining to exciting entertainment and a few rounds of Bingo at sea, it’s our favorite way to relax and have fun together.

3.   One of my favorite things to make is homemade meatballs and gravy (yes, sauce!)—a beloved family tradition passed down from my mother, aunts, and grandmother.

Scott has 30+ years’ experience representing top-tier insurance companies and their complete portfolios of employee benefit programs – Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, STD, LTD, Business Travel, and Voluntary and Worksite Benefits; including extensive experience in alternative medical funding through a Medical Expense Reimbursement Program.

Andrew Boyle is a Sales Consultant at The Difference Card. He has worked with The Difference Card for three years as an Account Executive and Sales Consultant. Andrew covers the Midwest Market, focusing mainly on Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa. Andrew previously worked for an insurance carrier but always felt a deeper calling to offer better solutions for employers and their employees. He enjoys working at Difference Card because it gives him that exact platform to deliver better benefits at a better price.

Lee has been in the insurance industry for 30+ years selling Group Medical/Ancillary products and services throughout that timeframe.  He is based in Chicago, IL and works closely with his broker-partners wherever they have business throughout the country, selling business from the Northeast to the Southeast to the West and all throughout the Midwest geographic areas.   Lee likes providing a better financial solution that benefits employers and their employees, including making suggestions that can help the employer attract and retain their employees with creative/enhanced plan designs.

With over 13 years of experience in the employee benefits space, Amy supports Brokers throughout the Central, South & West Texas regions. She’s committed to being a reliable, knowledgeable resource for brokers who are looking to drive results and provide long-term value for their clients. Amy enjoys helping employers provide better benefits at a better price. Amy finds joy in working at The Difference Card because it provides continuous opportunities to help employers save money on their healthcare spend while providing better benefits for the members.

Emily is a Senior Consultant at The Difference Card, serving the Northeast Market. She began her career with The Difference Card in 2014 as an Account Manager and later transitioned into sales—initially focusing on client retention, and since 2019, driving new business growth.

Originally from Long Island, she now reside in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, Colin – a former Difference Card sales team member, and their beloved Labrador Retriever, Penny.

Oldemar has 30+ years’ experience representing fortune 300 insurance carriers and their complete portfolios of employee benefits programs, working with consultants & brokers.  Extensive experience in medical, alternate funding programs and ancillary products.

Chris joined the Difference Card in March 2024, and is a Senior Sales Consultant serving the Southern California and Southwest territories. Over his 15+ year career in the insurance and healthcare space, Chris’s robust prior experiences include working for a broker, multiple carriers, and a benefit administration technology company. As a Difference Card Difference Maker, he is passionate about helping his broker partners deliver optimal benefit solutions and savings to their mutual clients.

Laura Gelnett is a Senior Sales Consultant at The Difference Card focusing on new business sales in the New England and upstate NY markets. Laura started her insurance career with Humana Insurance working on ancillary benefits in the Boston market. She moved to United Healthcare as a Field Account Manager for their Key Accounts in RI and MA. She joined the Difference Card, in July of 2018 as a renewal consultant and moved into sales in July of 2023.

Alexander Gredysa leads business development and broker partnership expansion at The Difference Card across the Mountain Midwest Region. He is driven by solving complex problems, building lasting partnerships, and contributing to a mission-driven organization that’s changing the way employers think about healthcare. He also thrives on collaborating with forward-thinking brokers and consultants to implement smart, cost-containment strategies through MERPs.

Richard is a Senior Consultant serving the New York market at The Difference Card. He began his career with the organization in 2017 following his graduation from Monmouth University. His initial role was as a Renewal Consultant, where he was responsible for client retention by supporting plan design and structure during the renewal process. In 2022, he transitioned into a sales-focused role, where he now concentrates on expanding The Difference Card’s client base throughout the New York area.

With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Ed has a proven track record of developing innovative solutions to meet client needs. Passionate about problem-solving, he excels in navigating complex challenges and delivering results. Ed’s commitment to building strong relationships and delivering positive outcomes has been a defining feature of his career in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

Harrison Lambert is a Senior Sales Consultant at The Difference Card, where he has spent the past five months helping employers unlock savings through innovative benefit strategies. He oversees the Midwest market, with a primary focus on Kansas and Missouri. With a career rooted in the employee benefits industry, Harrison has always been passionate about alternative solutions that deliver greater value. What he enjoys most about his role at The Difference Card is the opportunity to help clients provide better benefits at a lower cost.

Cassidy Lutosky Meyer is a dedicated sales consultant specializing in and passionate about delivering improved health insurance benefit plans while reducing costs. With a strong background in sales, nonprofits and fundraising, she has passion for helping organizations optimize their benefits offerings for employees while providing savings. As a Sales Consultant, Cassidy collaborates with brokers to understand their clients unique needs and provides tailored solutions that enhance employee satisfaction and drive cost savings. Her expertise lies in presenting innovative strategies that align with organizational goals.

Gabrielle has over eight years of experience in the insurance industry, with strong expertise in voluntary benefits. She is dedicated to partnering with brokers to identify challenges and develop strategic, impactful solutions. Committed to delivering cost-effective, comprehensive health plans, Gabrielle ensures that clients not only maximize their benefits but also enhance employee satisfaction and understanding.

Jennifer Revell is a Senior Sales Consultant III is at The Difference Card. Jennifer has worked with The Difference Card for over seven years, working in the Midwest Market covering Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Jennifer has worked for several insurance carriers over the course of her career and prides herself in the trust her insurance consultants put in her. Jennifer enjoys working at The Difference Card because it gives her the opportunity to not only help employers provide benefits at a better price, but allows members save money on their health insurance.

Rachel Wilburn is a Senior Consultant III and is the Difference Card top salesperson for 2024!  She has worked in the insurance industry for 27 years, bringing deep expertise and a client-focused approach to every engagement.  She helps clients and her broker partners to navigate complex benefits solutions. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rachel supports clients across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Her extensive knowledge and regional insight make her a trusted advisor in lowering the cost of healthcare for employers.

Zac has been in the Insurance industry since 2013 working with multiple carriers and technology companies. He brings a vast knowledge base of value-based solutions and selling strategies. Zac currently resides in Delaware and has always serviced the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Hi, my name is Taylor Britt and I am the Senior Director of Marketing + Sales Media at the Difference Card. I was drawn to The Difference Card because I loved the idea of joining a team that is working to solve the problem of the rising cost of healthcare. My favorite part about working for The Difference Card is the people- I think some of the funniest, hardworking, creative & dedicated individuals work for The Difference Card! My proudest accomplishment is building a successful and growing Marketing Department. I am motivated every day by the good work that we do.

Before I was a Difference Card Difference Maker

I was born in Chattanooga, TN and I currently reside in Nashville, TN with my husband, 2 young children and our dog Nola, a 13-year-old chocolate lab. I attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and graduated with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing. My first job was at Cracker Barrel where I worked as a server to pay my way through college. I can still recite the daily specials! I have many fond memories of growing up, but my favorite is of riding bikes at my grandmother’s house. When I was little, we would ride “big wheel” trikes down a giant grassy hill in the backyard at breakneck speeds.

Here are three fun facts you might not know about me:
1. My idea of a perfect day is a whole day spent on the beach from sunrise to sunset. I want to swim in the ocean, read a book, take a nap and watch the sunset while never leaving the beach.
2. As a Nashville Native, the Tennessee Titans are obviously my favorite sports team! #titanup!
3. If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would want to visit the Greek Islands. Santorini is on my bucket list!

As a Marketing Specialist at The Difference Card, I support the development and execution of campaigns that drive engagement and growth. I focus on content creation, digital marketing, and branding initiatives that showcase our value to clients and partners.  I’m proud to be part of a team that’s making a real impact in the benefits space.