Kate Scherkenbach serves as Sr VP, Total Rewards Manager at Baird, an international financial services firm.  Kate is responsible for health/wellness, welfare, recognition, leave administration and workers’ compensation programs for Baird’s 5,200 associates. She seeks to provide the firm with innovative solutions to support associates in the pursuit of well-being, work-life integration and financial security; strengthening Baird’s position as a great place to work. Prior to this, Kate spent over 15 years as an employee benefits broker/consultant.  She holds the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation through the International Society of Employee Benefit Specialists and is active in local professional associations including the eastern Wisconsin Business Health Care Group.