Jennifer Lunski
Posted On: Dec. 5, 2010 12:00 AM CST
Vp, Compliance Officer
Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.
San Francisco
Age: 37
Jennifer Lunski's role with Woodruff-Sawyer & Co., where she leads the legislative and compliance divisions of the firm's employee benefits practice, has increased in importance as the United States undergoes major changes due to the health care reform law. In researching federal and state legislative compliance issues that would affect Woodruff-Sawyers' employee benefits plans, her background as a former senior investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor expanded her expertise interpreting how the changes will affect the plans. In 2009, she was invited to Washington to meet with Democrat and Republican members of the House of Representatives to consult on the health care reform proposals and discuss alternative options. While with the Department of Labor, Ms. Lunski managed, trained and mentored investigators in civil and criminal cases, including settlement negotiations.
WHAT'S THE BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU RECEIVED?
Make sure you keep your eyes open and always be listening. There is something to learn from every situation.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?
When it comes to health care reform, it's important to maintain flexibility. You're going to learn something new every day and it's really important that you can adjust to changes as they happen. It's also important to maintain a good sense of humor and balance in your life. I think that is something women struggle with when they're starting their careers.
OUTSIDE OF WORK AND FAMILY, WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?
I'd have to say Anne Frank. She wrote about a difficult time; and in the face of adversity, she still managed to see the good in people. I generally have an admiration for humanitarians.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I either wanted to be a journalist or a ballerina. My grandfather was the one who urged me to go into law, telling me that I could do anything with a law background.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
I love Woody Allen's movies. I just like some of the wacky humor he has in them.
WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU'VE BEEN?
Israel. There is so much spirituality, history and culture in one place. It really is an amazing place to visit.
WHAT DO YOU PREFER AND WHY: PHONE OR E-MAIL?
I prefer phone because you can have a dialogue with someone and you can hear the tone in their voice as well as ask questions. I think interaction with people is better by phone than by e-mail, but I do think there is a place for e-mail as well.