Client Services Team

Our Client Services Managers (CSMs) represent the front door to our services. Experienced in translating our clients' goals into appropriate support solutions, our services team stands apart from those in many other firms. These HR professionals don't just take orders -- they help you validate the appropriate solution for your needs before proceeding.

Anne Hausler, PHR, CIR
Director, Client Services

Anne leads our expanded service delivery operations, driving the development and execution of Merit's staffing and consulting services. She manages our Client Services Staffs in San Ramon and Sunnyvale respectively and supports our clients, associates and consultants in the delivery of our services throughout the Bay Area. Since joining Merit Resource Group in 2000, Anne has played a significant role expanding the company's reach and reputation within our multiple markets.

Anne's management and human resources experience comes through the retail and insurance industries. She also has extensive experience in operations, sales and accounting and before coming to Merit held manager positions with Aon Risk Services and Nordstrom.

She serves on the board of directors of Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME), and is a Mentor and Professional Network Career Advisor at San Jose State University's College of Business.

Anne has a B.S. Degree in Business Management and an HR Generalist Certification, both from San Jose State University.
anneh@merithr.com or call 408-501-8863

Melissa Roark, CIR
Client Services Manager

Melissa is based in our San Ramon office and has more than 20 years of experience in recruiting and sales. She also brings strong industry knowledge from the financial services and HR Outsourcing/Professional Employer Organization (PEO) segments.

During her career Melissa has repeatedly distinguished herself, both regionally and nationally, in a variety of positions with Accountants Incorporated, Robert Half International (RHI) and AdminiStaff, Inc. She was named Top Branch Manager, Worldwide during her 11-year career with RHI. Most recently, Melissa was a Sales Consultant with Strategic Outsourcing, Inc. and a National Sales Recruiter with The Culver Group. Melissa holds a degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University.
melissar@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x246

Patricia Maloney, PHR, CIR
Client Services Manager

Patricia first joined Merit in 2000 and has contributed significantly to the development of our business in the San Ramon office. Her HR experience in staffing and recruitment comes from the staffing industry and in-house staff recruiter perspectives where she held various roles including managing and supervising in contract and direct-hire placement, sales, and client support. Prior to joining Merit, Patricia was with Washington Mutual Card Services (Providian) in Pleasanton, Robert Half International, and Remedy Staffing.

Patricia received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts in New York.
patriciam@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x242

Lori Jones
Client Service Relations

Lori supports the entire client services organization and marketing efforts of the company in a variety of initiatives involving client and associate research and communications.

She has experience in retail and from the staffing industry as well as from operations and senior recruiter positions with Bank of America and Providian Financial. Prior to joining Merit Lori was Recruiting Manager with Deloitte & Touche. Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Sacramento State University.
lorij@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400, x252

Rebecca Luff, CPC
Merit Affiliate, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area

Rebecca is a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) with an emphasis in talent acquisition and talent management. She has over 20 years of broad-based experience in corporate human resources and search consulting roles and has successfully staffed and managed individual and large consulting and search engagements in accounting, finance, human resources, operations and sales and marketing, in multiple markets.

Rebecca's industry experience includes financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, energy, retail, professional services, and technology. She received her education from Richland College and the University of Dallas in Business Communications and Human Resources and is active in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Dallas HR Association, the National Association of Personnel Consultants, and the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Recruiter's Network.
rebeccal@merithr.com or call 214-674-2728
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamluff

Lana Anest, PHR
Area Consultant

Lana represents our Sacramento service area with more than 18 years of HR management experience. She is a true Human Resources Generalist with strong knowledge in employment law, recruitment, employee relations, leadership and employee development, right-sizing, compensation, benefits and workers' compensation.

Lana has provided HR services to healthcare, engineering, insurance, financial, software and start-up organizations. Her experience goes beyond the borders of California, including multiple states and various global locations.

Lana currently holds the PHR designation from HRCI and has since 1995. She is a member of Society for Human Resource Management, Sacramento Area Human Resource Association and the Northern California Human Resources Association.
lana@merithr.com or call 925-997-4726

Malika Hayashida, PHR
Client Services Coordinator

Certified in HR Management, Malika supports our Client Services Managers in both the San Ramon and Silicon Valley offices servicing client accounts and strengthening client and associate relationships. She also provides administrative and accounting support to the entire Merit team.

She gained experience in customer service management, staffing support, accounting, and office administration while working in the hospitality/private club, real estate, staffing, and legal fields.
malikah@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x221

Principals

In our corporate roles before joining Merit, we sat on the client side of the desk. So, we know what effective HR management requires. It is from this perspective that we provide services and satisfy our clients' needs.

Brian Gauny
Principal

Brian joined Merit Resource Group in 1990 and is responsible for the company's operations, providing overall staff leadership and development. He has broad knowledge of HR systems and programs, with hands-on experience in many human resources disciplines including employment, employee relations, labor, safety and risk management. Prior to joining Merit, Brian was Manager of Human Resources for Prescolite/USI Lighting, Inc., a division of Hanson Industries.

He has a B.A. Degree in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, with additional course work in human resources and labor relations at the University of Michigan Business School and the University of California, Berkeley.
briang@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x223

Rod Hanna
Principal

Rod is responsible for the company's marketing and corporate communications. Prior to joining Merit in 1992, his broad corporate and professional experience was developed through more than 20 years with AT&T in state, regional, and national/corporate positions. This experience included managing and directing human resources functions, as well as public/employee and news media relations.

He holds a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism at Columbia, and has completed executive development programs in organization, marketing, and mass communications through the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, Boston University and Colorado State University.
rodh@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x225

Professional Support

Key to our operation is a professionally-skilled, knowledgeable, proactive support team. From receipt of a request for service to its ultimate delivery, our client contact and support processes and systems make a very big difference. Our support team works closely with you and our staff to ensure that your experience with Merit is a professional, satisfying one.

John Haffner
Manager of Administration & IT

John joined Merit in 1996 and is currently responsible for much of Merit's day-to-day internal operations, including computing systems, database administration and development, web administration, technical support, accounting, payroll, benefits, and governmental compliance.

As systems administrator, he has contributed significantly to the development of our systems infrastructure, including critical customization of internal systems used daily in managing our business operations.

He held several positions at Citibank before joining Merit. John earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Pepperdine University.
jhaffner@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x240