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 15 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

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
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. On a daily basis he also is involved in new business development, and giving overall support to client work through 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, while also involved daily in new business development, client relations and in giving oversight to client projects. 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 Team

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.

Bud Baxter
Accounting and Finance Manager

Bud joined Merit in 1995 and holds an important role managing our accounting, finance, payroll, risk managment and facilities. His background includes cash management, budgeting, financial planning, credit and collections, general accounting and risk management. Prior to joining Merit he was the Accounting Manager at Finnigan Corporation, now ThermoQuest Corporation, a precision instrument manufacturer, and the Treasury Manager at Everex Systems, a computer manufacturer.

Bud has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Cruz and has completed additional coursework in accounting and business management at San Jose State University.
budb@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x230

John Haffner
Information Services Manager

John is Merit's Information Services Manager and in-house computer consultant. He joined Merit in 1996 and has contributed significantly to the development of our systems infrastructure, including critical customization of internal systems used daily in managing our business operations. He is responsible for all of Merit's computing systems, including development, troubleshooting, purchasing, maintenance and upgrades.

He has been a full-time computer support professional for many years and held several positions at Citibank before joining Merit. John holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (magna cum laude) from Pepperdine University.
jhaffner@merithr.com or call 925-867-4400 x240