Your Partner in Strategic HR Solutions
For over 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with organizations of all kinds—from small nonprofits with big missions to Fortune 100 companies navigating complex challenges. No matter your size or industry, we bring the same energy and commitment to understanding what matters most to you.
Why The HR Group?
We’ve worked with privately held businesses, publicly traded companies, and mission-driven organizations across countless industries. What they all have in common? They needed more than generic advice—they needed a partner who would take the time to truly understand their world and deliver solutions that fit.
That’s exactly what we do. We build genuine relationships, listen to what success looks like for you, and bring expert guidance without the corporate consulting attitude.
Jennifer Bergmann, CCP, GRP
Jennifer founded The HR Group on a simple conviction: organizations deserve HR consulting that’s built around them, not borrowed from someone else’s playbook. With over 25 years of experience spanning compensation, organizational design, HR strategy, and employee engagement, she’s known for creating solutions that are practical, sustainable, and authentic to each client’s culture.
As a trusted advisor to leadership teams across industries, Jennifer doesn’t just deliver recommendations—she partners with stakeholders to build buy-in, demonstrate value, and ensure solutions actually stick. Her approach combines deep technical expertise with a genuine understanding of how organizations really work.
Her expertise spans the full spectrum of HR and compensation:
Strategic work: HR strategic planning, organizational design, total rewards strategy, HR audits and compliance
Compensation: Market pricing and analysis, salary structure design, internal equity assessments, executive compensation, sales incentives, short- and long-term incentive design
Implementation: Job harmonization, communication and rollout strategies, performance management systems, employee handbooks and policy development
Jennifer has partnered with organizations across virtually every industry—from nonprofits and government agencies to manufacturing, financial services, technology, biotech, healthcare, higher education, energy, hospitality, and beyond. Regardless of sector, her focus remains the same: understanding what makes your organization unique and building HR solutions that work for your reality.
Jennifer holds a BS from the University of Illinois and an MS in Human Resources from Loyola University Chicago. She is a WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Global Remuneration Professional (GRP).
Jill Rea
Jill brings 24 years of compensation expertise to every client engagement—with experience on both sides of the table. She’s spent 12 years as a compensation consultant and 12 years leading corporate compensation functions, which means she understands not just the theory, but the reality of implementing solutions that work.
She holds an MBA from DePaul University with a concentration in Human Resources, a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame, and both her Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and CPA certifications. But what really sets her apart is her ability to translate technical expertise into programs that make sense for your business.
Jill has worked across virtually every industry—from consumer products and manufacturing to financial services, aerospace, nonprofits, and government contractors. She specializes in building compensation programs that are market-competitive and directly tied to what you’re trying to achieve as an organization.
Her expertise includes:
- Market pricing and competitive analysis (U.S. and international)
- Incentive plan design for executives, employees, and sales teams
- Equity compensation design and administration
- Pay structure development and implementation
- Custom compensation surveys
- M&A compensation integration
Whether you’re designing your first incentive plan or navigating a complex merger, Jill brings both strategic thinking and practical know-how to help you get it right.
Shawna Lecuyer
Shawna brings a rare combination of legal expertise, HR leadership, and deep understanding of family business dynamics—all honed over 25 years leading Legal, Human Resources, and Risk Management in a multi-generational family-held business. She knows firsthand the unique challenges that come with balancing family relationships, business growth, and succession planning.
Known for her curiosity, empathy, and growth mindset, Shawna helps leaders and organizations unlock their potential by aligning authentic leadership with core values. She doesn’t just advise—she partners with clients to build cultures where people thrive and legacies take root.
Shawna’s expertise includes:
Leadership development: Coaching and mentoring leaders, facilitating executive team workshops, and creating high-impact mentorship and internship programs
Family business strategy: Governance systems, succession planning, next-generation development, and career pathing for family members
Organizational development: Designing talent evaluation and development systems, supporting executive searches, and building award-winning diversity and inclusion programs
Shawna has worked across industries, with particular depth in food, insurance, and privately held businesses. What sets her apart is her ability to speak both the language of business and the language of family—understanding the natural tensions that arise and providing strategies to navigate them so authentic leadership can emerge.
Beyond consulting, Shawna serves on the Board of PrimeCare Health and has been a keynote speaker for organizations including Loyola University’s Women in Business Group, SHRM, and The North American Meat Institute. She is also the forthcoming author of Leveraging Your Legacy, exploring how operationalizing values creates lasting connection with talent, customers, and future generations.
Education & Certifications: BA in Business Administration, Robert Morris University | Master of Jurisprudence in Business Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law | Certifications in Organizational Development (DePaul University), Emotional Intelligence Leadership (UIC Liautaud Graduate School of Business), and Kellogg’s Executive Development Program | Accredited Life, Leadership, and Health Coach | Certified in Hogan Assessment, Team Management Profile, Korn Ferry High Potential Assessment, and Leadership Versatility Index
We’d Love to Hear Your Story
Connect with us to explore how we might partner together.