National PEO Management Profiles

Hooman Nikzad, Managing Partner

Hooman Nikzad joined National PEO with a wealth of management experience. Mr. Nikzad began his career in the textile industry. In 1989 he co-founded Pro Pay, Inc. with Arnold Diamond.

After selling Pro Pay, Inc. to Employee Solutions, Inc. in 1993, Mr. Nikzad, along with Todd Belfer, founded M.D. Labs, a premier manufacturer and marketer of health related products. Mr. Nikzad sold his interest in M.D. Labs and joined Mr. Diamond on a full time basis co-managing National PEO in February 2002.

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Todd Belfer, Managing Partner

Todd Belfer joined National PEO in October 2005 as a managing partner. A true entrepreneur, Mr. Belfer was involved with a number of local businesses before joining National PEO. He co-founded Employee Solutions, Inc. a professional employer organization in 1990. After taking the company public in 1993, Mr. Belfer stayed with the company until 1996. He co-founded M.D. Labs in 1993 and, along with Mr. Nikzad, sold his interest in 2002. He was also a founder of RA, a Japanese restaurant chain, and Time America, a publicly traded software company, where he remains owner and chairman.

In addition to his business ventures, Mr. Belfer is very active in local community organizations. He was a dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters for over 10 years. Nationally, he is recognized for his work with The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and received the prestigious Regional Wings of Memory Society “Excellence in Leadership Award,” presented by the United States Holocaust Museum in April 2006 for his ongoing support and and dedication to the Holocaust Museum and its efforts.

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Kevin S. Steele, Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Steele joined National PEO in September 2006 as its Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Steele has a strong leadership background and has most recently served as Vice President of Finance for Catalytica Energy Systems, Inc. in Gilbert, Arizona. Mr. Steele has also served as Chief Operating Officer of M.D. Labs, Inc., Vice President of UDC Homes, Inc., V.P. and Controller for Pinnacle West Capital Corp. and as Senior Manager with Arthur Andersen & Co., in addition to owning his own company. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

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Steven J. Diamond , Vice President

Steven Diamond began his PEO career at Employee Solutions, Inc. in 1997. In 1999 he was appointed Director of Payroll Operations for National PEO. In 2002 he was named Vice President.

Mr. Diamond brings with him a strong background in business management which allows him to oversee the day-to-day operations at National PEO. Mr. Diamond is also responsible for operations development at National PEO, including software and product implementation. He recently developed and implemented National PEO's new payroll system. He is also a member of NAPEO and has attended numerous seminars and workshops aimed at enhancing the company's operations.

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John Rico, Director of Human Resources

John Rico joined National PEO in 2003. Mr. Rico brings with him 10 years of applied Human Resources experience in a variety of industries.

Mr. Rico began his Human Resources career at the prestigious Boulders Resort in Carefree, Arizona. There he managed human resource functions such as benefits, recruitment, training and development, and conflict resolution.

Mr. Rico's diversified human resources management background also includes staffing, retail, construction and micro-technology industry expertise. He has contributed to the local HR industry by instructing several classes at local community and vocational colleges in curriculum including: "Effective Resume Writing", "Conflict Resolution in the Workplace", "Leadership Breakthrough", "Train the Trainer", "Power Communication", "Workforce Motivation" and several variations of "Labor Law Compliance Measures".

Mr. Rico's role with National PEO draws on his broad experience on a daily basis to assist a wide range of clients, in a variety of industries. Mr. Rico assists National PEO clients with labor law compliance, benefits management, training and development processes, effective recruitment and retention techniques and employee relations. Mr. Rico is also a long time member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and is associated with several Valley HR associations.

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Crystal Pickering , Director of Benefits

Crystal Pickering brings a wealth of experience in human resources and benefit administration to National PEO. Prior to joining National PEO, Ms. Pickering served as Benefits Manager for Ameriquest Mortgage Company in Orange County, California. She also spent seven years with Viacom's outdoor division as Benefits Manager. As Director of Benefits, Ms. Pickering is responsible for all aspects of benefit administration and services. She oversees the department, answers client inquiries, and consults with management regarding strategic planning to put policies and procedures in place.

Ms. Pickering works with National PEO's clients to design custom benefit programs that fit their individual needs. She uses her background to educate clients on the most effective healthcare options, retirement plans, and employee assistance programs.

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Kevin Davis, Director of Information Technology

Mr. Davis joined National PEO in 2001 as a Payroll Specialist and rose through the ranks to become Director of Information Technology. Mr. Davis has a solid background in information technology and holds degrees in Business Administration and Management, as well as Management Information Systems (MIS) from Dakota State University. Mr. Davis is also a member of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).

Prior to joining National PEO, Mr. Davis played an instrumental role in a South Dakota based start-up company overseeing marketing, sales and IT. He also worked in the risk management department of First Premier Bank's credit card division in South Dakota. His ability to multi-task proved crucial to his success at National PEO.

In his current position, Mr. Davis is responsible for keeping the company's technological needs aligned with the scope of the company's mission and on target with its services. He is focused on increasing overall productivity by implementing effective technologies and developing our growing IT department. In addition to overseeing internal technologies at National PEO's Scottsdale headquarters, Mr. Davis manages National PEO's web related services.

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Kevin Reames, Director of Business Development

Mr. Reames joined National PEO as Business Development Director in 2004. He brings a twenty year-plus background in sales and service management. Mr. Reames also holds a broker's license in life and disability insurance.

During a period of twelve-plus years, Mr. Reames was ranked in the top 5% in the nation for individual sales with Ford Motor Company. He then served as a Sales Manager and Finance Director for one of the country's largest auto groups. Mr. Reames has been responsible for much of the growth of National PEO through his ability to build and maintain relationships with clients.

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