Founder and CEO of ACI Specialty Benefits, Dr. Clark has continually led ACI into the nation’s Top Ten ranking of the largest EAP providers. As an experienced mental health professional and Fortune 500 consultant, Dr. Clark revolutionized the benefits industry by creating health solutions for the workplace that effectively and simultaneously addressed behavioral, emotional and physical health needs. She created the award-winning “GetFit Cell Phone Diet” and numerous other innovative products designed to increase workforce health and productivity. Recently named the Benefit and Compensation Solution Magazine’s “Benefits Superstar,” Dr. Clark is committed to improving the quality of life for the nation’s workforce and families by leading the innovation and delivery of specialty benefits for corporations worldwide.
Dr. Clark is also a best-selling author, accomplished motivational speaker, lecturer, and commentator. She was named one of San Diego’s “Women Who Mean Business” by the San Diego Business Journal and received the “Bravo” award for excellence from the National Association of Women Business Owners. Her extensive published works include Citadel Press’ best-seller, Surviving Your Boss, Looking Good, Alone but Not Lonely, Surrender to Win and Single Parent Families.
Dr. Clark received her doctorate in Behavior Disabilities and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin and completed post doctorate research on Alcoholism and Sexuality at the University of New Mexico. Prior to founding ACI Specialty Benefits in 1983, Dr. Clark achieved the rank of Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin, Director of Education at the New Mexico Facility for the Mentally Challenged, and later Statewide Director for Child Abuse Services. She is one of the original Certified Employee Assistance Professionals (CEAP) in the country, Forensic Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist and member of numerous professional associations.
“I work with a great team to invigorate ACI’s long established specialty benefits product line, and leverage new mediums of marketing and communication to reach a dynamic array of new clients”
As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at ACI Specialty Benefits, Erin Krehbiel oversees global marketing initiatives, corporate branding, and product development. With ACI’s recent launch of SOAR: Student Outreach, Assistance, Resources and Leverage, ACI’s expanded Concierge program, Erin’s creative vision, leadership and insight has been invaluable in ensuring these new programs meet clients’ needs.
With over 10 years of executive experience in the behavioral health industry, Erin spent the first seven years of her career with ACI Specialty Benefits as Sales Director streamlining marketing and sales initiatives and developing new products. During her tenure at ACI, Krehbiel produced record-breaking new sales that launched ACI Specialty Benefits into the Top Ten national employee assistance benefit providers. Prior to rejoining ACI, Krehbiel was responsible for overseeing large-scale medical staff for a national behavioral health firm.
“As the champion of ACI’s growth and business development, I focus my energies on creating and executing worldwide sales initiatives to generate continued revenue streams for ACI.”
Thomas Lee is the Chief Sales Officer for ACI Specialty Benefits. In this role, Thomas provides leadership to the sales team and is responsible for the tremendous growth in new sales since his arrival in 2007. He recently broke ACI’s previous sales record in a calendar year and has maintained the company’s place among the nation’s top ten EAP providers.
Thomas joined ACI in 2007 with over 10 years of progressive sales leadership experience across a wide range of industries. He has the proven ability to identify emerging markets and design strategic business development plans within those markets. Clients and brokers alike rave about Thomas’ ability to understand their needs and his unique approach to customizing an EAP or Wellness program around the corporation’s identity.
Thomas graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is currently an active member of volunteermatch.org, an online organization that allows individuals to register for thousands of events across San Diego.
“As a professional with a background in human resources I am proud to be part of an organization that recognizes the benefits of creating, promoting and instilling healthy behaviors in employees. One of my favorite parts of the job is providing management consultation because it gives me a chance to build relationships with ACI’s clients, and share best practices, insight, and advice with HR peers.”
Gilbert “Gil” Manzano is the Chief Administrative Officer of ACI. He is often referred to as the glue of the organization. Highly skilled in the field of human resources, Gil understands the needs of today’s HR professionals and their employees. A diverse resumé of experience at organizations such as Banana Republic, Gap Inc.’s luxury brand, EDS, an HP company, and Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group has given him the knowledge that employee issues do differ from industry to industry which helps when consulting ACI’s clients.
A California native, Gil studied Industrial and Organizational Psychology at San Jose State University. He is a DISC certified trainer and has spoken at the annual PIHRA conference and the California Worker’s Compensation Forum and Expo on wellness related topics. He stays connected to the San Diego business community through his involvement with the Society for Human Resource Management, National Human Resource Association, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Diego Business Association.
“In my role as VP of Customer Outcomes, I am committed to the development of cutting edge products and the delivery of superior service to every customer. Whether it is EAP or Wellness, every encounter with ACI will exceed expectations for all our members.”
Theresa Baptiste is the Vice President of Customer Outcomes for ACI Specialty Benefits. In this capacity, she provides leadership and direction to the Corporate Relations team, and is focused on elevating the level of service and offerings of ACI’s Wellness program. In and out of the office, Theresa is passionate about helping people achieve optimal wellness through healthy lifestyle changes.
Theresa joined ACI with over 25 years of corporate leadership experience working for international organizations such as Jenny Craig, Johnson and Johnson, Wells Fargo Bank, Citibank and Oppenheimer funds. Her experience ranges from developing wellness coaching programs, to overseeing call center sales and customer service. While working with diabetes and radiology companies, Theresa learned firsthand the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and preventive care.
Theresa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Regis University in Denver, CO. She is an active member of Direct Marketing Association (DMA), and was a featured speaker at their annual conference.
