Bob Levy, CEBS, CEO

Before founding Paradigm Group in 1996, Bob was director of marketing for Prudential Healthcare’s Nashville group operations and a top account executive for Prudential in the Orlando area. He graduated from the University of Virginia and holds a Master's degree in Health Administration from Duke University. He is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) and past president of the Middle Tennessee Employee Benefits Council. His community activities include volunteering with the American Heart Association.

(615) 515-3303 | boblevy@paradigmgroup.net

Susan Heard, SPHR, Vice President

Susan was recruited in 1997 to bring the employer’s perspective to Paradigm Group. She has 23 years experience in human resource management. Her responsibilities include HR, compliance and communications consulting and operations management for our firm. Before joining Paradigm Group, Susan was vice president, HR for Home Technology Healthcare, a regional healthcare provider with approximately 3000 employees. Susan graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis with a BBA and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is past president of the Middle Tennessee Chapter, Society for Human Resource Management (MT|SHRM) and a current member of the chapter’s board. She serves on the HR Committee of United Way of Greater Nashville.

(615) 515 -3304 | susanheard@paradigmgroup.net

Edward Rittenberg, PAHM, CFP® Vice President, Sales

Edward started his insurance career as a group sales representative for Prudential HealthCare and built a successful brokerage practice before joining Paradigm Group in 1999. He earned a BS in Business from the University of Alabama, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and has completed requirements for designation as Professional, Academy for Healthcare Management. Edward is a former member of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors and the Chamber's Small Business Council Executive Board. He has also held leadership roles in the West Area Business Council and the FastTrac Entrepreneurial Program. Edward is a member of the Rotary Club and volunteers in schools for Junior Achievement.

(615) 515-3305 | edwardrittenberg@paradigmgroup.net

Kellie Conn, SPHR, Vice President Human Resource Services

Kellie is an HR generalist with more than15 years experience. Since 2006 she has been HR and communications consultant for our benefits clients and responsible for our firm’s HR management. She holds a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Kellie is a district director for the Tennessee SHRM State Council and is past president of the Middle Tennessee Chapter, Society for Human Resource Management (MT|SHRM). She is a member of the Middle Tennessee HR Executive Forum and co-chairs the HR Excellence Program. She is also on the boards of Nashville Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and the Belcourt Theatre. Kellie received the2004 Tennessee HR Management Excellence Award.

(615) 515-3307 | kellieconn@paradigmgroup.net

Denis Blackwelder, SPHR, Vice President

Denis Blackwelder, SPHR has been working as a human resources professional since 1983. Prior to joining Paradigm Group he was the Corporate Development Director, Senior Vice President with Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon. Denis has also held leadership positions with Willis North America and Service Merchandise. He is a past president of Middle Tennessee SHRM (MT|SHRM), a member of the MT|SHRM Senior Advisory Board, the HR Executive Forum and serves as a co-chair for the HR Excellence Program. He was presented the HR Management Excellence Award in 2006 and the James House Williamson Award in 2008, which is the highest HR honor awarded by the Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management.

(615) 515-3327 | denisblackwelder@paradigmgroup.net

J. Benjamin Smith, Managing Director, Retirement Services

Ben joined Paradigm Group in September of 2007. Throughout his career in the investment industry, Ben has worked extensively on 401(k) retirement plans, served as a portfolio manager to pension plans, and managed endowment & foundation portfolios. Ben also founded and managed a private investment fund for several years. His clients have consisted of institutions located in Tennessee and throughout the country. Ben received a BS in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Tennessee and holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses.

(615) 515 – 3323 | bensmith@paradigmgroup.net

Paradigm Group is a full service benefits, retirement services and human resources consulting firm located in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1996, we specialize in helping employers meet their goals through the design, implementation and evaluation of their employee benefits, retirement and human resources programs.