Our team is comprised of entrepreneurial leaders who like to challenge the status quo. We’re committed to our high-touch approach, our people, and our promise to clients.
Our focus is to grow the company by hiring the right consultants—people who share our passion for corporate finance, exceeding clients' expectations and letting our work speak for itself. We're not the kind of consulting business that's looking to be everything to everyone; we just want to be the go-to team for strategic finance and event support.
Your Slate Group Team
We go deep on strategic budget and event management.
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Larry Karr
MANAGING PARTNER
Larry is the Managing Partner at Slate Group where he leads the Microsoft consulting engagement, specializing in corporate finance.
Larry has a BA in Economics from the University of Washington and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Pepperdine University. Prior to Slate Group, he worked at Microsoft in both FTE and consulting capacities since September of 2003. His previous experience includes heading an e-commerce team for a successful startup firm and holding senior positions in corporate retail and marketing operations for large-scale sporting events.
He is an avid supporter and volunteer for the Washington Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Dave Blank
PARTNER
Dave is a founding partner with Slate Group and focuses on our business and strategic development practice.
During his 30 year career he has founded multiple businesses, with a primary focus in client services where he has honed his ability to help clients get to the heart of their business challenges.
Dave is a graduate from Pacific Lutheran University, and in his spare time has a passion for biking, building things, and telling long stories.
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Natasha Maestas
VP, OPERATIONS
Natasha completed her MBA at Arizona State University with concentrations in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. She brings over a decade of experience working in Consumer and Commercial lending with GE Capital.
Natasha’s customer-centric attitude and attention to detail brings great value to our team. She enjoys working with multiple stakeholders to enable creative solutions that are grounded in data. She makes customer needs and customer respect her top priority.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking with her dog, travelling, and exploring new places.
Michelle Choate
SENIOR DIRECTOR, CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Michelle has over 15 years of experience in Event Production and Sponsorship Sales, Complex Program/Project Management, and Strategic Operational Development. She brings a wealth of knowledge gained from working with high-growth startups to Fortune 100 companies within the Tech and Corporate Training industries. She’s worked at and with a number of Tech companies including Adobe, McAfee/Network Associates and Microsoft.
A Seattle native, she loves NW adventures with her family, and shares a love of sushi, travel and gardening with her partner.
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Mohamed Kareem
TEAM LEAD & SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Mohamed supports a Microsoft consulting engagement, specializing in Corporate Finance. Since September of 2006, he has held fulltime Consulting Finance roles at Symantec, Verizon, Boeing, the Allen Institute and currently at Microsoft.
Mohamed has a BS in Decision Management Information Systems from George Mason University and an MBA in Finance from California State University Hayward. He possesses extensive previous experience in Finance in diverse industries including Telecom, Scientific Research and IT, with specialization in FP&A and Budgeting.
Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and spending time with his family.
Paula Hatch
TEAM LEAD & SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Paula has a BA in Art History from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University. She brings over 25 years of professional experience in business analysis, program and project management, and budget management. She has supported clients at Microsoft for 12 years, worked in the telecom and financial services industries, and ran her own retail wine shop.
Paula focuses on delivering value through building trusted professional relationships, creative problem solving, and anticipating client needs.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, reading, gardening, and the company of her beagle and two cats.
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Brett Schulte
TEAM LEAD & SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Brett is a financial leader that brings solid experiences in budgeting/forecasting, financial analysis, information management, and process optimization. He thrives on stepping into global complex challenges with multiple stakeholders, workstreams, and dependencies. He is known for his analytical rigor and expertise in using data visualization to inform business leaders and ensure target outcomes are met.
Brett holds an MBA from the University of Washington with concentrations in Finance and Corporate Strategy. He is a big believer in continual learning, especially when it comes to leveraging new tools and technology in financial processes.
In his spare time, Brett likes experimenting in the kitchen and exploring the outdoors, and he can occasionally be spotted on the family vineyard.
JB Simpkins
TEAM LEAD & SR. PURCHASING MANAGER
JB earned his MBA from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business and brings a background of product management, people management, innovation, strategy, operations, and analytics from the public sector and technology industry, including Microsoft, Google, and Autodesk. He has over a decade of management experience in a high-growth, high-regulation environment.
JB grew up near Dallas, TX, loves animals, and enjoys exploring the great outdoors.
Soonse Lee
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Soonse is a skilled leader in financial planning, forecasting, and analysis. He brings 10 years of experience in Corporate Finance and Strategy from global tech firms including Samsung and LG. Passionate about technological innovations, Soonse believes that collaboration and open communication are keys to successful business results.
Soonse received his MBA at the University of Washington Foster School of Business focusing on Corporate Finance and enjoys learning and sharing his knowledge of Finance.
Originally from South Korea, Soonse is an avid traveler, and enjoys downhill skiing, cycling, and trying out new cuisines with his wife.
Kody Peralta
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Kody supports various clients across sales and marketing organizations, and is responsible for the development and long-term strategy of Slate Group's digital infrastructure, products, and services.
With a multidisciplinary background spanning program management, executive administration, cybersecurity incident response, and business management, he is often the first to say, "I can do that!" and comfortable navigating the ambiguity and uncertainty that comes with learning new things and finding creative solutions to tough problems.
Bianca Cheung
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Bianca is a longtime Seattle resident who holds degrees in Finance and Biochemistry from the University of Washington. She works to inform and improve business processes through lifelong learning. Her skills include data analytics and project management from industries ranging from healthcare to education to technology.
Outside of work, she can often be found tending to her garden, cooking, and visiting family overseas.
Miri Nishikawa
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Miri graduated from the University of Washington with BAs in Business Administration and Psychology. She brings in a mix of consulting experience and research skills, with an interest in analytics.
Miri was born in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to the US at the age of 10. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, painting, and playing pickleball.
Bradley Hansen
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Bradley received his BA in Economics from the University of Washington and earned an Masters Degree in both Business Administration and Investment Management & Financial Analysis from Creighton University. He brings a background mix of Business Operations and Finance, including experience working in both startup and corporate environments across multiple industries. He has a penchant for strategic thinking and has demonstrated the ability to quickly understand the big picture and align the dots.
Bradley grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and loves spending time playing with his daughter, cooking, and reading.
Michelle Arneson
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Michelle has a BA with a major in Accounting and a minor in Finance from the University of Washington. Her previous experience includes developing the best Accounting and Finance reporting system for an award-winning marketing agency and managing the Marketing team for a five-star cruise-ship company. With a keen focus on goals and effective problem solving, she brings positive energy and creative solutions to her teams. Her approach is driven by her belief in simplicity, agility, and unity.
In her spare time, Michelle likes playing ping pong, observing hummingbirds, shopping farmer’s markets, and cooking Asian delicacies.
Nasreen Shakir
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Nasreen has a Master's in Business Administration from Gujarat University (India) and has passed the WA State CPA certification. She brings extensive experience in business processes, finance, and business analysis and believes in smart, quality work with strong ethics. Her passion to collaborate across teams with an understanding of the big picture, while diving into details, helps towards achieving a common goal. She has previously managed teams for business operations at a leading technology company.
In her spare time, Nasreen enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family, and is a hobby henna artist.
Elizabeth Bolla
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Elizabeth has worked as a Senior Business Manager for several years at Xbox Game Studios. She has a strong mix of Finance, Accounting, Procurement and Business Operations experience across diverse industries. She has an MBA in Business Administration from Seattle Pacific University. Elizabeth’s undergraduate degree is in Economics from the University of Washington.
Elizabeth is a native of Seattle, WA; she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes baking, walks on the Burke-Gilman, and watching Hallmark movies. She is very passionate about her newly discovered hobby of pickleball.
Ann Pfeiffer
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Ann brings 25+ years of experience at Microsoft in financial management and accounting roles supporting marketing, consumer sales, operations and IT segments. Customer focus, collaboration, curiosity, and a drive for results are the pillars of her approach to helping customers be successful, achieve their goals, improve processes and solve problems.
Ann holds a BA in Finance from the University of Iowa Tippie School of Business and enjoys learning and sharing insights with each new role and experience. A long time Seattle resident, in her time away from work she loves traveling, cooking with family & friends, gardening and kayaking near her house, if she stays out of the Kenmore Air flight line.
Vanessa Montes de Moraes
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Vanessa is originally from Brazil and moved to the United States 9 years ago. Vanessa has a master’s degree in economics with a specialization in Finance, as well as an LL.M. (Legal Law Master). Vanessa’s undergraduate degree is also in Economics. Vanessa worked as a Senior Finance Manager in Central Corporate FP&A at Microsoft for 2 years and has 12 years’ experience in the Financial Markets in Brazil.
Vanessa has lived in Sammamish for the past 7 years with her husband, their two children, Victor and Julia, and their dog, Luna. In her personal time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family, going out for dinner, taking walks in the park, and traveling. She also has a passion for running.
Roger Song
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Roger has extensive experience in business strategy and finance in different industries including technology, utilities, and financial services. He has a proven track record of partnering with stakeholders in different business functions and using his analytical skills to support business decisions. Roger has lived in six different states but considers Seattle home.
Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities particularly hiking and snowboarding, traveling, and practicing martial arts.
Rose Shuker
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Rose brings a robust background in Finance and Accounting, including experience working in both operational and corporate environments in the entertainment industry. She is a creative and organized thinker who puts her passion and heart into everything she does.
She is currently residing in the Philadelphia area and spends her spare time playing music, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Flavia Cesario
SENIOR BUDGET MANAGER
Flavia brings a wealth of program management expertise, having worked in both tech startups and Corporate environments. She has experience as an Editorial Program Manager at Amazon and has supported the Rhythm of Business (RoB) team for Microsoft Consulting Services. Known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously, she excels at creating collaborative environments and driving projects to success.
Originally from Brazil, and based in Parkland, Florida, she enjoys spending her free time traveling with her husband and Black Labrador.
Collin Rossum
SENIOR BI ANALYST & BUDGET MANAGER
Collin brings a background mix of Finance data and systems, with experience in F500 and high growth companies. He is a logical and data driven personality who drives insights and optimizes processes. He's known for his analytical skills and ability to learn and pick up processes quickly.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family in the Arizona heat and playing with his miniature Schnauzers.
Esther Lee
SENIOR BI ANALYST & BUDGET MANAGER
Esther brings a background in Finance and Data Analytics. She likes diving into data, optimizing processes, and partnering with various stakeholders to see projects to fruition.
She enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and traveling.
Kym Hoke
SENIOR COMMUNITY MANAGER
Kym is a Sr. Community Manager and brings a background mix of Business Operations, Community and Event Management experience. She has a strong background in organizing impactful events, building community engagement and streamlining operations. She is known for balancing strategy with execution and excels in driving growth and connecting people.
As a Seattle native, she spends her spare time traveling to her kids sporting events every weekend, going for walks with her frenchie, cooking and working on projects around the house.
Malin Zaunders
BUDGET MANAGER
Malin has a Master of Science in Business and Economics from Mid University in Sweden. She brings 20 years of experience from banking, handling securities, assets, budgeting and as a Business Controller in number of different areas within the private sector.
Originally from Sweden. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, going downhill skiing and spending time with her family and dog.
Dawn Dix
PLANNING SUPPORT MANAGER
Dawn has a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Idaho. She has 25 years of experience as an Executive Assistant working for companies such as Nintendo of America, T-Mobile, and Microsoft, and is an expert at navigating corporate environments.
Dawn focuses on providing swift, accurate, and creative solutions to roadblocks as well as streamlining processes for efficiency. Outside of work, she enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, and time with family and friends.
Kaira Edwards-Cruz
SENIOR PURCHASING MANAGER
Kaira brings a background mix of Marketing, Events and Procurement, including experience working in startup environments. With her diverse skillset Kaira has honed abilities to create memorable brand experiences, orchestrate seamless events, and optimize cost-effective solutions.
As a Texas resident, she spends her spare time exploring the outdoors and learning new hobbies.
Austin Bloise
PURCHASING MANAGER
Austin is a Finance graduate from the University of Washington. Austin is a driven individual who strives to build the most efficient business model for clients as well as develop and drive focused tactical execution plans.
Austin was born in Cary, NC where he lived for 14 years prior to moving to San Diego and now resides in the greater Seattle area. Outside of work he spends most of his free time outside either playing, watching, or going to sporting events as well as traveling to new places and exploring the great outdoors.
David Jones
PURCHASING MANAGER
With a background in accounting and finance, including experience in commercial real estate where he drove growth through acquisitions in a producer role, David brings a wealth of expertise to our organization.
David is known for his core values of respect, communication, and grit. He approaches every responsibility from the perspective of customer service, going above and beyond to help every individual identify and achieve their needs or goals. David's capacity to strategize with precision and implement targeted plans will be indispensable as we strive to deliver expert guidance, creative problem-solving, and measurable results to our clients. When not at work, David enjoys golfing, painting, and cooking.
Michael Hua
PURCHASING MANAGER
Michael, a BA in Marketing from the University of Washington Bothell, leverages his freelancing background with local businesses to excel in his role as a Budget Procurement Manager. This experience has shaped his client-focused approach, enabling him to tailor procurement strategies for clients.
As a Seattle-born native and self-admitted foodie, Michael enjoys his spare time playing tennis and exploring the Seattle food scene.
Sebastian Garibaldi
PURCHASING MANAGER
Sebastian brings a wealth of procurement expertise, having worked in both SaaS startup and corporate environments. Known for his analytical thinking, attention to detail, and multitasking ability, he loves to deeply explore processes and understand how actions affect every stage.
Originally from Chile, and based in Atlanta, he spends his free time outdoors with his wife and son, practicing sports like soccer and skiing.
Mikhail Jackson
PURCHASING MANAGER
Mikhail brings a background mix of Budgets, Business Operations, and Finance, including experience working in both public and private environments. He creates systems for optimization, automation, documentation, and while ensuring targets are met at minimal costs.
As a Seattle native, he spends his spare time volunteering, exercising, and being with family.
Kendall Chapman
PURCHASING MANAGER
Kendall has a strong mix of Procurement, Finance, and Business Operations experience in the SaaS startup and PropTech spaces. Kendall loves to leverage his diverse background to solve complex problems and to provide an incredible customer experience. He loves to focus on process improvement and simplifying complex problems through data driven solutions.
Kendall is a Virginia native; he loves spending time with his wife and daughter, which usually includes cooking, gardening, fly fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Olesya Tehan
PURCHASING MANAGER
Olesya brings a background mix of Supply Chain, IT and Procurement, including experience working in both startup and corporate environments. She loves to focus on the details and provide analytical solutions for challenges as well as bring together big picture projects and present them with a final polish.
She shares her love for the industry through teaching at Grand Canyon University and in her spare time she loves to engage with students on their innovative solutions to current day.
Reagan Kim
PURCHASING MANAGER
Reagan is a graduate from University of Washington Bothell with BA’s in Finance and Marketing. Reagan is a prudent learner whose curiosity leads him to find the best solutions and answers for his clients.
Reagan was four years old when he moved to Seattle from Korea, and has been a native ever since. Outside of work Reagan spends most of his free time travelling and playing racquet sports. He has played tennis and badminton from a young age and still competes when he has the time.