FRS Equity Strategies Experts
Our close-knit team of professionals offers a wealth of expertise in every aspect of equity compensation and delivers unsurpassed customer service every step of the way.
Corporate Management
Marianne Brannock-Hill, CEP CTP, President and CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Marianne founded FRS Equity Strategies (originally called Fat Rabbit Services) in 2000. She brings 25 years experience as consultant, corporate manager and advisor with firms such as Altera Corp, Octel Communications, Lam Research, StockPlan Inc., Credence Systems, Alcatel/Genesys and Borland. A frequent speaker for the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP), Marianne earned a BA in Business Management from St. Mary's College, and holds designations as a Certified Equity Professional and Certified Treasury Professional. Read bio.
Dirk Hill, BSEEE, Director of IT, Member of the Board of Directors
Dirk Hill has been an integral part of the business since its inception, developing the firm’s original website as well as the business technology for all IT processes and the high-security features that are required for this industry. He leads the team developing the technology for efficient tools needed by large and global corporations. Read bio.
Remie Solano, CEP, Director of Operations, Equity Analyst
Remie’s experience spans accounting, finance and equity compensation, specializing in small to mid-sized public corporations. Remie holds a BS in Business Administration from San Jose State University. Read bio.
Consulting and Outsourcing
Kathy Blackwell, MBA, CEP, Manager of Equity Projects, Senior Equity Consultant
Kathy has more than 12 years experience in the corporate environment specializing in stock plans management and executive compensation. Most recently she managed internal equity compensation at Charles Schwab. Kathy earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. She also is a Certified Equity Professional. Read bio.
Sarah Roberts, MBA, CEP, Manager of Consulting Services, Senior Equity Analyst
Sarah offers a combined 20 years of experience in stock administration, equity management, corporate finance and accounting, gained at firms such as InterMune, Inc., Intel, Citibank and Genentech. She holds an MBA in finance and accounting from the Anderson School at UCLA and a BA from Mills College. Read bio.
Barbara Crowder, CEP, Manager of Stock Plan Administration
Barbara brings nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance, equity compensation and stock administration. Her work with public companies with as few as 25 employees to as many as 50,000 gives her insights into the challenges faced by firms of all sizes. In addition to her mastery of SEC reporting requirements and the Equity Edge software application, she has led design, communication and compliance teams for employee benefits programs. Read bio.
Corporate Training
Larkyn Pope, CEP, Corporate Trainer
Before joining FRS Equity Strategies, Larkyn managed the development and delivery of equity compensation training at Citigroup/Smith Barney for seven years. In total, she has more than 15 years of experience in equity compensation and stock administration, including business development. Expert in Transcentive and Equity Edge, Larkyn earned her CEP designation from Santa Clara University in 1998. Read bio.
Consultants
Timothy Wing, EA, MS/Taxation, Tax Advisor
Tim Wing's thirty year professional career has revolved around the tax, regulatory, investment, accounting and valuation aspects of stock-based compensation, including employee stock options [ESOs]. As an Enrolled Agent [EA], Tim has represented taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service on ESO-related matters. Tim also has served as an instructor, since 1995, in the Marquette University Certified Financial Planner [CFP TM] program, preparing financial service professionals for the CFP TM exam. Read bio.
James Krochka, JD CPA, Legal Counsel
Alec Hellesoe, CPA, Corporate Controller, Advisor
Lupe Adame, CPA, Corporate Controller, Accountant, Advisor
Lupe has over seventeen years experience in management, accounting, financial planning and analysis, systems selection and implementation.
Board of Directors
Gene Menzies
Julie Threet
Kimberly Whidden, CPA, CIA
Kimberly Whidden is an experienced audit professional with over 8 years of public accounting and internal audit experience. Kimberly is currently the Director of Internal Audit at Cymer, Inc. Cymer is the world's leading supplier of light sources used in the photolithography process in semiconductor manufacturing. As Director of Internal Audit, Kimberly is responsible for performing risk assessments and developing the annual internal audit plan consisting of financial, compliance, and operational audits. Read bio.