The Statements are Ready - What Do I Do Now?

Barbara Clough is a Vice President at Blue Ridge Associates. Barbara has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in ESOP administration, her technical expertise includes navigating tricky administration and compliance issues. As an ERISA expert, she ensures adherence to Code Section compliance and provides strategic guidance to clients on plan design, legal matters, and IRS & DOL inquiries.

Accolades include: past Chairwoman of the Administration Advisory Committee, frequent speaker, author, Executive Committee member of the ESOP Association’s Public Policy Council and Vice President of Advocacy for the ESOP Association’s New England Chapter.

Cathy began her career at Commonwealth Holdings, Inc. as the company’s first HR Director. Over time, her role evolved into Ownership Coordinator, where she also served as the co-chair of the Ownership Committee. Passionate about Employee Ownership, Cathy believes it is both an honor and a privilege, and she works tirelessly to instill the Ownership Culture among all Employee Owners. She is the founder of the CECM ESOP Ownership Committee and has contributed as a judge for the 2021 AACE applications. Additionally, Cathy serves as the Program Chair for the IA/NE TEA Chapter and was named the IA/NE TEA Chapter Employee of the Year in 2023.