Jessica Ward Designer Brands, Inc
Jessica Ward is the director of benefits, HR systems and payroll for Designer Brands Inc., one of the world’s largest designers, producers and retailers of the most recognizable footwear brands and accessories.
Jessica has deep experience in the field of benefits, with over 20 years spanning both consulting and private employers. Over the past nine years with Designer Brands, she’s played an integral role in enhancing the employee experience through improved benefits communications and engagement initiatives. She has expertise in benefits strategy and plan design, mergers and acquisitions, retirement plan oversight and HR technology implementation. She has been recognized nationally and locally for her dedication to exceptional benefits, in addition to being honored as the inaugural recipient of the Employers Health Excellence in Benefits award. She is active in the ongoing education of benefits professionals and has previously served on the board of directors of the Central Ohio Chapter of ISCEBS.
She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in hospitality business and has obtained her SPHR and CEBS Fellow designations.