Meet the Team

At Novello & Associates, we’re proud to introduce our founder, president, and CEO, Joe Novello. With over 35 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits consulting industry, Joe has transformed our firm into a premier consulting powerhouse.

Joe’s journey began with a degree from The University of Dayton, followed by comprehensive training as a group insurance sales specialist. His deep expertise in the Life, Health Care, and Employee Benefits arena laid the groundwork for his remarkable career. Working for a large insurance company and then with a nationally known Employee Benefits, Enrollment, and Communication Firm, Joe broadened his horizons in consulting, gaining invaluable insights that have fundamentally shaped the strategic direction of our firm.

Under Joe’s visionary leadership, Novello & Associates thrives on innovative, client-focused strategies. Our clientele includes Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing firms, government entities, unions, non-profits, and an impressive roster of high-profile executives and professional athletes. Joe’s diverse experience allows us to devise tailored strategies that meet each client’s unique needs.

Our dual focus under Joe’s guidance is clear:

1. Innovative Client-Centric Strategies: We consistently identify and deliver groundbreaking strategies tailored to meet our clients’ unique needs.
2. Strategic Alliances: We foster alliances that save our clients money and time while driving long-term success and growth.

Joe’s vision for Novello & Associates is rooted in integrity, expertise, and results. This vision, meticulously crafted over his illustrious career, continues to guide us forward.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe is a dedicated community leader and active industry participant. His contributions include:

• Serving on the Board of Advisors for the Bankers Club.
• Charter Board member of the Crable Foundation.
• Hall of Fame Selection Committee and Business Alumni Association Member at Archbishop Moeller High School.
• Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors.
• Founder of Punch Out Parkinson’s.
• National Association of Health Underwriters Member.
• Catholic Youth Organization Football Coach.

Joe Novello’s leadership and commitment to excellence drive Novello & Associates to set new benchmarks in the insurance and employee benefits consulting industry. His unwavering dedication to our clients and community exemplifies the core values that define us—a firm built on integrity, expertise, and transformative results.

At Novello & Associates, we are more than just a consulting firm; we are your partners in achieving exceptional employee benefits and insurance solutions. Joe Novello’s leadership embodies the core principles that guide our every decision and action. His unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry, consistently delivering value to our clients.

Joe’s commitment to our clients is reflected in every aspect of our operations. His strategic vision has enabled us to forge strong, solutions-based alliances that streamline processes, reduce costs, and maximize benefits. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a non-profit organization, Joe’s expertise ensures that you receive personalized, effective strategies that align with your specific needs and goals.

Our success is built on a foundation of trust and integrity. Joe believes that lasting relationships are the cornerstone of our business, and this belief drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. We take pride in our ability to anticipate industry trends and proactively address challenges, ensuring that our clients are always ahead of the curve.

Joe’s community involvement further exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the boardroom. His roles on various advisory boards and committees, as well as his founding of Punch Out Parkinson’s, highlight his dedication to giving back and driving meaningful change. These efforts not only benefit our community but also enrich our corporate culture, fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility within our team.

At Novello & Associates, we are inspired by Joe’s passion and vision. His leadership motivates us to continually strive for greatness, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the insurance and employee benefits consulting industry. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that every client experiences the exceptional service and innovative solutions that define our firm.

Join us at Novello & Associates, where Joe Novello’s legacy of excellence and innovation guides us in creating a brighter, more secure future for all our clients. Together, we can achieve extraordinary results and redefine employee benefits and insurance consulting possibilities.

Mark Lawrie

Senior Vice President of Sales

Mark Lawrie has worked with employers throughout the United States, designing and implementing Employee Benefit and Property/Casualty Insurance programs for over 40 years. Beginning his career in management with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Mark worked with large public sector, private sector, and hospital system clients. Supervising a large Sales and Customer Service team, Mark gained recognition from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association as a top 1% Producer and Team Manager. BCBS also called on Mark to manage the small business market specialty team to focus on small employer needs and improve BCBS relations and productivity within that market segment.

After 10 years with BCBS management, Mark was recruited by a large international insurance consulting firm as a Management Consultant and Department Manager. Mark consulted with large employers at the C-Suite level, guiding executives through the benefits and liability maze while maintaining cost-effective and highly functioning insurance and self-funded plans. As employees requested more freedom of choice to select benefit plans that met their specific needs, Mark and his consultant team provided a variety of Voluntary Benefit Programs that were integrated with the employer offered benefit plans. As a Senior Vice President, Mark was also a valued team member for his organization’s management operations, corporate financing, budget, and the hiring of specialty staff.

After 30 years with the international consulting firm, Mark decided to broaden his scope and career experience, joining one of the top Employee Benefits firms in the United States, Novello & Associates. In his role, Mark will continue to consult at the C-Suite level, focusing on corporate cost containment, while providing staff with much needed employee benefits plans and programs, available to them and their families, to solve their specific needs.

At Novello & Associates, we pride ourselves on our proven track record of mitigating claims and reducing healthcare costs for our clients nationwide. Our unique relationships with specialized vendor organizations have positioned us as leaders in the Employee Benefits industry. With Mark Lawrie on board, we are more energized than ever to continue providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients.

Chris Poole

Senior Vice President of PEO Division

Chris Poole has built a reputation for forging strong relationships and strategic partnerships throughout his career. As an accomplished executive consultant and marketer, Chris’s expertise in client and employee solutions has fueled significant growth in Human Resources Outsourcing companies, commonly known as Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs).

Chris excels in critical thinking and possesses a unique talent for effectively targeting and engaging C-level executives and entrepreneurs. He assists them with a wide range of services, including administrative tasks, payroll and tax compliance, health benefits, workers’ compensation, human resources, and retirement planning solutions. His strategic approach ensures that he consistently finds the best solutions for his clients.

During his tenure as a nationwide sales executive at The NELCO Companies, a leading PEO, Chris developed, sold, and managed an impressive portfolio of business within just five years. He also oversees another substantial book of business through his own company, Tower Hill & Associates.

Before joining NELCO, Chris managed a family-owned roofing company and owned a car detailing and restyling business in St. Louis, Missouri. His Midwestern roots instilled strong values and a deep commitment to customer care, transforming clients into lifelong friends.

Recognized as one of the industry’s top producers, Chris has built a substantial book of business and consistently delivers exceptional results. His philosophy of creating friendships rather than just clients has been a cornerstone of his success in both business and life.

Novello & Associates is enthusiastic and confident about having Chris Poole on board, certain that his passion, expertise, and strategic insight will drive our continued success within the PEO arena and elevate our client relationships to new heights.