Melissa McGrory advises employers, plan fiduciaries, and service providers on the legal, tax, and regulatory issues that shape employee benefits and executive compensation programs. With more than 30 years of experience, she provides high-value advice to clients of all sizes and industries, including Fortune 500 companies, communications and technology leaders, defense contractors, health care systems, aviation and transportation companies, and nonprofit organizations. Known for her responsiveness and execution-oriented approach, Melissa serves as a trusted advisor navigating both day-to-day benefits issues and high-stakes matters.
Melissa’s counsel is business-focused, originating from a secondment to a client early in her career that instilled the importance of practical legal solutions. She previously served in a business function, assisting with oversight of the benefits platform for a company with more than 5,000 employees, and is well-versed in aligning benefits strategies with broader business priorities.
Melissa is passionate about helping clients design and administer qualified and nonqualified retirement plans. Clients rely on her to help establish programs in a manner that mitigates legal and financial risk and to creatively address complex error corrections. She has also developed expertise in guiding clients through pension risk transfers.
Melissa’s practice covers the full scope of health and welfare benefits, including retiree programs, as well as funding structures such as VEBAs and 401(h) accounts. She partners with clients to implement cost-management strategies, including consumer-directed health plans, wellness initiatives, and transitions to exchange-based coverage. She also advises on plan modifications and terminations with a focus on reducing litigation risk.
When companies have matters relating to executive compensation, they turn to Melissa to navigate them through the preparation and negotiation of employment, retention and severance agreements. She designs and advises on a full spectrum of compensation and incentive programs, including equity and cash-based plans and deferred compensation.
Melissa also supports plan administrative and investment committee in strengthening fiduciary governance structures and oversight practices. She frequently provides fiduciary training to help fiduciaries stay informed and effectively discharge their obligations.
Melissa has deep experience in negotiating service provider contracts, regularly achieving best-in-class contractual protection for her clients. She also plays a crucial role in addressing employee benefits and executive compensation issues at all stages of a corporate transaction, including ensuring seamless post-close integration.
When needed, Melissa also defends clients in audits and disputes with government agencies, including the IRS and Department of Labor.
Melissa contributes to thought leadership in the field, writing and speaking on employee benefits and executive compensation topics.
Affiliations
- Member, American Bar Association, Employee Benefits Committee of the Tax Section