North Highland and Cornerstone Research add senior consultants

North Highland and Cornerstone Research both see a new addition to their firm. Julie Rey joins North Highland as a as Vice President and leader of the Seattle market, after more than eight years at Strong-Bridge Consulting. Jennifer Marietta-Westberg joins Cornerstone Research as a Senior Economist, after more than ten years at the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Prior to joining North Highland, Julie Rey worked at Seattle-based management consulting firm Strong-Bridge Consulting for more than eight years, where she was a Managing Director in charge of Practice Development. Previously, Rey worked at digital consultancy Cypress Consulting for a year as a consultant. Earlier in her career, Rey was a Vice President of Business Process Improvement at Safeco Insurance Company for a year, a Director in charge of Six Sigma Black Belt at Western Wireless for five years, and a Director at IMPAC Integrated Control Systems for four years from 1996. Rey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication and Italian from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Arts in Organisational Communication from the University of Washington.

Rey joins the North Highland as Vice President and leader of the Seattle market. Her responsibilities will include the development and growth of Puget Sound region client relationships, as well as further expanding and strengthening the firm’s regional consulting expertise. 

Bob Lamont, President at North Highland and leader of the firm’s West region, says that the firm is “very excited” to have someone of Rey’s calibre join the team. He adds, “Her leadership qualities and proven track record of success will be a welcomed addition as we continue to establish North Highland as a trusted consulting partner in the region.”

Rey says that she is “thrilled” about joining North Highland. “The Seattle market is incredibly dynamic, and client needs span well beyond the project and program management services offered by many of our local competitors. North Highland is well positioned to support Seattle clients with a wide range of capabilities and options for accomplishing their business-critical goals. I am eager to share our story, and to support the growth of the businesses that make up our diverse and vibrant local economy,” she states.

Prior to joining Cornerstone Research, Jennifer Marietta-Westberg worked for US Securities and Exchange Commission across a number of roles – most recently as its Deputy Director and Deputy Chief Economist, for which she oversaw rules and policies related to of asset management, broker-dealers, credit rating agencies, and market microstructures. Previously, from 2010 until 2013, she was an Assistant Director at the institution, following promotion from the role of Senior Financial Economist. Marietta-Westberg holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Finance from the University of Iowa.

Marietta-Westberg joins Cornerstone Research as a Senior Economist, benefitting the firm, and its client base, with her considerable knowledge of the regulation of financial markets and trading practices.

Cornerstone Research President and CEO Michael E. Burton, remarks, “Jennifer brings extensive experience in securities regulation related to reporting companies, broker-dealers, hedge funds, and investment advisors. Her knowledge of the regulation of financial markets and trading practices is a major asset to our clients and our firm.”

Earlier this year two experienced professionals – Kate Bundorf and Florian Zettelmeyer – affiliated with Cornerstone Research.