Let’s Talk About Work

Work has never stopped evolving and we’ve been studying it for decades. We have studied the interconnectivity of jobs that makes teams teams; we know what it means to build multidisciplinary organizations and to celebrate everyone’s contribution to the mission. We have the tools.

We can help you.

We’ve Been Where You Are

We know that working in HR is not easy. The Human Resources function must constantly uphold the integrity of organizational policy, build cohesion across the workforce, and align capacity to mission. We’ve been in your shoes. Our principal consultants have worked as HR professionals for some of the largest, most complex global employers in the world. We’re ready to help.

“We see Birches Group as our strategic partners — more than just a consultant. It’s not just about the numbers, there’s a conversation behind it.”

— Carla Lazarte, Head of People and Organizational Development, International Potato Center

About Our Name

The inspiration for the Birches Group name comes from the poetry of Robert Frost. In Frost’s poetry, much imagery is taken from nature including those of birch trees. Birch trees are distinctive. They are not among the largest trees in the forest, but they are among the most distinctive, flexible, and hardy. In our work with clients, we understand that organizations are not static entities, but living communities. Like a forest, organizations need to find flexibility, diversity, and a capacity of sustained renewal to remain healthy and vibrant.

“So was I once myself a swinger of birches. 
And so I dream of going back to be. 
It’s when I’m weary of considerations, 
And life is too much like a pathless wood…. 
One could do worse than be a swinger of birches.”– Robert Frost

About Our Team

The Birches Group Team provides a unique combination of hands-on experience, broad-based knowledge in managing international human resources programs, and designing and implementing innovative and practical policies at some significant global institutions.

GARY MCGILLICUDDY

Managing Partner

LARS SANDGREN

Partner

LULU BELEN

Partner

JEFFREY SLATER

Partner

WARREN HEAPS

Partner

PHILIPPE FRANCEY

Senior Advisor, International Development

CURTIS GRUND

Senior Consultant, International Development

PHILLIP MANALO

Manager, Design and Strategy

BEA BARTOLOME

Manager, Consulting and Project Management

WILLEM ASSELBERGS

Systems Architect, IT

RYAN SORBITO

Manager, IT

JANIX MACATANGAY

Manager, Business Development — Multisector and Client Services

CAREL ARIOLA

Manager, Corporate and Administrative Services

MANCEL FRANCISCO
Manager and Senior Consultant, Compensation Design
PATRICK CENON

Manager and Senior Consultant, Organization Design

ILENABEL VALENZUELA

Manager and Senior Consultant, Community Skills and Performance

PATRICIA BIANCA VALENCIA

Manager, Marketing and Communications

DANIELLE DEVERAS

Manager, Survey Operations

KATE DEIPARINE

Manager, Product Development

VITTO ANTONIO

Manager, Consulting and Projects

JENNY RODIL

Manager, Consulting and Projects

NEIL CORVITE
Specialist, Compensation Design

MICHAEL YAP

Senior Business Applications Developer, IT

ROLEX BARGAYO

Senior Business Applications Developer, IT

TIMMY DE LEMOS

Team Lead, Business Development – NGO

MARIA SHEILA DELARIARTE

Team Lead, Business Development – NGO

JOSEF AYSON

Team Lead, Business Development – Multisector for Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean

JACQ OCAMPO
Team Lead, Business Development – Multisector for Africa, Europe, and the Middle East

STEPHANIE REYES

Team Lead, Survey Operations – Expatriate Data

ALEXIS POLICARPIO

Team Lead, Survey Operations – East Africa

TONEE BAUTISTA

Team Lead, Survey Operations – Asia and Oceania

KATRINA RUIDERA

Team Lead, Survey Operations – Latin America and the Caribbean

FRANCES LAY YU

Team Lead, Survey Operations – Europe

A black and white photo of a woman smiling.
ARCHELLE SAN JUAN

Team Lead, Survey Operations – West Africa

PHILLIP LEONARDO

Team Lead – Client Services

CHERISH OCULAR

Senior Business Applications Programmer, IT

KIPP PASCUAL

Senior Associate, Consulting and Projects

KAI DONESA

Senior Associate, Marketing and Communications

LESLIE ADRIANO

Senior Associate, Compensation Design

MAGGIE LIM

Senior Associate, Compensation Design

RODEL CABRIDO

Quality Control Analyst, Organization Design 

WESLEE LIM

Quality Control Analyst, Survey Operations

ANA TUAZON

Training Lead – Survey Operations

LOUIS ESTRADA

Training Lead – Survey Operations

Read Our Latest Insights

Explore our Insights library to see our latest thought pieces, articles, data, and best practices in the integrated workforce management for the international development community.

Performance Management
WHY A FIVE-POINT PERFMORMANCE RATING SYSTEM MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

Most organizations use the traditional five-point performance rating system. But a five-point system carries with it a range of people management issues. Instead of motivating staff, it does the complete opposite

Measuring Skills
4 BIGGEST PROBLEMS IN RECRUITMENT AND HOW TO FIX THEM

To avoid the four problems we discuss, organizations must rework their approach to recruitment. Organizations need to establish standards for assessing talent. Instead of looking at tenure, degree, or salary history, organizations must engage in skills-based recruitment that links back to the job level. By taking this approach, organizations can…

Salary Surveys
5 REASONS WHY ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD MONITOR THE LABOR MARKET

The labor market continues to shift. It may be difficult for organizations to keep up as the market relies on changes from other sectors of the economy and events from around the world. As such, it is critical to keep track of the ever-changing landscape.

About Our Strategic Partners

Our global scope can help you reach the local talent you need. We have built an extensive network with international and local HR and business/industry associations, constantly expanding opportunities to serve our clients and deepening relationships with our partner organizations.

Explore Our Careers

See what it’s like to work with a group of highly analytical and creative individuals who like collaborating with people and are curious about what drives work in the different corners of the world.

About Our Team

We’d love to hear from you about how we can help your organization thrive in your development efforts.