Ms. Waidmann is a Director in PwC's Human Resource Services practice with over 20 years of employee benefits experience. As a member of the National Technical Consulting Unit, she monitors and analyses legislative, regulatory and judicial developments related to health and welfare plans, qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive compensation, ERISA compliance, and other employee benefits issues. Ms. Waidmann assists PwC consultants and their clients with issues arising as a result of these developments, as well as with plan design, drafting and compliance work. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Benefits Council and as the PwC representative on the Board of Delegates of the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), is a member of the Technical Advisory Council for the Employer’s Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), and is active in other Washington, DC trade associations affecting employee benefits policy. Ms Waidmann is a frequent speaker and writer on employee benefits topics. Prior to joining PwC, Ms. Waidmann was a pension and benefits specialist with a large D.C. law firm, where she assisted clients with benefits planning and plan drafting, provided research and counsel concerning plan qualification issues and compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA, monitored legislative and regulatory developments, and prepared submissions to the IRS and other agencies. Ms. Waidmann is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned a certificate in Employee Benefit Plans from the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia. She is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS).

Mike Reardon incorporates outstanding leadership skills, a passion for customer service and an entrepreneurial spirit into helping businesses enhance the way they do business. Mike began his Disney career in 1999 as a part-time merchandise host. Inspired by Disney’s approach to leadership and service, Mike sought and obtained a role as park retail guest services manager for the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. During that time, he implemented practice techniques such as engaging employees through action planning sessions, safety meetings and feedback sessions. Mike’s team received recognition as the guest service team of the year for 2002. He was also instrumental in the development and execution of a new and very successful employee recognition program for the Magic Kingdom. In 2006, Mike served in a temporary role as a Traditions assistant, welcoming new cast members to the Disney family on their first day of employment. This led to an opportunity to join the operations learning and development team where Mike taught the principles of the Disney service basics to cast members. He also facilitated leadership sessions focused on making recognition a priority at Disney University. Mike brought his comprehensive knowledge to Disney Institute in 2008. 

Prior to joining Disney, Mike earned extensive experience as a leader with a major energy company. Mike earned his Associate of Arts degree from Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Mass. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, and a Master of Business Administration degree in human resource management from Saint Leo University, in Saint Leo, Fla. He is a member of Delta Nu, the Saint Leo division of the national scholastic honor society Delta Epsilon Sigma. Mike is a member of the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) and holds the ASTD Certification Institute's Certified Professional in Learning and Performance Certification (CPLP). He is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). He is driven by a passion for family, faith, leadership and conveying the principles of guest service. Mike is a history buff and researches family genealogy and looks for inspiration from historical leaders, plays guitar, and follows the pursuits of New England football and baseball teams.

Follow Michael on Twitter @DisneyInstitute.

Mike Beamish’s career with Volkswagen began in 1988 as an Organizational Development Specialist with Volkswagen of South Africa.  Over the past 25 years Mike has held various positions of increased responsibility in the field of Human Resources, including areas such as Learning and Development, Organizational Effectiveness and HR Operations. Currently Mike leads the HR team that is responsible for the integration and execution of VWGoA’s Human Capital Strategy with the overall Corporate Strategy and is a member of both the local VWGoA Management Team as well VW’s global Group Top Management. 

Over the years Mike has repeatedly proven his ability to lead through diverse and challenging situations. In 2002 he stepped outside of his traditional HR responsibilities and served as the Brand Loyalty Manager for the VW Brand.  In 2008 Mike led the relocation of the company headquarters from Auburn Hills Michigan to Herndon, Virginia and was an integral part of the team that led the site selection for VW’s production plant in Chattanooga TN. 

A native of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Mike attended the University of Port Elizabeth