Michael Castello
About Michael Castello
Michael Castello serves as the Vice President of Total Rewards at Sallie Mae, where he leads compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain talent. He has extensive experience in employee wellness programs and compliance with SEC regulations.
Work at Sallie Mae
Michael Castello has served as Vice President, Total Rewards at Sallie Mae since 2016. In this role, he focuses on aligning compensation and benefits strategies with the company's values to attract and retain top talent. He oversees the administration of various compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are effectively managed through multiple vendor relationships. His leadership extends to employee wellness programs that aim to enhance the health and well-being of associates.
Previous Experience in Total Rewards
Prior to his tenure at Sallie Mae, Michael Castello worked at Tyco as Manager - Total Rewards from 2008 to 2015. He was responsible for managing total rewards strategies during his seven years there. Before that, he served as Global Leader, Executive Compensation at Integra LifeSciences for one year in 2016. His career also includes a role at Merrill Lynch as a Rule 144 Specialist from 2006 to 2008.
Expertise in SEC Regulations
Michael Castello possesses strong expertise in SEC rules and regulations, particularly regarding Proxy filings, 8-Ks, and Form 4s. This knowledge supports his role in managing compliance and legal requirements related to compensation and benefits programs. His experience in this area enhances the strategic alignment of total rewards initiatives within the organizations he has worked for.
Education and Expertise
Michael Castello studied at Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from 2001 to 2005. His educational background provides a foundation for his expertise in total rewards, compensation management, and employee wellness programs. He has also been a panelist and presenter at major conferences such as GEO and NASPP, sharing his knowledge in equity compensation and total rewards.
Leadership in Compensation Management
In his current role and previous positions, Michael Castello has developed and maintained tools and templates for the annual compensation review cycle. He leads 401(k) investments and administrative committee meetings, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and implementing necessary fund changes. His strategic leadership in these areas contributes to the overall effectiveness of compensation management within the organizations he serves.