Barbara Clough is a Vice President at Blue Ridge Associates, where she specializes in ESOP design, implementation, administration, and consulting. With over 25 years of experience in the employee benefits and ESOP industries, Barbara has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing ESOP companies, C & S corporations, and advising clients ranging from small businesses with 20 employees to large enterprises with up to 30,000 employees. Her technical expertise includes navigating tricky administration and compliance issues, with particular focus on §409(p) testing and distribution policy design.
At Blue Ridge, Barbara plays a key role in training and mentoring associates for promotion to ESOP Administrator positions, while also guiding her team on complex technical and compliance matters. As an ERISA expert, she ensures adherence to Code Section compliance and provides strategic guidance to clients on plan design, legal matters, and IRS & DOL inquiries. She is known for her thorough review of plans to ensure accuracy and technical compliance.
Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. She is a designated Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA), Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC), and Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) from ASPPA, which reflects her expertise in retirement plan administration.
Barbara is an active member of several industry organizations, including The ESOP Association, NCEO, and ASPPA. She is a past Chairwoman of the ESOP Association’s Administration Advisory Committee and currently serves as an Executive Committee member of the ESOP Association’s Public Policy Council. Barbara is also the Vice President of Advocacy for the ESOP Association’s New England Chapter and has served as a board member for NCEO. She is a frequent speaker and author, sharing her knowledge and insights with industry professionals and organizations.