Who We Are
At Briljent, we help organizations make change successful. New systems, new policies, new programs, and new ways of working only create value when people are prepared to adopt them. That's where we come in.
Founded in 1998 as a training company, Briljent has grown into a professional services firm focused on the people side of transformation. We help clients implement change through training and organizational change management, program and project leadership, strategic consulting, and staff augmentation. From technology modernization and workforce initiatives to policy implementation and artificial intelligence adoption, we help align people, processes, and technology to achieve lasting results.
Learn more about who we serve and how we serve them.Meet The Executive Team
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Kathy Carrier
Chief Executive Officer
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Kathy Carrier, the CEO and founder of Briljent, leads with a passion for innovation and community. Her entrepreneurial journey began on May 14, 1998, with the founding of Training Solutions Group, which later became Briljent. Winning an early contract with a large insurance company, Kathy focused on delivering top-notch training solutions, particularly for the insurance sector. Her leadership has been key to Briljent's growth and success. Kathy's impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is the Indiana Founding Partner of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), advocating for legislation that benefits women-owned businesses. Her community involvement includes serving on the Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development Board and participating in organizations like the Indiana Association of Certified Public Accountants and the American Business Women's Association.
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Matt Odum
President
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Since 2013, Matt Odum has been Briljent’s President, guiding the company through remarkable growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Briljent has expanded its geographic footprint and multiplied in size while consistently improving client and employee satisfaction and financial performance. Matt's commitment to developing in-house expertise and adding innovative thinkers has been key to this success. His philosophy is simple yet profound: continuously strive to be better than yesterday. Beyond his professional achievements, Matt is passionate about creating an environment where innovation and excellence thrive. His interests are as diverse as his professional expertise. Matt enjoys making short films, learning with his three children, and spending quality time with his wife over a cup of coffee. A dedicated Cubs fan, he never misses a chance to root for his favorite team. Matt’s story is one of dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His unique journey and contributions have shaped Briljent's success and impacted everyone he works with.
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Nicholas Blake
Vice President, Client Services
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Nick Blake is the Vice President of Client Services at Briljent. His journey includes significant contributions and leadership roles in federal and state health IT programs. At Briljent, Nick has refined and implemented innovative consultative sales strategies that prioritize clients' unique needs, foster strong relationships, and develop tailored solutions. His approach has established a consultative culture within Briljent, focusing on meaningful dialogue and long-term partnerships. Before joining Briljent, Nick was a national leader at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), leading the Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) Program for California and managing the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program for 17 states. He also worked for the state of Florida at the Agency for Health Care Administration. These roles provide Briljent with a leader who truly understands the perspectives and challenges faced by the agencies and staff we support.
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Joel Kennedy
Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations
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Joel Kennedy serves as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations at Briljent, where he helps guide the company’s growth through financial leadership, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making. As a member of Briljent’s executive leadership team, he oversees financial planning, forecasting, pricing strategy, and business operations that support complex client engagements across the country. Joel is known for bringing a thoughtful, analytical perspective to business challenges, helping teams balance innovation, quality, and long-term sustainability. Since joining Briljent in 2012, he has played an important role in the company’s evolution, helping build the strong financial and operational foundation that supports Briljent’s continued growth and commitment to client success.
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Carla Mastromarino
Senior Director, Operations
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Carla Mastromarino, PMP, serves as Senior Director of PMO and Organizational Change Management (OCM) Operations at Briljent, where she leads teams that help organizations successfully navigate complex transformation initiatives. With more than a decade of experience supporting large-scale health and human services modernization efforts, Carla specializes in project management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational readiness. She has extensive experience leading multi-vendor system implementations and guiding teams through the people, process, and technology changes required for successful adoption. Known for her practical leadership style and focus on results, Carla helps clients bridge the gap between strategy and execution, ensuring projects deliver meaningful outcomes while preparing organizations and their workforce for lasting change.
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Mike Settle
Senior Director, Operations
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Mike Settle, PMP, serves as Senior Director of Learning & Development and Health Strategy & Innovation Operations at Briljent, where he leads teams that help government agencies navigate complex transformation initiatives through training, workforce development, and strategic health IT consulting. With more than 15 years of experience supporting public sector programs, Mike brings deep expertise in Medicaid modernization, organizational performance, and large-scale system implementation. Since joining Briljent in 2009, he has helped shape and grow multiple service lines, leading multidisciplinary teams focused on improving readiness, adoption, and operational outcomes. Known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to connect strategy with execution, Mike helps clients and teams turn complex challenges into practical, sustainable solutions.
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Desiree Pentzer
Director, HR and Legal
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Desiree Pentzer, is an accomplished human resource leader with experience in risk management, benefits, employee relations, and talent acquisition. Her background in law and human resources underscores her dedication to fostering inclusive and compliant workplace environments. Desiree holds certifications, including SHRM Senior Certified Professional and Lean Six Sigma, which complement her expertise in manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. Her strategic HR approach has been pivotal in implementing innovative solutions tailored to diverse business challenges. As a former President of Women in STEM Professions (WISP) and a current alumni advisor, Desiree advocates for diversity and empowerment, particularly for women in industry. At Briljent, she promotes initiatives that drive equality and innovation. Desiree's leadership style emphasizes collaboration, celebrating achievements, and fostering a positive environment. Her comprehensive approach to HR and Legal ensures employee satisfaction and readiness to meet client needs, reflecting her exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence.
Kathy Carrier
Chief Executive Officer
Kathy Carrier, the CEO and founder of Briljent, leads with a passion for innovation and community. Her entrepreneurial journey began on May 14, 1998, with the founding of Training Solutions Group, which later became Briljent. Winning an early contract with a large insurance company, Kathy focused on delivering top-notch training solutions, particularly for the insurance sector. Her leadership has been key to Briljent's growth and success. Kathy's impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is the Indiana Founding Partner of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), advocating for legislation that benefits women-owned businesses. Her community involvement includes serving on the Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development Board and participating in organizations like the Indiana Association of Certified Public Accountants and the American Business Women's Association.