SEI appoints Joel Beherndt as Seattle market head

SEI (Systems Evolution Inc.), a Cincinnati-headquartered management consulting firm, has appointed Joel Beherndt as managing director of its Seattle office.

Beherndt succeeds Bonnie Cote, who has led the Seattle market since its launch in 2023. She will remain at the firm as a principal consultant after a period of maternity leave.

The Seattle office works with clients across healthcare, aerospace, retail and consumer goods, financial services, life sciences, and transportation on engagements in strategy and operations, risk and compliance, technology, innovation, and data.

“This transition is a reflection of the strength of what the Seattle team has built,” said Bill Gallagher, CEO of SEI. “Bonnie has done an exceptional job establishing SEI in the market and creating a strong foundation for the future. Joel brings the leadership, relationships, and growth mindset to build on that momentum, and we’re excited about what’s ahead for Seattle and SEI’s continued growth across the West.”

Beherndt has more than 15 years of consulting experience, with deep expertise across strategy and operational transformations and business development. 

He has been with SEI since July 2025, joining the firm as head of market development and strategy. Before that, he spent 14 years with consulting firm Point B, where he was latterly EVP for growth. Before that, he was a managing director in the consumer and retail practice.

Before Point B, he held supply chain leadership roles at Medicis, Leviton, and Stryker.

Beherndt has an MBA from Santa Clara University and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Oregon State University.

“I’m excited to lead SEI’s continued growth in the Puget Sound and across the West,” said Beherndt. “There’s a real opportunity here to build something distinctive: a consulting business where experienced people stay close to the work, relationships are built on trust rather than transactions, and everyone thinks like an owner because we are owners. We want to bring that model to more clients across the region by helping leaders tackle their hardest problems with teams that are pragmatic, accountable, and focused on outcomes that last.”

SEI was founded in 1992 has over 700 employees across 13 offices in the United States.