Cerrado Group Names Theresa Conti Executive Director

The Cerrado Group, a collective of independent third-party administrators, announced a leadership transition, as industry veteran Ann Slotwinski retired from her role as executive director and passed it on to Theresa Conti, one of the organization’s founding members.

Slotwinski became the Cerrado Group’s first executive director following her retirement from John Hancock, a Manulife company.

“Ann has been an integral part of The Cerrado Group’s journey from its inception,” said Parrish Pettey, a principal in founding member firm ABG Houston, in a statement. “She leaves behind a united team and a legacy of elevating independent TPAs in the marketplace.”

The Cerrado Group has 13 member firms with about 230 employees, overseeing more than $30.2 billion in assets under administration.

“The opportunity to act as executive director to help create and lead The Cerrado Group is probably the only thing that could have enticed me to come out of retirement,” Slotwinski said in a statement. “The last four years have been the most exciting and rewarding time in my career.”

Stepping into the executive director role is Conti, known for her active involvement in professional organizations, including the National Institute of Pension Administrators and American Retirement Association. She also owned Sunwest Pensions until its June 2023 acquisition by July Business Services Inc.

“I have come full circle with The Cerrado Group!” Conti said in a statement. “As one of the original and founding members of the group, one of the saddest things for me in 2023 was having to leave the group when I sold my firm, but now I can once again work with my friends and long-time industry colleagues.”