Retirement Industry People Moves – 4/5/24

NEPC Hires Former PGIM Principal O’Connor to Lead DC Solutions

Mikaylee O’Connor

NEPC LLC, the independent investment consulting firm, has hired Mikaylee O’Connor as principal and head of defined contribution solutions.

O’Connor joins the firm from PGIM, where she was a principal and senior DC strategist within the firm’s DC solutions division. In her new position at NEPC, effective April 1, she leads the firm’s DC practice, including plan trends research and data analytics and guiding strategic initiatives related to target-date funds, managed accounts, retirement income solutions and other investments related to participant outcomes. She will report to Bill Ryan, the partner and former head of DC solutions, who has been promoted to defined contribution team leader.

“As a team, we are focused on helping our clients navigate and lead the discussion around issues relating to retirement income,” Ryan said in a statement. “Mikaylee’s extensive experience and deep expertise working with a diverse client set will position NEPC to continue identifying innovative solutions that help alleviate those concerns.”

At PGIM, O’Connor provided thought leadership to clients and supported the development of solutions designed to improve participant outcomes. Before that role, she was head of DC solutions for consultancy RVK Inc. O’Connor also sits on the DCIIA operating and executive committees and is a member of NAGDCA’s legislative committee.

“Joining NEPC’s esteemed and innovative team marks an exciting phase in my career,” O’Connor said in a statement. “We are currently undergoing a unique transition in the retirement space. I am eager to contribute to the firm’s trajectory and partner with our DC team and clients to lead the creation and delivery of world-class DC solutions.”

Adviser DeBello Joins CAPTRUST in Tampa

Joe DeBello

Joe DeBello, a PLANADVISER Top Retirement Plan Adviser of 2024, has joined CAPTRUST in Tampa Bay, Florida, as a vice president and financial adviser.

DeBello takes the role after leading the Florida-based retirement plan consulting team at OneDigital, where he had taken the managing principal role over the Tampa and Sarasota markets.

“It was a great opportunity for me to join a firm that has the depth, access and leverage that CAPTRUST does,” says DeBello. “Corporate retirement plans is a major focus for me, and the culture here is very focused on that … along with all financial services, including wealth management, endowments and foundations.”

DeBello says his family relocated to Tampa slightly more than a year ago, and CAPTRUST has a significant presence and reputation in the region and nationally.

“We have seen plan sponsors asking for more of their advisers, which has been a bit of a departure from when I first got into the business,” DeBello says. “CAPTRUST was an early leader in building out those solutions and saw ahead of the curve. … That’s given them a considerable jumpstart, and that was pretty attractive as I look for employers looking to empower people.”

LeafHouse Promotes Hendrix to Executive VP of Corporate Strategy

Kassandra Hendrix

LeafHouse announced the promotion of Kassandra Hendrix to executive vice president of corporate strategy.

Hendrix joined LeafHouse in 2018 after working in business development and financial services. Her most recent role with the retirement investment solutions provider was as chief marketing officer; in her new role, she will lead development and execution of corporate strategy and the enhancement of LeafHouse’’ brand presence in the financial industry, according to the announcement.

“Kassandra’s promotion to EVP of Corporate Strategy is a testament to her outstanding contributions to our organization,” said CEO Todd Kading in a statement. “She has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the evolving landscape of the retirement plan investment world and its technological needs.”

Prime Capital Investment Advisors Hires Kelly

Conor Kelly

Prime Capital Investment Advisors has brought on financial adviser Conor Kelly as an equity partner with more than two decades of financial planning and investment strategy to help grow its wealth management services in the Kansas City area.

Kelly started his career in St. Louis with Renaissance Financial in 2003, then moved to Leawood, Kansas, to open the firm’s office in 2007; his individual clients include executives, professionals, entrepreneurs and retirees, and he also designs and manages retirement plans for small business owners.

“Conor’s career embodies a relentless commitment to excellence in financial planning and an unwavering dedication to his clients,” said Glenn Spencer, Prime Capital’s CEO, in a statement. “His hands-on approach to serving individuals, families, and small business owners aligns perfectly with our client-centric approach. We are excited to have Conor on board and are confident in the positive impact he will make on our clients and the community.”

MissionSquare Names New CIO, as Wayne Wicker Retires

Karen Chong-Wulff

MissionSquare Retirement announced CIO Wayne Wicker is retiring, effective April 5, and Karen Chong-Wulff will take the position.

Chong-Wulff, formerly the head of fixed income, has worked in the investment industry for more than 35 years and joined MissionSquare in 2007; she previously held senior positions at DuPont Capital Management and Morley Capital Management, according to the announcement.

As head of fixed income over the past 16 years, Chong-Wulff has worked to grow the MissionSquare fixed-income platform and deliver “consistently solid absolute and relative performance for our flagship stable value product, MissionSquare PLUS Fund,” said Deanna J. Santana, acting CEO and president of MissionSquare Retirement, in a statement.

Oliver Meng, a director and senior fund manager at MissionSquare Retirement, will take over as acting head of fixed income, according to a spokesperson.