Strongpoint Partners, a retirement services platform specializing in third-party administration, recordkeeping, payroll and human resources, has acquired pension consultancy Karel-Gordon & Associates.
Based in Deerfield, Illinois, and serving customers in greater Chicago, Karel-Gordon & Associates is a pension consulting, actuarial and administration firm. Since its inception in 1975, the firm has partnered with financial advisers, tax professionals and attorneys to create qualified retirement plans.
Holly Danziger, a principal in and president of Karel-Gordon, will continue her role as president. Working alongside her is Seth Silverman, principal and head of growth. The pair have led the organization for more than a decade.
“Seeing the amount of collaboration happening at Strongpoint just a week into our partnership reinforced what a great decision we made,” Danziger said in a statement.
Danziger and Silverman were advised by Wise Rhino Group during the partnership process. Karel-Gordon is Strongpoint’s 10th retirement TPA partnership.
“The partnership of these two Chicago-based firms further bolsters Strongpoint’s actuarial talent and expertise in defined benefit plans while providing the Karel-Gordon team access to expanded services offerings such as payroll and HR solutions,” Peter Campagna, Wise Rhino Group’s managing partner, said in a statement.
With the addition of Karel-Gordon & Associates, Strongpoint now employs nearly 300 staff nationwide and serves more than 9,000 clients across its service lines.
Hartford Funds names Mackay as head of distribution; Mercer appoints Penner as U.S., Canada career leader; The Standard hires Tucci as national accounts sales manager; and more.
Penner will focus on evolving Mercer’s U.S. and Canada career strategy, boosting brand presence and engaging the career team across the region. She succeeds Susan Haberman, who was named Mercer’s U.S. and Canada chief strategy and growth officer earlier this year.
“Stephanie has been with Mercer for over 25 years and has consistently demonstrated her commitment to driving growth and client satisfaction,” Potter said in a statement.“Her extensive experience in the US Career practice, combined with her talent for fostering collaboration across our businesses, positions her as the right leader to elevate our US and Canada Career strategy and provide outstanding value to our clients.”
Hartford Funds Names Mackay as Head of Distribution
Jonathan Mackay
Hartford Funds Management Group Inc., a global asset manager, announced that Jonathan Mackay has been appointed to the role of head of distribution, effective December 2. Mackay will drive sales strategy and oversee the firm’s external and internal sales teams.
Mackay will report to Greg Frost, who will step into the role of president on January 1, 2025, following current President Jim Davey’s retirement at the end of the year. Frost has served as Hartford Funds’ chief financial officer since 2012.
Most recently head of wealth, U.S. client group at Schroders, Mackay brings more than 25 years of industry experience to his new role. Schroders has served as a strategic partner and sub-adviser to Hartford Funds since 2016.
In addition to distribution strategy, Mackay will work with Hartford Funds’ sub-advisers, Wellington Management and Schroders, to ensure ongoing education and support for the firm’s sales teams.
The Standard Hires Tucci as National Accounts Sales Manager
Ashleigh Tucci
The Standard Insurance Co. welcomed Ashleigh Tucci as a national accounts sales manager for retirement plans. With the addition of Tucci, The Standard continues to build support for distribution partners.
Tucci has 17 years of experience in the retirement plan and financial services industry. She previously held roles at AMG Wealth and BNY Mellon.
“Our recent sales results are an indication of the demand for premium service,” Patrick Bushlack, director of business development in retirement plans at The Standard, said in a statement. “Ashleigh’s unique experience and passion for great service enhance how we show up for our distribution partners.”
Multnomah Group Welcomes Zinn as Director of Vendor Services
Emily Zinn
The Multnomah Group Inc. announced the addition of Emily Zinn as the director of vendor services. Previously Zinn served as an OCIO solutions associate at Alan Biller and Associates, an investment consulting firm.
“I am excited to join Multnomah Group and work with such a talented team,” said Zinn in a statement. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s success and supporting our clients in achieving successful outcomes.”
The Multnomah Group provides fee-only retirement plan and investment consulting services to for-profit and tax-exempt employers in the U.S. The firm provides fiduciary governance, plan operations, provider oversight and investment consulting.
“We are thrilled to have Emily join our team,” Erik Daley, Multnomah’s managing principal, said in a statement. “Emily has broad experience from participant engagement all the way through managing some of the largest retirement plans in the country.”