NTSA Summit Recap: A Wealth of Insight and Expertise

The 2021 NTSA Summit provided a unique opportunity for industry experts to provide their insights on issues relevant to the NTSA community. Following is a look at our news coverage of the Summit. 

Education Market in Transformation 
The education sector of the retirement plan market is in a period of marked transformation, and an expert panel offered their insights on these trends and what they mean. David Lewis, Executive Director of the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International, moderated a panel discussion featuring ASBO state executive directors Sharon Bruce (Connecticut), Margaret Driscoll (Massachusetts), Tracey Ginsburg (Texas) and Susan Young (New Jersey).

Action in a Different Environment 
There is plenty of activity on Capitol Hill, but it comes amid a climate that creates challenges for the retirement industry, noted American Retirement Association CEO Brian Graff in a general session at the NTSA Summit. 

403(b), the ‘Essential’ Plan 
The 403(b) has an importance beyond what most imagine, panelists in a June 29 session reminded attendees.

ERISA 403(b) vs. ERISA 401(k)
Which is better? It depends! That’s the verdict from Mark Heisler, CEO of ADMIN Partners, LLC, an industry insider who compared and contrasted the two in a June 29 session.  

Attracting Young Professionals 
Any profession must bring in new members in order to thrive, and the retirement industry is no different. A panel of young industry professionals shared their experience and their ideas on how to attract their peers to become part of the effort to help employees prepare for a secure retirement and long-term future. 

Panelists included Michael Castino, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at Security BenefitDarlene Flagg, Vice President of National Life Group, Virginia Harriett, a senior financial advisor at Lincoln Investment; Allei Holway, a financial professional at Equitable; Brianna Johnson, a regional director at Security Benefit; David Pensyl, a financial advisor at Lincoln Investment; Sara Scholl, owner of Turning Pointe Financial; and Chris Wise, co-owner of Wise Capital Partners.

Choosing the Right Plan
There is a broad array of plans from which an employer and plan sponsor can choose. Nathan Glassey, Vice President, National Benefit Services, offered an overview, with a special focus on 430(b) and 457 plans.