In today’s unpredictable economic environment, consultants face complex challenges when advising clients on retirement plan strategies. This session explores real-world examples of how market volatility is impacting plan sponsors—especially those considering opening or closing plans. In this panel discussion, learn how seasoned consultants are assessing uncertainty, evaluating mitigation techniques, and guiding clients through difficult decision-making. Whether you're facing stalled plan startups, client pressures, or funding uncertainty, this webcast will offer practical insights and proven approaches for supporting clients through volatile times.
About the Speakers
Phil Allen, Director of DB Client Relations, Nova 401(k) Associates
Phil Allen is the Director of DB Client Relations with Nova 401(k) Associates. Phil has been with Nova since late 2017. He leads the defined benefit actuarial team and the combination account management team. Prior to joining Nova, Phil spent 20 years at the benefit consulting firms of Willis Towers Watson and Mercer. During that time, he was a consulting actuary, account manager and retirement business leader focusing on large corporate defined benefit plans. Phil is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA), an Enrolled Actuary (EA), a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries (FCA) and a Member of the American Society of Enrolled Actuaries (MSEA). He is also an active member of the of the Denver chapter of Western Pension and Benefits Council (WP&BC). Previously, he served as president of the Governing Board and both the Phoenix and Denver chapters of WP&BC. He is a frequent speaker at WP&BC, ASPPA and NIPA events and webinars. Phil is a graduate of Baylor University. Outside of work, Phil enjoys the great outdoors, especially skiing, running, and hiking in the Colorado mountains. He cherishes time spent with his family and loves to unwind by watching sports, particularly college sports.
Andrew Behnke, Senior Actuary, Midwest Pension Actuaries, Inc
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Andrew joined Midwest Pension Actuaries, Inc. in May of 2001. He has been enrolled since October of 2010. In his spare time, he is an avid cyclist and runner
Matthew Bravo, Vice President Actuarial Services, July Business Services
Matthew Bravo is an Enrolled Actuary with 25 years of experience advising companies in the design, compliance, funding and administration of their retirement programs including qualified cash balance and traditional defined benefit plans. With prior experience at a large consulting firm, he worked with clients of up to 100,000 participants and has since begun to focus his efforts to deliver customized retirement solutions for small to mid-size organizations and individuals. He enjoys helping clients find retirement plan solutions that are easy to understand and result in straightforward financial solutions.
Participant Information
Each attendee/viewer must have their own registration for each event and access it through their own device in order to receive continuing education credit.
Registration for on-demand webcasts includes unlimited viewing of the webcast recording, webcast outline, and any additional presentation materials for 180 days following the registration date.
Recordings are available one week after the live webcast takes place.
To receive CE for the on-demand version, viewers must pass a brief quiz following the recorded session.