We started our firm on a promise: You matter
Retirement Plan Advisors’ focus on public employees underscores a profound commitment and understanding of the people who make our communities work. As an independent firm, we have the freedom to design retirement solutions that are right for each individual. We meet face-to-face with our clients and never forget the person sitting across the table is depending on us to protect their hard-earned retirement.
Keeping our promise is part of our company’s DNA.
Joshua F. Schwartz, AIF®
President
Joshua F. Schwartz, President, is a founding Principal of Retirement Plan Advisors. He leads the firm’s dynamic approach to plan design, investment advisory, and participant services for 457(b), 401(a), 403(b), and retirement health care funding offerings, with an emphasis on driving positive, measurable impacts on participant retirement outcomes.
Zach J. Karas
Principal
Zach began his career with a leading public sector plan provider in 1984 and spent over 24 years in their retirement plans practice. He began as an Account Representative, conducting field enrollment and administering 457, 401(a), 403(b), and 401(k) plans throughout New England and New York.
Vernon J. Kempker
Vice President of Finance and Operations
Vernon J. Kempker, Vice President of Finance and Operations, leads the fiscal strategic planning, accounting, tax, and risk management for RPA, along with the general securities and group retirement plan business processing units.
Kenneth Mergen
Vice President of Group Retirement Plans
Kenneth Mergen, Vice President of Group Retirement Plans, works with plan sponsors to implement innovative plan design, investment solutions, and participant wellness and advisory services that drive better employee retirement outcomes. He also supports RPA’s financial advisors in the delivery of participant services.
Kip Robbins, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
Kip Robbins, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, leads RPA’s investment research and analysis, and he is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.
Darren W. Doughty
Director of Group Retirement Plans
Darren joined Retirement Plan Advisors as Director of Group Retirement Plans in 2021, working with plan sponsors to implement innovative plan design, investment solutions, and participant wellness and advisory services that drive better employee retirement outcomes.
Robert Mangano, CFP®
Director of Client Relations
Robert Mangano, Director of Client Relations, is responsible for client retention and improving plan participants’ retirement outcomes through consultative plan design. Rob also conducts comprehensive plan reviews.
Caitlin M. Cunningham
Director of Marketing & Communications
Caitlin M. Cunningham leads RPA’s Marketing & Communications Team and serves as a member of RPA’s Leadership Team. She oversees the creation of timely, engaging, and compliant brand messaging for current and prospective plan sponsors and participants as well as internal staff and financial advisors.
Jamie L. Strope, CPA
Director of Finance
Jamie L. Strope, CPA, Director of Finance, is involved in planning and managing RPA’s financial activities to help the company evolve and expand its business.
Tamme Ford
Client Relationship Manager
Tamme Ford brings more than 15 years of group retirement plan experience to her role as Retirement Plan Advisors’
Client Relationship Manager. Throughout her career, she has managed 401(a), 401(k), 457(b), and 403(b) group retirement plans and helped participants prepare for a financially secure, timely retirement.