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
President
Joshua F. Schwartz, President, is a founding Principal of Retirement Plan Advisors and serves on the firm’s Investment Committee.
Josh is responsible for design of the firm’s 457, 401(a), 403(b), and retirement healthcare funding plan services and offerings.
Zach J. Karas
Principal
Zachary J. Karas, Principal, is an accomplished retirement services executive with extensive experience in the development, design, distribution, and management of products and administrative services in the defined contribution marketplace. He is a seasoned institutional plan/client relationship manager and has effectively managed all aspects of group retirement plans.
Vernon J. Kempker
Vice President – Finance and Operations
Vernon J. Kempker, Vice President – 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 – Group Retirement Plans
Kenneth Mergen, Vice President – Group Retirement Plans, is responsible for supporting RPA’s field effort, including new retirement plan acquisitions, financial advisor training, and strategic planning.
Ken began his financial services career in 1995 at a leading financial firm, serving in an administrative capacity for four years, managing their group retirement plan call center.
Robert Mangano, CFP
Director – Client Relations
Robert Mangano, Director – Client Relations, is responsible for client retention and improving plan participants’ retirement outcomes through consultative plan design. Rob also conducts comprehensive plan reviews. During this detailed process, he is able to ascertain where the plan has been and where it stands by focusing on three key areas: participant utilization, investment due diligence, and participant education and services.
Rob began his career in 2001 at a bank investment program, working with individual investors for two years as a licensed financial associate.
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.
Kip’s responsibilities include the oversight and management of the firm’s investment processes and programs, including investment menu analysis and design, fund manager due diligence, and RPA’s PortfolioPlus program—the firm’s proprietary managed account platform designed specifically for public sector employees.
Caitlin M. Cunningham
Director of Marketing & Communications
Caitlin M. Cunningham leads RPA’s Marketing & Communications 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 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.