Compliance June 26, 2023

EBSA to Host Health Benefits Seminar in Las Vegas

Small and midsize employers have an opportunity to learn more about complying with federal and state health care laws next month.

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As part of its Health Benefits Education Campaign, the Department of Labor announced it is teaming up with the Nevada Division of Insurance to host a Health Benefits Laws Compliance Assistance Seminar in Las Vegas next month. 

The seminar is an opportunity for small to midsize employers, who are looking to comply with federal and Nevada health care laws, to talk to both federal and state regulators at the same time, in the same place. 

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Speakers will discuss compliance with ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, COBRA, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, according to the announcement. 

It is also an opportunity for third-party administrators or carriers to ask experts questions about new laws and issues.  

The seminar is free and will take place from July 11 to 12 at the Blind Center of Nevada. The event is open to the public, and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis and runs until July 7. 

Attendees can expect to hear practical information, helpful tips and clarification regarding Nevada and federal health benefits laws. A tentative agenda can be found on the DOL’s website.  

EBSA is hosting another seminar in Buffalo, New York, as part of its “Getting It Right—Know Your Fiduciary Responsibilities” compliance assistance program. This seminar will be held on June 28 at Buffalo State University to increase awareness and understanding of basic fiduciary responsibilities when operating a retirement plan. An agenda can be found here.  

Deals and People June 26, 2023

Retirement Industry People Moves

Salas O’Brien names director of benefits; Burke joins Cetera Advisors; Hub International Mountain Welcomes Executive VP; and more.

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Salas O’Brien Promotes Hellmer to Director

Irvine, California-based construction engineering company Salas O’Brien promoted Lucas Hellmer to director of compensation and benefits, effective May 12. Hellmer joined Salas O’Brien in 2021, as manager of benefits and compensation. 

Hellmer reports to the vice president of human resources.

Hellmer is responsible for leading the benefit and compensation operations for Salas O’Brien in North America, the total rewards mergers & acquisitions integration effort regarding 401(k) and benefit plans and developing a compensation structure and reward system focusing on short- and long-term incentive packages, he says.

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Sequoia Promotes McCauley, Tichnell, Hires Glick as COO

Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC announced that Annie McCauley has assumed the role of executive vice president and chief client experience officer, while Kevin Tichnell is now chief strategy and acquisitions officer. In addition to the two promotions, Joseph Glick has joined the firm as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“Our priorities are organic growth, selective acquisitions, and operational excellence,” Tom Haught, founder and CEO of Sequoia, said in a statement. “Annie is now responsible for organic growth and unifying our client experience, asset management and planning. We welcome Joe to Sequoia in the key role of overseeing our growing operations and breadth of services. Kevin will focus solely on leading our M&A efforts.”


Hub International Mountain Welcomes Jones as Executive VP

Scott Jones

Hub International Mountain States announced Scott Jones as executive vice president of employee benefits sales.

Jones has held leadership positions in employee benefits sales groups as a high-level executive at Hub International since 2015.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jones, based in Boise, Idaho, is involved in multiple small businesses within his family.

Burke Joins Cetera Advisors

Cetera Financial Group announced that senior financial adviser Janet Burke has affiliated with Cetera Advisors by joining Sunrise Wealth Advisors. 

Burke oversees approximately $50 million in assets under administration, as of May 31. These assets will now be housed with Cetera Advisors. She was previously affiliated with Ameriprise Financial Services LLC.

“As a woman in the wealth management field, I’m thrilled to join Cetera, where I feel my unique experiences and voice are both heard and understood,” Burke said in a statement. “I’m also excited by the prospect of offering a boutique-style investment experience to my clients, which is a trademark of Sunrise Wealth Advisors.”

DriveWealth Appoints Pizzorusso as Global CFO

DriveWealth LLC announced the appointment of Jason Pizzorusso as global chief financial officer.

In his new role, Pizzorusso will lead strategy and development of the company’s global growth. Prior to joining DriveWealth, he spent 16 years at Morgan Stanley, most recently as CFO of the wealth management segment.

“Jason is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in our industry,” Bob Cortright, DriveWealth’s CEO, said in a statement. “His expertise and extensive knowledge across both finance and technology will be instrumental in driving our growth and global expansion.”

Stone Ridge Appoints Mathas as Senior Adviser

Stone Ridge Holdings Group announced that Ted Mathas has joined as a senior adviser. Mathas had served as New York Life chairman and CEO for more than 14 years. 

Mathas, who retired from New York Life in April 2022, will help Stone Ridge scale its innovative suite of products purpose-built for financial advisors and insurance companies. Additionally, he will provide mentorship and guidance to its executives and operating subsidiaries.

“I am fortunate to be in a position where I can retire from a full-time role and company I love, but not stop working on things I care deeply about with people who share my values and passion,” said Mathas. “I’m especially excited to help develop and distribute Stone Ridge’s breakthrough innovation of embedding longevity pooling inside asset management strategies.”

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