Retirement Industry People Moves

Empower Hires Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster to Deliver Financial Insights

Vanessa Welch

Empower announced it has appointed broadcaster Vanessa Welch as vice president of financial insights.

In the newly created role, Welch will work with Empower’s business teams to help stakeholders understand the meaning and implications of financial concepts and how individuals can improve their own financial security, according to an Empower press release.

“Vanessa has all the tools and expertise to help Empower serve as a beacon of clarity and a source of insights to help more people achieve a better understanding of the financial services they need and want,” said Edmund F. Murphy III, CEO and president of Empower.

Welch joined Empower, effective June 3 from television station WFXT Boston 25 News, which is a Fox network affiliate. She reports to Steve Gawlik, senior vice president for corporate affairs.

For Welch’s work as a broadcaster, she has won eight Emmy awards.

Empower Appoints Head of Large, Mega and Not-For-Profit Segment

Casey Craig

Empower announced it promoted Casey Craig, effective July 1, to executive vice president leading large, mega and not-for-profit retirement plan segments.

Craig will replace Bill McDermott, who will retire, according to a press release.

Craig was previously a vice president and head of sales for large, mega and not-for-profit segments at Empower.

Craig will report to Rich Linton, president and chief operating officer of Empower.

“Casey has deep experience working across the marketplace with consultants, advisers and plan sponsors,” said Linton. “He brings a wealth of industry expertise and an outstanding track record of advocating for client service. He has impressive instincts on how to help clients build the retirement plans they need for their employees.”

Alternatives Investment Manager Hires Samantha DeZur

Millennium Management has hired Samantha DeZur as head of public policy, according to a company spokesperson.

Prior to joining the investment manager, specializing in alternative asset management, DeZur was the head of regulatory affairs and capital markets policy at BlackRock.

Ascensus Appoints Regional VP to Support Retirement Sales

Ascensus has appointed Maggy Flowers as regional vice president for the Southwest.

Flowers will work with advisers and expand on new and existing opportunities in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, according to an Ascensus press release. Flowers reports to Lori Zeman, division vice president for the Western region.

“We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to further develop our sales team with the addition of Maggy and her established skills in creating and providing value to everyone she works with,” Zeman said. “We’re on a mission to help more savers save more, and with Maggy covering important states in the Southwest region, she will only increase our momentum towards that goal.”

Marquette Makes Nowak DC Director

Investing consultant Marquette Associates promoted Matthew Nowak to associate director of defined contribution, effective June 1, according to the firm.

Nowak was previously an assistant vice president and defined contribution specialist.

Alerus Hires Consultant

Larry Maistelman

Alerus Financial announced it has hired Larry Maistelman as a health and welfare sales consultant.

Maistelman works directly with health insurance brokers, consultants and employers throughout New York, New England and the Southeast to develop benefits programs.

He reports to Sean Kadel, director of health and welfare sales at Alerus, according to an Alerus press release.

Prior to Alerus, Maistelman was a regional sales manager at Benefit Resource Inc.

Smith Joins Park Avenue Capital

Brad Smith

Brad Smith has joined Northwestern Mutual’s private client group Park Avenue Capital, as a principal.

Smith is a certified financial planner, specializing in financial planning, retirement income and estate preservation strategies for high-net-worth families and businesses, Park Avenue Capital said in a press release.

Smith reports to Peter Tiboris, CEO and partner at Park Avenue Capital.

“Brad and his staff are a great addition to Park Avenue Capital, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our advisory team,” said Tiboris.