Press Release

The Asteri Collective Expands National Footprint with New Member Firms

Issued by Asteri Collective

Apr. 2, 2026

The Asteri Collective, a national alliance of independent Retirement Plan Consulting firms, announces the addition of four new member firms, continuing its rapid expansion and strengthening its influence across the retirement plan ecosystem. Building on the momentum outlined in its January announcement , the Collective continues to attract firms aligned around innovation, collaboration, and the highest caliber of plan design. 

The newest members joining The Asteri Collective are: 

• Mark Vaughn, Vice President & CFO, MVP Plan Administrators, Inc.
• Kim Carolan, Founder and CFO, Evergreen Retirement
• Julie Kiwada, President, Pension Services Corporation
• Russ Smith, President, Metro Benefits, Inc. 

Each firm brings deep technical expertise, long-standing industry experience, and a shared commitment to advancing the role of the Retirement Plan Consultant. 

A Shared Commitment to Precision and Progress 

“Our industry is at an inflection point. Firms are making decisions about their future, and there is a growing need for community, shared insight, and alignment. The Asteri Collective creates space for that. It brings together people who want to build something stronger together.” 

— Kim Carolan, Founder and CFO, Evergreen Retirement 

Growth That Reflects Industry Demand 

Ann Slotwinski, Executive Director of The Asteri Collective, commented on the continued expansion: 

“The pace of growth we are seeing reflects a clear shift in the market. Firms are looking for alignment without sacrificing independence, and they recognize the value of scale when it is built through collaboration. With more than 44,000+ plans, over 1.9 million participants, and $141 billion in assets under administration, Asteri continues to expand its presence and its ability to shape the future of this industry.” 

Leading by Example  

As consolidation accelerates and technology reshapes how retirement plans are designed and administered, the need for experienced Retirement Plan Consultants continues to grow. The Asteri Collective provides a structure where firms remain independently owned while benefiting from shared knowledge, coordinated innovation, and collective influence. 

Each new member strengthens the Collective’s ability to drive better outcomes for plan sponsors, advisors, and participants through consistent execution, modern infrastructure, and thoughtful plan design. 

Collaborative by Design 

The Asteri Collective operates as a network of independent firms aligned around a common vision. Members collaborate on technology, data standards, operational efficiency, and industry leadership while maintaining full autonomy in how they serve their clients. 

About The Asteri Collective 

The Asteri Collective is a national network of independent Retirement Plan Consulting firms. Together, its members represent: 

• 44,000+ retirement plans
• 1.9 million+ participants
• $141 billion+ in assets under administration 

The Asteri Collective serves as a platform for leadership across the retirement ecosystem, including through collaborations with recordkeepers, advisors, DCIOs, and other leading industry professionals. 

For more information, visit astericollective.org or follow The Asteri Collective on LinkedIn.   

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