Press Release

PenChecks, ASPPA Announce Expanded Scholarship Program and 2021 Recipients

Issued by ASPPA [American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries]

Dec. 6, 2021

PenChecks Trust® and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) are pleased to announce a major expansion of their Scholarship Program for retirement industry professionals. The original program, started eight years ago, awarded scholarships to individuals pursuing ASPPA’s Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) credential. The new expanded program now includes scholarships to earn Qualified 401(K) Consultant (QKC), Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) and Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) certification as well as the QKA. The scholarships cover exam registration fees, related exam publications, and the recipient’s first year of ASPPA membership dues. 

By expanding the program, PenChecks extends its commitment to help support and develop a robust marketspace of highly educated, knowledgeable industry professionals. “We’re excited about taking this next step in our commitment to ASPPA,” said Spiro Preovolos, CEO of PenChecks Trust. “We’ve always believed that well-trained professionals are essential to sustaining excellence across the retirement industry, and we are proud to expand on this legacy.”

A leading retirement distribution services provider, PenChecks is committed to advancing educational opportunities in the industry, and recently expanded the number of scholarships from six to 14 each year. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the award recipients selected for this year’s scholarships include: 

For the QKA credential:

1. Pamela Lacy, Benefits Specialist at Blue Benefits Consulting, Inc.
2. Robert Petsche, RPS Administrator at Heartland Financial
3. Eleanor "Lea" Perkins, Retirement Plan Consultant at CrossPlans
4. Noah Smits, Compliance Analyst at The Retirement Advantage, Inc.
5. Kevin Schlitter, 5500 Analyst at Slavic Integrated Administration, Inc.
6. Suzanne Romero, Junior Pension Administrator at Retirement Service Group, Inc. 
7. Oscar Herrada, Compliance Analyst at Slavic401k
8. Peter Lee, Retirement Plan Representative at Empower Retirement Company

For the QKC credential:

1. Emily Martin, Plan Administrator at Parris Associates
2. Cody Book, Relationship Manager at Benefit Plans Plus, LLC
3. Megan Williamson, Pension Analyst at Dynamic Pension Services
4. Rebecca Raymond, Retirement Administrator at Professional Benefits Services

For the QPA credential:

• Chad Carleton, Plan Administrator at Tennessee Pension Administrators

For the CPC credential:

• Danelle Saucier, Sr. Retirement Plan Consultant at Leading Retirement Solutions

“In the complex and constantly changing retirement plan environment, it is critically important that industry professionals maintain a high level of proficiency,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association and Executive Director of ASPPA. “The newly redesigned QKA credential was developed with that in mind, and we appreciate PenChecks’ continued commitment to this scholarship program as a way of bringing focus to the importance of the credential. Our heartiest congratulations to these scholarship recipients.”

“Sponsoring the QKA scholarship originally was the brainchild and passion of PenChecks founder, my father, Peter Preovolos,” said Spiro Preovolos. Each year, the increasing number of applicants reinforces our belief that developing qualified industry ambassadors will lead to continued industry innovation and thought leadership—two core values at PenChecks.”

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