Press Release

Ascensus Appoints Three New Regional Vice Presidents to Sales Team

Issued by Ascensus

Apr. 30, 2024

Expanding Sales Team Focuses on Growth Across the Country

Ascensus announced today the recent appointment of three new regional vice presidents (RVPs) to the Ascensus retirement sales team. Stephen Carrera, RVP for the Mid-Atlantic region, Kristin Meader, RVP for the New York Metro region, and Vinnie Iacono, RVP for the South Central region all bring proven track records in developing relationships within the financial services industry.

Carrera will play a key role in nurturing growth for Ascensus’ Mid-Atlantic region, covering Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC—areas in which he is already well-acquainted from previous roles. Carrera’s 20 years of background as a sales leader for Nationwide Retirement Services, Mass Mutual Retirement Services, and ADP Retirement Services highlights the wealth of experience he brings to the team. Before beginning his career, Carrera earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is reporting to Anthony Bologna, division vice president for the eastern region.

Meader is focused on developing new business in the New York Metropolitan area. With her previous experience at Ascensus as an internal sales consultant, Meader will continue to utilize her skills in facilitating positive interactions with clients and advisors to strengthen Ascensus’ growth strategy in her region. Bringing to the table 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Meader also held sales positions with CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions, Glading Group, and Transamerica. Before beginning her career, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Meader is also reporting to Anthony Bologna.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Stephen and promote Kristin to the Northeast team,” said Bologna. “Their previous successes of fostering partnerships will continue to broaden Ascensus’ reach in their respective regions.”

Iacono is assuming responsibility for the South Central region, which includes Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. He previously held roles with Transamerica, Oppenheimer Funds, Guardian, and Fidelity Investments. Before starting his career in the financial services industry, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Iacono is reporting to Lori Zeman, division vice president for the western region.

“Vinnie’s industry experience and natural relationship-building skills make him incredibly valuable to our advisors and clients,” Zeman commented. “We’re confident that his talent will help bolster our retirement plan sales team in the western region and reinforce our commitment to providing excellent service to financial advisor and employer partners.”

About Ascensus

Ascensus is a market-leading enabler of tax-advantaged savings—providing technology, services, and expertise that help millions of people save for a better future.

The company is a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator. Its platforms, industry knowledge, and data-based insights enhance the growth and success of its partners, their clients, and savers through co-branded, private-labeled, and governmental partnerships.

Ascensus offers comprehensive qualified and nonqualified retirement plan solutions, third-party retirement plan administration, 529 education and ABLE savings program administration, corporate- and bank-owned life insurance solutions, and fiduciary and total rewards services.

The company’s brands include Ascensus; Newport, an Ascensus company; and FuturePlan by Ascensus. Ascensus has more than $808 billion in assets under administration and employs more than 5,500 associates as of March 30, 2024.

For more information, visit ascensus.com and newportgroup.com.

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