Press Release

PSCA Announces Winners of Its 2024 Lifetime Achievement and Industry Awards

Issued by PSCA [Plan Sponsor Council of America]

May 20, 2024

PSCA recognized four individuals for their contributions to the retirement plan industry at its National Conference

Arlington, VA – At PSCA’s National Conference, held May 15-17 in Salt Lake City, Utah, PSCA bestowed two lifetime achievement awards to deserving individuals for careers dedicated to improving retirement outcomes for employees. New this year, PSCA bestowed two additional awards – one for an outstanding plan sponsor member holding the Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP) credential, and one for Advisor of the Year, as nominated by clients.

Winners of all four awards are nominated by PSCA members and then voted on by the PSCA leadership committee and announced at the annual national conference.

Lifetime Achievement

PSCA recognized Catherine Collinson, founding CEO and President of Transamerica Institute and its operating division, Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies (TCRS), with its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for her nearly three-decades of dedication to the retirement industry, working to improve outcomes through research. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of retirement trends, as evidenced by the Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, now in its twenty-fourth year, providing invaluable insights for employers and employees alike.

Ms. Collinson’s influence extends to shaping public policy discussions, particularly regarding employer-sponsored retirement plans among small businesses, with four testimonies before Congress emphasizing the Saver’s Credit. Her innovative approach is evident in co-hosting the ClearPath: Your Roadmap to Life podcast, expanding the reach of her insights. Her measurable impact includes the publication of more than 100 research reports and recognition as an “Influencer in Aging” by PBS Next Avenue, affirming her significant contributions to improving retirement security, especially among women.

Beyond her executive role, Ms. Collinson’s leadership extends to advisory roles at the Milken Institute’s Center for the Future of Aging, DCIIA, and WISER, showcasing her commitment to advancing retirement security discussions. Her accolades and ethical leadership underscore her status as a leader and innovator in the field, making Catherine Collinson a deserving recipient of the PSCA's Lifetime Achievement Award.

The second 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award was given to longtime PSCA member and award-winning plan sponsor, Beth Pattillo, the Director, Retirement and Financial Programs, HR Benefits for Leidos.

Ms. Pattillo’s illustrious career, marked by unwavering dedication to retirement benefits oversight and delivery, has left an indelible mark on the industry. As the head of retirement at Leidos, she leads a team managing more than $11 billion in a DC plan for more than 65,000 participants, a role that earned her recognition as a finalist for the 2019 Plan Sponsor of the Year by PlanSponsor magazine. Ms. Pattillo's leadership extends beyond her corporate responsibilities; she serves as Chair of the DC Institutional Investment Association's Plan Sponsor Institute and is a member of their executive board, alongside other esteemed positions such as her membership in T. Rowe Price's DC Client Advisory Board and Vanguard's Client Council. Prior to her tenure at Leidos, Beth made significant contributions as a benefits manager at BAE Systems and a senior benefits analyst at Progress Energy.

Throughout her career, Beth has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to championing good participant outcomes and advocating for sound retirement policy initiatives on Capitol Hill. Her innovative approach to plan design and her dedication to mentorship exemplify her passion for advancing the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Beth's character and moral integrity are unparalleled. Her kindness, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of others shine through in every interaction, both personal and professional. Beth's extraordinary contributions, coupled with her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, make her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

CPSP Member of the Year

This CPSP Member of the Year award honors individuals who have earned the Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP) credential, showcasing their dedication to effectively managing retirement plans and improving participant outcomes. Nominees in this category demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their field and have a clear vision for how they will utilize their credential to enhance their role as plan sponsors.

Cecilia Spencer, an accomplished HR Generalist who has played a pivotal role in establishing the 401(k) program at TekWissen, was given the inaugural CPSP Member of the Year award. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of implementing and managing the plan, particularly within the unique challenges of a staffing company with high turnover.

Ms. Spencer's commitment to excellence is evident in her attainment of the CPSP certification, reflecting her dedication to professional development and mastery of retirement plan administration. She has worked tirelessly with the payroll team and oversight of the TPA to ensure seamless enrollment and ongoing management of the plan, which has recently reached a significant milestone, surpassing one million dollars in size. Her proactive approach and leadership in advocating for a more robust plan with complex offerings demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the financial well-being of plan participants. Her exemplary work ethic, strategic vision, and dedication to ensuring the success of the 401(k) program make her a valuable asset to TekWissen and a true leader in the field of retirement benefits administration.

Advisor of the Year

PSCA’s first Plan Advisor of the Year award was given to an advisor nominated by a PSCA plan sponsor member, Sean Waters. This new award celebrates outstanding professionals within the retirement planning industry who have demonstrated excellence in providing advisory services to employer-sponsored retirement plans. These advisors exemplify a commitment to guiding plan sponsors and participants towards their financial goals through exemplary guidance, education, investment strategies, and overall plan management. Nominations for this award come from plan sponsor members, highlighting the invaluable partnership between advisors and those responsible for managing retirement plans.

Mr. Waters is a founding partner and senior consultant at Cook Street Consulting, Inc. With more than 19 years of experience, he leads the firm's investment committee and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Sean's background includes roles at Scudder Kemper Investments and Crédit Lyonnais. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Waters is deeply involved in community service, serving on the Board of Invest In Kids and contributing to various educational organizations. Under his leadership, Cook Street Consulting has become a top-ranked advisory firm, advising more than $106 billion in retirement assets for 242 clients in the US and Canada, directly impacting 1.2 million plan participants and beneficiaries. Mr. Waters’ commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the firm's initiatives, including a college scholarship program for underrepresented groups in finance.

About the Plan Sponsor Council of America

The Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA), part of the American Retirement Association (ARA), is a diverse, collaborative community of employee benefit plan sponsors, working together on behalf of millions of employees to solve real problems, create positive change, and expand on the success of the employer-sponsored retirement system. With members representing employers of all sizes, we offer a forum for comprehensive dialogue. By sharing our collective knowledge and experience as plan sponsors, PSCA also serves as a resource to policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders as part of our commitment to improving retirement security for millions of Americans. For more information, visit www.psca.org.

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