Press Release

Ascensus Appoints Four New Regional Vice Presidents to National Sales Team

Issued by Ascensus

July 14, 2025

Expanding Sales Team Focuses on Growth Across the Country

Ascensus announced today the recent appointment of four new regional vice presidents (RVPs) to the Ascensus retirement sales team. Ben Fisher, RVP for the Mid Atlantic region; Michael Leonard, RVP for Northern California; Roger Reynolds, RVP for Southern California; and Janeanne Smith, RVP for the Carolinas region, all bring proven track records in developing relationships within the financial services industry.

Fisher will cultivate partnerships with advisors in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. He most recently held a position as RVP for the Retirement Plan Division at Ameritas, and was with CUNA Mutual Group and Nationwide Financial before that. Ben earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Ursinus College. Fisher is reporting to Jeff Simes, Divisional Vice President, Eastern Region.

Leonard will work to expand on new and existing opportunities with advisors in Northern California. He previously held roles with Nationwide Financial, ADP Retirement Services, and Paychex. Leonard received his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Santa Clara University. He is reporting to Stephen Carrera, Divisional Vice President, Western Region.

Reynolds will play a key role in nurturing growth for Ascensus’ Southern California region. His more than 20 years of background as a wholesaler for Voya Financial, Mass Mutual Workplace Solutions, and ADP Retirement Services highlights the wealth of experience he brings to the team. Before beginning his career, Reynolds earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University. He is also reporting to Stephen Carrera.

Smith is focused on developing new business in the Carolinas territory. With her previous experience at Ascensus, Smith will continue to utilize her skills in facilitating positive interactions with clients and advisors to strengthen Ascensus’ growth strategy in her region. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Smith was with Cuna Mutual Group and Oppenheimer Funds. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wyoming. Smith is reporting to Jeff Simes.

“From coast to coast, these are some really exciting additions to our sales team,” notes Anthony Bologna, National Sales director. “I’m proud to be able to promote such strong talent from within, as well as bring on top wholesalers to help bolster our retirement plan sales team. The additions of Ben, Michael, Roger, and Janeanne reinforces 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 more than 15 million people save for a better today and tomorrow.

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 $862 billion in assets under administration and employs more than 5,100 associates as of March 31, 2025.

For more information, visit ascensus.com and ascensus.com/newport.

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