Press Release

ARA Welcomes New Board Leadership for 2026

Issued by American Retirement Association [ARA]

Oct. 28, 2025

Marjorie Mann, 2025 President of the American Retirement Association (ARA), has passed the gavel to incoming President Sam Brandwein. She did so at the Oct. 26 opening session of the ASPPA Annual conference in San Diego. The ARA is the parent organization for NAPA and its four other sister organizations.

“Over the past years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Sam Brandwein,” said Mann, who also serves as Senior Counsel at NextEra Energy. And Mann expressed gratitude to ARA members for their involvement during her term. “Thank you for your continued engagement and importance,” she said.

The 2026 ARA President offered recognition to his predecessor as well. “Your leadership has been exceptional,” said Brandwein, who also serves as Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley. He added that Mann was “a steady presence during a pivotal time” and that she led with clarity and care. “We’re grateful for all you’ve done,” Brandwein told Mann.

“It has truly been a privilege to be part of the retirement plan industry pretty much my entire adult life. Throughout my career, my favorite part of what I do for a living is interacting with plan participants,” said Brandwein.

“As industry professionals, we are all here in different capacities to make a positive impact on plan participants and their retirement outcomes,” Brandwein continued, adding, “The ARA Board of Directors is excited about the opportunity to keep our sleeves rolled up and to support our members to preserve, protect, and enhance” the retirements of participants.

New Year, New Leadership

Brandwein announced the 2026 ARA Board of Directors, which includes:

• President: Sam Brandwein, QPA™, QPFC
• President Elect: Lynn Young, FSEA
• Treasurer: Patricia Wenzel, CPFAA®
• Secretary: Natalie Wyatt, QKA&trade, QPFC
• Immediate Past President: Marjorie Mann, CPSP®

And Mann also announced that a new at-large member has been added to the ARA Board of Directors: Brent Neese, who is 2025 President of one of the ARA’s “sister” organizations, the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association, and also has served as its Executive Director.

Looking to the Future

Mann indicated that although her term of as ARA President has ended, she still plans to be involved and that she is looking forward to continuing to be active in the industry. And she looked to the future, saying of her successor, “Sam brings vision, steadiness, and great commitment to our shared mission. He leads with insight and integrity, and I know the ARA will be in excellent hands.”

“There is no issue that unites Americans of all stripes to the extent than building a financially secure retirement does,” said Mann. And Brandwein asserted, “It is vitally important that ARA’s ideas and policy positions are heard and understood.”

Editor's note: This press release has been issued by the company named above, not BenefitsLink. Reliance on information in this press release might be prudent only after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by BenefitsLink.