Press Room

Ascensus, the engine at the center of America’s savings ecosystem, today announced that Ryan Franken and Tim Lastivka will join the company’s Retirement leadership team. Franken joins Ascensus as Head of Core Retirement and Lastivka joins the company as Vice President, National Sales Leader. These appointments underscore the company’s continued momentum and focus on delivering long-term value for clients, advisors, TPAs, and savers.

Expanded retirement, trust & custody, and technology services broaden Ascensus’ position as the industry’s leading platform for savers and those who serve them

Seasoned Retirement Industry Leader to Oversee Ascensus’ Retirement Business and Advance
Long‑Term Growth Strategy

Addition of the nation’s largest independent ABLE program expands Ascensus’ ABLE presence to 24 plans nationwide

New 401(k) and 403(b) PEPs Expand Retirement Access

Dresher, PA—Ascensus, the leading independent technology and service platform powering savings plans across America, has announced the launch of two new Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) in collaboration with OneDigital, a national insurance brokerage and financial services firm.

“Top Provider” recognition underscores Ascensus’ excellence in driving plan success up to $200M

Surprisingly Awareness and Understanding, Not Affordability, Drives Inaction 

Dresher, PA—Ascensus, the leading independent technology and service platform powering savings plans across America, today announced outstanding service performance during the company’s 2025 end-of-year season for its Government Savings business.

Digital Innovation and Strategic M&A Drive Award Recognition

From Pandemic Shock to Strategic Stability: How Total Rewards Evolved from 2019–2025

Milestone underscores Ascensus’ leadership in education savings and continued growth in state-sponsored programs

Industry Veteran Returns to Ascensus to Lead ABLE Solutions Strategy Amid Market Expansion Driven by SECURE 2.0

Chris Tingley Joins Eastern Region Team to Support Retirement Sales Initiatives

Recognized for Elevating Cybersecurity Standards and Safeguarding Global Systems

Ascensus announced that two of its leaders, Sofia Theodoridou and Tami Evanson have been recognized for their outstanding contributions at the 22nd Stevie^® Awards for Women in Business.

David Musto to Become Executive Chairman
Nick Good to Become Chief Executive Officer
Succession to Be Effective on January 1, 2026

Ascensus announced today that Josh Rundle will join the company as Head of Investment & Wealth Solutions, a newly created role, later this month. Rundle will report to Ascensus Chair and CEO David Musto.

With “CalSavvy,” the State of California delivers ground-breaking innovation to over 600,000 employers ahead of 2025 CalSavers registration deadline.

Ascensus announced that career HR executive Jeri Hawthorne has joined the company as its Chief Human Resources Officer. She will report to Ascensus Chair and CEO David Musto and be based at the company’s Dresher, PA, headquarters.

Ascensus announced today the recent appointment of four new regional vice presidents (RVPs) to the Ascensus retirement sales team.

Ascensus announced a new strategic partnership with Janusea to deliver a financial technology solution that streamlines IRA and health savings account (HSA) administration for financial institutions. Janusea’s product creates a direct integration between Ascensus’ technology platform and banks and credit unions, eliminating manual, dual entry of IRA and HSA transactions.

Ascensus announced today that Phillip Gillespie has joined the company as its new Chief Legal, Risk and Compliance Officer. Gillespie reports to Ascensus Chair and CEO David Musto and is based in the company’s Newton, MA office.

Dresher, PA—Ascensus announced today that Stephen Carrera will be assuming the role of West Divisional Vice President for the Retirement Sales team. He will report to Anthony Bolgona, National Sales director. 

Partnership supports advisors and plan sponsors in helping participants improve retirement preparedness and overall financial wellness

Newport, an Ascensus company, and PLANSPONSOR released the results of the 2024 Newport/PLANSPONSOR NQDC (Nonqualified Deferred Compensation) Trends Survey.

Ascensus has named industry veteran Michael Dunn to lead its Newport line of business, effective September 4, 2024.

Ascensus has named financial services marketing leader Emily Pachuta as its new Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for the firm’s digital, marketing and analytics capabilities.

Ascensus was once again recognized as Retirement Leader of the Year at the 2024 With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards held on Tuesday, June 18, in New York City. The firm also landed a second coveted award by being named to the event's Hall of Fame, recognizing the number of times the company has been honored.

Maggy Flowers Joins Western Region Team to Support Retirement Sales Initiatives

Ascensus announced several changes in its Retirement Sales leadership team today, promoting from within to deliver more dedicated support to the advisors and partners they serve, enhance leader focus on key initiatives, and enable the long-term growth of the business.

Partnership bolsters 529 account owners’ experience with core investment and servicing capabilities from two leading firms

Ascensus announced today the recent appointment of three new regional vice presidents (RVPs) to the Ascensus retirement sales team.

Ascensus announced today that Mary Torgerson, a 20-year leader in financial services, will join the company as its new head of Small Business Retirement on April 29.

Ascensus announced today a definitive agreement to acquire Vanguard’s Individual 401(k), Multiple Participant SEP (Multi-SEP), and SIMPLE IRA Plans business.

Ascensus announced the company has surpassed $1 billion in state-facilitated retirement program assets under administration on their platform.

Ascensus has announced the appointment of Ryan Moore as a regional vice president for nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) and insurance solutions in a southern territory under the Newport line of business.

Ascensus announced today that the company and Mutual of Omaha have reached a definitive agreement under which Ascensus will acquire Mutual of Omaha’s 401(k) recordkeeping business.

Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future—announced its Retirement line of business will now comprise four business segments, each focused on the specific needs and goals of its partners, clients, and advisors.

Ascensus, whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future—announced that sales of the Ascensus | American Funds Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) will begin in February.

Ascensus whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future—has announced the appointment of two new members to the Retirement Distribution team: Justin Sabol, Regional Vice President; and Kate Whitmore, VP of Business Development, Pooled Plans.

Ascensus, ​​whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future, announced today that it has named Marc Mehlman its new Chief Financial Officer.

Ascensus, whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future, says its 529 education savings plan participants have paid more than $1.1 billion in tuition payments directly to schools this year through the company’s digital payments platform.

Ascensus, ​​whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future, said it will begin offering the Ascensus | American Funds Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) solution on its independent, open-architecture recordkeeping platform beginning in spring 2024.

Ascensus, whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future, announced the company has surpassed $1 billion in PEP assets under administration.

Ascensus, ​​whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for a better future, has upgraded the first wave of acquired Newport retirement plans to its purpose-built recordkeeping platform and enhanced web experiences.

Dresher, PA—Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions save for a better future—has announced the expansion of the sales team offering nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans and insurance distribution under Ascensus’ Institutional Solutions line of business.

Ben Buehler and Trent Schrader Expand Roles to Support Financial Advisors and Clients

WESTLAKE, Texas--Schwab Retirement Plan Services (SRPS) today announced plans to launch an expanded set of capabilities to serve defined benefit plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. SRPS will work with two recognized industry leaders to help build out the offering -- Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT) in the defined benefit area and Newport, an Ascensus company, in the deferred compensation area. Both firms have more than 40 years of experience offering workplace benefit plans.

Global Financial Services Industry Executive to Oversee Lines of Business and Enterprise Marketing

Experienced Sales Executive to Expand Institutional Solutions Sales Team

Dresher, PA—Ascensus—whose technology and expertise helps millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—announced that more than $3 billion has now been gifted to 529 and ABLE savings accounts through the company’s Ugift^® program.

Technology veteran brings 30-year perspective on technology disruption and digital transformation

FuturePlan by Ascensus, a leading national retirement TPA dedicated to helping advisors, recordkeepers, and plan sponsors deliver better outcomes for savers, has named Aaron McIsaac its new Head of FuturePlan Sales.

Ascensus—whose technology and expertise helps millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—has announced the appointment of two new Regional Vice Presidents, Richard Eriksen Jr. and Taylor Harman, to the firm's retirement plan sales team.

Dresher, PA—Ascensus—whose technology and expertise helps millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—announced the results of the Newport/PLANSPONSOR Executive Benefits survey report and have found that employers are increasingly turning to nonqualified retirement plans to attract and retain key talent and senior leaders. The report can be downloaded here.

Chris Brock and Nick Eschenheimer to Bring Expert Support to Financial Advisors and Their Clients

New Brand Positioning Promotes Financial Stability through Sponsorships and Digital Marketing Campaigns

Current Head of Sales Kasey Price Named President of FuturePlan, Effective August 1, 2022

Dresher, PA—July 13, 2022—Ascensus—whose technology and expertise helps millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare— announced today that Kasey Price will assume the role of President of FuturePlan by Ascensus on Aug. 1, 2022.

Adds Veteran Industry Executive Scott Parry and Launches Platform to Improve Employer Experience

Dresher, PA—July 12, 2022—Ascensus—whose technology and expertise helps millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—recently completed two major steps to continue revolutionizing its state-facilitated retirement program business.

Ascensus won Retirement Leader of the Year at the With Intelligence Mutual Fund & ETF Awards. The Annual Mutual Fund & ETF Awards recognize the funds, fund leaders, providers, marketers, trustees, and independent counsel who stood out for their successes, achievements, and contributions in 2022.

Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—introduced a new brand visual identity for the company. 

Ascensus, whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Newport Group (Newport), the Walnut Creek, California-based retirement services provider, will merge with Ascensus. The newly combined organization will offer a broader set of capabilities and products to benefit institutional partners, clients, advisors, and savers.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Ascensus today announced the launch of Goldman Sachs Workplace Retirement Solution, which provides an integrated 401(k) or ERISA 403(b) retirement program aiming to support the needs of small and mid-sized businesses.

Hiring Initiative Supports Recent and Anticipated Growth

Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—expects to add nearly 400 new associates by the end of 2022, adding scale and expertise in support of expanding client, partner, and advisor business.

Plan Sponsors and Participants Benefit from Continued Investments in Technology and Digital Initiatives Designed to Save Time and Improve Outcomes

Small-Market Retirement Plan Offering Includes Institutional-Quality Employee Services Such as Financial Wellness and Managed Accounts

OneDigital and Ascensus recently announced the availability of a co-created small market solution for retirement plans that brings institutional-quality employee services to plan participants.

Fortifies Expertise in ACA Compliance, COBRA Administration, and Eligibility Verification Services Within Health & Benefits Line of Business

Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—has entered into an agreement to acquire UnifyHR, a third-party administrator that provides employee benefits administration and compliance solutions including Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) administration, and eligibility verification services. It will immediately become part of Ascensus' Health & Benefits line of business.

Experienced Sales Leader Will Continue to Oversee Organization's Northwest/Central Region

FuturePlan by Ascensus—a leading national retirement third-party administrator (TPA) that specializes in the delivery of customized retirement plan consulting and administration services—announces that Aaron McIsaac will assume divisional vice president (DVP) responsibilities for the organization's Southern California region as a result of DVP Greg Taylor's planned retirement. The change is effective June 30, 2021.

Frank Castellvi Joins Retirement Plan Sales Team to Support Financial Advisors and Their Clients in the East Territory

Expert Consultant and Leader Will Expand Industry Partnerships, Strengthen Client Support in Southeast and Southwest Regions

FuturePlan by Ascensus—a leading national retirement third-party administrator (TPA) that specializes in the delivery of customized retirement plan consulting and administration services—is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Wiggins as divisional vice president (DVP) for the Southeast and Southwest regions, which are key growth areas for the FuturePlan organization. He will report to Kasey Price, FuturePlan's head of sales.

Partnership with Financial Finesse Delivers Tailored Guidance to Employees
Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—has enhanced its financial wellness offering to include Financial Finesse’s Aimee^TM: Artificial Intelligence Motivating Employees Everywhere.

Ascensus announced today that funds managed by Stone Point Capital, the Greenwich, CT-based private equity firm specializing in financial services, along with GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Ascensus from its current private equity ownership group led by Genstar Capital, Aquiline Capital Partners, and Atlas Merchant Capital. Genstar Capital and Aquiline Capital Partners will maintain a minority stake in Ascensus.

Book-of-Business Transaction Boosts Ascensus' Compliance Expertise While Increasing Client Base for Health & Welfare Form 5500 Solutions

All Heritage BB&T Plans Successfully Transitioned to Ascensus Platform

Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare—has completed the acquisition of the heritage BB&T bundled retirement recordkeeping business from Truist Bank that was announced on January 6, 2021. Financial terms of the deal, which closed on March 3, were not disclosed.

First-of-Its-Kind Education Savings App Makes It Easy for Users to Access Information, Track Progress, and Make Contributions

Firm Wins Most Best in Class Awards for Plans Up to $50MM in PLANSPONSOR Defined Contribution Survey

Highly Respected Retirement Industry and FuturePlan Leader Will Oversee Organization's Sales Strategy and Distribution Efforts to Provide Partner and Client Value

Transaction Includes Heritage BB&T Plans Along with Heritage BB&T Outsourced Recordkeeping Business Currently Serviced by Ascensus

Next Development in Series of Technology Investments Is Designed to Create Efficiencies for Advisors and Drive Analytics-Informed Behavior

Firm’s Technology Integration Offers Institutional Partners and Advisors More Flexibility on Its Open-Architecture Platform

New App Will Leverage Behavioral Prompts and Situational Guidance to Help Drive Better Retirement Outcomes Dresher, PA—Ascensus—whose technology and expertise help millions of people save

Technology-Enabled Service Provider Shares Insights, Analysis, and Educational Resources

Dresher, PA—Ascensus, whose technology and expertise help millions of people save for retirement, education, and healthcare, is supporting institutional partners, advisors, and their clients during the COVID-19 pandemic via a variety of approaches that include COVID-19-specific resources, infographics, behavioral analytics, legislative insights, and more.

It's safe to say that the environment in which we're living and coping today is unlike any most of us have seen in our lifetimes. Worry for our own health and that of our loved ones, challenges to the operation of virtually every type of business, social distancing, travel restrictions, and startling global financial market volatility sometimes feel beyond our ability to process.

Ascensus President David Musto contributed a byline to PLANADVISER in which he encourages political influencers to look beyond next year’s election and consider our nation’s outlook in 2044. Based on a retirement age of 67,  the average American worker is expected to retire in 2044. Will these workers be able to retire comfortably, having accumulated adequate savings? Musto highlights how the passage of the SECURE Act, with its provisions incentivizing retirement plan creation and increasing plan accessibility, might help boost their chances. "Kudos to Congress for working together to propose meaningful and much-needed retirement reform legislation. We’re almost over the hurdle and on our way to a brighter retirement future for all Americans," he concludes.