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LIMRA Announces 2018 Rising Stars of Retirement Under 40

WINDSOR, Conn., April 30, 2018 - LIMRA today announced the 10 winners of its 2018 Rising Stars of Retirement under 40. The contest recognizes dedicated professionals who are making a difference in the retirement sector.

“These up-and-coming leaders are helping to transform the retirement industry. Each of these individuals demonstrated creativity, drive and the ability to adapt to this dynamic market, supporting their organizations’ efforts to remain competitive in the future,” said Matthew Drinkwater, corporate vice president and director, LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute. “We are excited to recognize these leaders and celebrate their successes.”

The winners will be honored at a reception during LIMRA’s Annual Conference, which will be held Oct. 28-30, 2018, in New York City. 

To view the winners and read excerpts from their nominations, please visit:  2018’s Rising Stars in Retirement

Congratulations to all of you — and thank you for driving us forward!

Annalisa Austin

Senior Channel Marketing Manager
“Annalisa provides uniquely tailored annuity marketing strategies to support individual business models while also acting as the key liaison for Pacific Life’s product launches, product update, and value-add marketing campaigns.” – excerpt from nomination

Jackie Cockrum

Associate Vice President, Annuity New Business
“Jackie is responsible for driving operational efficiencies with a keen eye on improving the agent experience. She takes a customer-centric approach and constantly looks for ways to inspire and engage her entire team at Sammons Financial Group to do the same.” – excerpt from nomination

Lindsey Collier

Senior Manager - Retirement Solutions
“Longevity planning has been a passion and focus for Lindsey. She is a leader in establishing relationships with key partners and marketing these relationships to financial advisors nationwide to make tackling longevity challenges easier for clients and their families.” – excerpt from nomination

Lisa Filiault

Director
“Lisa is a highly-motivated, values-based leader at MassMutual, who leverages her experience to help influence outcomes, define critical path to issue resolution, and professionally handle conflict. She is a decisive and compassionate leader who shows persistence in doing the right things for the business, sometimes at personal cost.” – excerpt from nomination

Sean Hutchinson

Vice President, Customer Experience Marketing,
Retirement Plan Services
“Sean brings a unique and creative approach to customer experience marketing, and is in tune with the needs of Lincoln’s current clients and prospective plan sponsors. Thanks to Sean’s dedication and support, the Retirement Plan Services business is well-positioned to deliver outcome-focused initiatives and a world-class customer experience that will continue to raise the company’s profile in the retirement industry.” – excerpt from nomination

Daniella Listro

Business Intelligence Analyst
“Daniella supports research, which has led to positive impacts for both sponsors— through plan design change—and participants on their journey to achieving a dignified retirement. She also conducts extensive analysis of participant behaviors within Voya’s growing suite of award-winning digital experiences, recommending improvements, which drive better participant outcomes.” – excerpt from nomination

Joe Powell

Head of Product & Market Intelligence
“Joe has worked collaboratively with key distributors and advisors to create new products and features that respond to the evolving needs of their businesses. His deep industry knowledge and relationships in the field have led to the insights that are behind many of Brighthouse Financial’s recent product announcements, including the recently updated FlexChoice Access VA rider.” – excerpt from nomination

John Ridgeway

Assistant Director, Client Relations
“John has a true passion for retirement. He currently leads a service team that works with some of Principal’s most complex retirement clients. His work directly impacts Principal's mission to help more people save enough, protect enough, and have enough in retirement, working with advisors, plan sponsors and Third Party Administrators (TPAs).” – excerpt from nomination

Danielle Robinson

Executive Director, Jackson Charitable Foundation
“Danielle helps bring programs to Americans that teach them the basics of personal finance, so they can prosper, reach their financial goals and live the lives they desire. She offers a fresh, diverse voice in the retirement planning industry. Danielle’s work is changing how we connect with Americans by using simple and positive messaging to motivate, empower and educate. By initiating efforts to start financial education at an early age, Danielle is also transforming how we prepare future generations to secure financial freedom.” – excerpt from nomination

Scott Rooney

Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager,
Retirement Plan Services
“By combining powerful data with a clear understanding of his clients’ businesses, Scott partners with advisors to help plan sponsors strategically leverage defined contribution retirement programs that will help meet their corporate objectives.  Scott’s ability to deepen relationships, provide leadership, and his desire for continuous improvement make him a valuable partner for his clients and colleagues.” – excerpt from nomination.

Media Contacts

Catherine Theroux

Director, Public Relations

Work Phone: (860) 285-7787

Mobile Phone: (703) 447-3257

ctheroux@limra.com

Erica L. Iorillo

Public Relations Consultant

Work Phone: (860) 285-7875

Mobile Phone: 860-371-8638

eiorillo@limra.com

Louis Sklenarik

Public Relations Specialist

Work Phone: (860) 298-3920

lsklenarik@limra.com

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