Pension Education Council of Atlanta
President’s Letter – 2021
Dear Members:
First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our members. It goes without saying that 2020 has been a year that none of us will ever quite forget. As members of the retirement plan community, we have probably worked harder this year than ever before. We had several new legislative and regulatory changes to learn, which dramatically affected how plans operate. And, at the same time, we were helping our clients navigate through tough times, as COVID impacted everything in business and in our personal lives. Normally, I would offer you a hug, but that now requires a hazmat suit. So, give yourself a huge pat on the back until I can say thank you in person.
Secondly, I cannot put into words the appreciation that is owed to our flagship President, Alison Cohen. Alison has been our fearless, comical, champion of a first president from the very start. To say that I have big shoes to fill is quite the understatement. Alison was a key member in getting PECA off the ground, filing for our non-profit status, and leading our board members through all our start-up challenges in 2019 and 2020. I will definitely need to up my comedic approach to retirement plan education. Alison, you are a friend, a colleague, and a pension geek that I truly admire. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for PECA.
As they say, it does take a village, and I would be remiss if I did not congratulate our fantastic Board for an amazing first two years. I am honored that you would each think enough of me to select me as your leader for the next two years. We have banded together to make PECA greater than any of us imagined. Each of you plays a vital role in the success of PECA. And succeed we have!
For example, our membership increased in 2020 over 2019, despite having to adjust to virtual workshops. And if you were not able to join us for workshops in 2020, you missed some amazing presentations! We were able to bring our members Jean Chatzky (CEO of HerMoney.com) and Chris Gardner of The Pursuit of Happyness. Just wow! And, we would not have been able to do any of this without our sponsors– particularly ERISApedia.com–for stepping in to help us host all of our educational workshops virtually. To all of our wonderfully generous sponsors, thank you!
I also want to wish a very special Board member all the best in her new adventures, as Katrina Moody will be retiring from the Board effective 2021. Katrina has been a major contributor to the success of both PECA and the ABC of Atlanta before then, for a total of more than 20 years. For all of the assistance with programs, to the many years we have served as volunteers together, I thank you and let you know how greatly you will be missed!
Finally, as we approach the holidays and a new year, we wish each of your health, happiness, and a positive outlook for 2021. Our mission is helping pension plans and professionals succeed, and we are committed to that purpose no matter what life throws at us, and that includes tiger kings and social distancing.
Happy holidays, be safe, stay healthy, social distance, and we will continue to serve you virtually until the masks can be ripped off for good (and then I will give you all the hug I promised above).
With warmest regards,
Joni L. Jennings, ERPA, CPC, CPFA
President, Pension Education Council of Atlanta 2021-2022
Director of Regulatory Compliance
Primark Benefits
If you do not know who our fabulous board members have been for the last two years:
Alison Cohen – Outgoing President
Debra Carpenter – Treasurer
Ilene Ferenczy – Secretary
Evan Melcher – Technical Committee VP
Katrina Moody – Program Committee VP
Joanne Pecina – Program Committee VP
Lindsey Dolbeer – Membership Committee VP
Joni Jennings – Membership Committee VP
Alvaro Galvis – Community Relations Committee VP
Lee Swerdlin – Board Member
Katie Green – Board Member
Danny Kling – Board Member
And a special thank you to our wonderful and generous sponsors:
Transamerica – Platinum
Federated – Platinum
Invesco – Platinum
Moore Colson – Platinum
State Street – Platinum
Ferenczy Benefits Law Center – Platinum
Putnam Investments – Gold
JP Morgan – Gold
Franklin Templeton – Gold
CapTrust – Gold
American Century Investments – Gold
ERISApedia.com – Gold
Swerdlin & Company – Silver
RPA – Silver
Windham Brannon – Silver
Nuveen – Silver