When it comes to what makes EGPS amazing, the secret’s not so secret—it’s our incredible team! Every day, our talented retirement plan experts bring their passion, creativity, and drive to the table, making this a workplace we’re truly proud of.
But who are these rockstars behind the scenes? We sat down with a few of our incredible team members to learn more about what makes them tick—from their go-to breakfast orders to the apps they can’t live without (yes, Candy Crush makes an appearance). Get ready to laugh and learn and meet a few of the retirement plan experts who make EGPS feel like family.
RETIREMENT PLAN EXPERTS
Kelsey Howard, 3(16) Transaction Specialist
Sara Wang, Actuary
Fain Dye, Transactions Manager
Mark Larson, Combo Retirement Plan Consultant
Katie Ferguson, HR Generalist
WORK-RELATED Q&A FOR OUR RETIREMENT PLAN EXPERTS
Q: How did you get into the retirement industry?
Kelsey: I fell into the industry! I was working real estate, and Covid hit that market hard. I saw a posting on my college job board for a TPA looking for transaction processors and I was a good fit. Four years later, I have fallen in love with this field!
Sara: The owner of a local business in the retirement industry saw my resume’ on the school career website and asked me to come for an interview. I liked the people there and thought it was where I belonged.
Fain: I started in the retirement industry while working for a CPA firm that established a TPA. At first, I handled IT responsibilities for both firms. A few years later, the TPA brought me on full-time, and I began working in both IT and TPA roles. JJ McKinney, one of the principals at the firm, was instrumental in this career shift—so I like to say it’s all his fault!
Mark: I was a Math major at California State University when I received some advice from an uncle. He suggested I pursue the pension industry with my math degree instead of engineering. He had friends in the pension industry who loved that the laws, rules and regulations were constantly changing, and as a result they were never bored. Therefore, as a junior, I transferred to UCLA and enrolled in their Actuarial Science program. After serving in the pension industry for about a decade, I realized how great the advice I received from my uncle truly was and thanked him.
Katie: I’m new to the retirement industry, but I love that HR combines two things I enjoy: helping people, and diving into systems, spreadsheets, and detailed work that some might find boring—but a fastidious person like me absolutely loves!
Q: What does your job entail?
Kelsey: I work on the 3(16) team, working on various projects. I process loans/distributions/QDROs, help participants with any of their needs, and work on some contributions. You’ll sometimes find me on the transactions team, as well, when there is a need.
Sara: I calculate 415 maximum benefits, review actuarial valuation, review and sign Schedule SB and PBGC premium filing, research issues regarding pension law, and maintain current knowledge of changes in law.
Fain: Managing an incredible team of Transaction Specialists is at the core of my role. I focus on guiding and supporting my them to ensure we deliver top-notch service and meet our goals. While leadership is my primary responsibility, I still enjoy getting involved in the day-to-day processes when needed—it helps me stay connected to the work and better understand the challenges my team faces.
Mark: My client-facing role involves completing annual compliance testing and contribution calculations, and then, explaining the results to plan sponsors and their service providers. My job also involves reviewing and amending clients’ plan designs to best meet their ever-changing retirement and business planning objectives.
Katie: The most important part of my job is advocating for our employees. I listen to their needs and get to play a role in turning those into actionable solutions. HR covers so many areas, including recruiting, onboarding, benefits, employee engagement, you name it! We always have our irons in several fires. It’s a job where every day is different, and I’m constantly learning.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job as a retirement plan expert?
Kelsey: My favorite part is my team. It does not matter what you are working on, if you have a question, whoever you ask always stops to help. This is something I’ve noticed throughout the whole company, and it really makes a job more enjoyable to work in a group that sees you as a team.
Sara: Being able to help clients meet their retirement needs using my knowledge and skills.
Fain: My favorite part of being a retirement plan expert is solving problems—whether it’s improving processes and procedures, addressing technical challenges, or tackling complex pension-related issues. Finding solutions and making things work more efficiently is incredibly rewarding.
Mark: Meeting and working with so many interesting and highly capable people both internally in the office and externally with our clients and their advisors.
Katie: My favorite part of HR is the people! I’m endlessly fascinated by learning about everyone’s unique stories and backgrounds. With employees from coast to coast, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. I also love being able to help when someone comes to me with a need—it’s incredibly fulfilling to be of service and make a difference.
NOW FOR THE FUN: GETTING TO KNOW OUR RETIREMENT PLAN EXPERTS
Q: What is your favorite breakfast food?
Kelsey: I am a sucker for Dunkin Donuts Snackin’ Bacon. I don’t know what it is, but it gets me every time.
Sara: Blueberry pancakes!
Fain: Chicken and waffles – extra syrup please!
Mark: On the weekends, my wife and I have time to prepare a feast of scrambled eggs with bacon, ham or sausage, hash browns or fresh baked biscuits with gravy and fresh fruit.
Katie: Crispy bacon!
Q: What would the title of your autobiography be?
Kelsey: Hot Mess Express – Chronicles of a Cat Lady
Sara: Believe
Fain: A Life in the Middle of it All
Mark: Helping other people succeed
Katie: I have no idea!!! I’m just a lady who is happy being basic and believes in being kind to people. LOL
Q: If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?
Kelsey: This one is hard – I’d say Kindle, Facebook & Candy Crush for those boring wait times out somewhere.
Sara: Spotify, YouTube, and News
Fain: Facebook, SmartThings, and Banking
Mark: Navy Federal Credit Union, Amazon, and YouTube
Katie: If I could only keep three apps, they’d be my coloring app (it helps me unwind at night), Instagram, and my Dutch Bros app—because earning points for free coffee is a must!
Q: What is your favorite item you’ve bought this year?
Kelsey: I foster kittens, so my favorite item this year has been a camera for the kitten room. You catch some cute things.
Sara: Shark SpeedStyle Pro Hair Dryer System
Fain: For me – a new big screen TV. For someone else – a crib for the newest grandbaby!!
Mark: Battery operated tool set (circular saw, drill, leaf blower, edger and tree trimmer). So much less noise and maintenance!
Katie: Hands down, my power cleaning brush with different heads and an extender. It’s amazing!
Q: What’s your favorite tradition or holiday?
Kelsey: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. For us, it’s fairly laid back with just us, the kids and the pets at home. We watch The Grinch for the first time of the year (but not the last) and it’s just cozy.
Sara: I love Thanksgiving!
Fain: Christmas, spending time with family and friends
Mark: Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it – the sights, the smells, the tastes, renewed hope, and most importantly celebrating the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Katie: I absolutely love going to look at Christmas lights! There’s a house in Phoenix that’s been decorating both the outside and inside for over 30 years. Every year we visit and walk through it, and it’s magical. Then, we head to another neighborhood that goes all out with decorations and even gives out awards! We also make time for zoo lights and Glendale Glitters – the decorations in Glendale’s adorable downtown area are so beautiful.
