Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Activities
Summary
Timeline
Generic

K. Stephanie Vang

Saint Paul,MN

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Retirement Plan Specialist

FAEGRE DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH
11.2015 - 04.2023
  • Conducted the day-to-day management of operations for 401(k), profit sharing and cash balance pension plan programs for AM Law 100 firm totaling over $2 billion in assets.
  • Successfully led key benefits initiatives as the lead project manager, overseeing the merger and spinoff of multiple defined contribution plans, pension plan terminations, and the implementation of competitive retirement and pension plan programs.
  • Analyzed key performance metrics, developed recommendations to enhance, maintain, or eliminate programs, and led the implementation process with key executives resulting in over 33% in administrative savings and a 60% reduction in brokerage fees for partners.
  • Managed annual 401(k) plan and financial audits, non-discrimination testing, 5500 filings, PBGC filings, and responded to DOL and IRS inquiries ensuring all regulatory requirements were met.
  • Managed relationships with external vendors and oversaw a $250,000 annual budget. Collaborated with internal legal counsel to finalize vendor contracts and monitored performance to ensure high-quality delivery of benefit program services.
  • Supported the Benefits Committee by collaborating with the investment team to develop quarterly meeting agendas and materials. Facilitated quarterly meetings and presented benefit plan changes and updates.
  • Pioneered a robust financial well-being program for employees and partners. Led a cross-functional team in designing and executing quarterly engagement activities, virtual webinars, and in-person workshops. Achieved significant outcomes including increased 401k contributions, beneficiary designations, and an 80% rise in asset allocation tool usage.
  • Created and managed the retirement and pension content on the Firm’s intranet, designing online educational guides for enrollment, eligibility, 401(k) contributions, and loans & payroll deadlines. General retirement emails to the corporate benefits inbox decreased by 40%.
  • Designed retirement and pension plan benefits materials for all new hire meetings. Reviewed new hire materials, plan documents, disclosures and Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD’s) on an ongoing basis.
  • Led the continuous collaboration with Payroll in verifying accurate processing of 401(k) contributions, loan repayments, and profit-sharing contributions.

Practice Coordinator

North Star Resource Group
05.2015 - 11.2015
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations for a financial services firm: managed client service requests, processed securities and insurance forms, and directed the workflow of direct reports. Executed strong project management, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills, improving operational efficiency by 20%
  • Researched and rebalanced investment advisory accounts and served as the primary contact for retirement account enrollments, distributions, and asset consolidation inquiries.
  • Collaborated with a cross-functional team in preparing financial statements for annual executive review meetings.

Wealth Management Client Relationship Consultant

TIAA
07.2013 - 12.2013
  • Managed the client relationship through all phases of the sales cycle: identified & analyzed retirement goals, executed the enrollment & asset consolidation process, reaching 194% ($29.1 million) of goal in closed sales.
  • Led retirement product meetings to six Advisors and two National Contact Center teams that resulted in an increase in asset growth referrals and close ratio of 115% over goal.
  • Provided superior customer service through timely responses & reports and provided objective retirement advice that resulted in 100% Excellent client satisfaction ratings.
  • Established critical partnerships with internal business units to resolve complex retirement plan and operational requests.
  • Responsible for selling and closing four additional products per quarter – managed accounts, after-tax annuities and life insurance. A strong understanding of client goals and business goals led to achieving 100% goal in closed sales per quarter.
  • Provided retirement education to new and existing clients about their retirement plans: annual contribution limits, advice on investment choices within employer-sponsored plans, loan and distribution rules.
  • Developed expertise in investments and retirement through continuous market research and analysis of competitor portfolios, creating new opportunities to expand asset growth.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology -

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI

Skills

  • 401(k) Plan Design
  • Compliance and Governance
  • Benefits administration
  • Excel (vlookup, pivot tables, and formulas)
  • Vendor Management
  • QDRO Processing
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Retirement Planning
  • Analytical Skills
  • Time Management
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Decision-Making

Websites

Activities

  • Intl Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Education & Events, 2016, 2020
  • United Way Campaign volunteer, 2015, 2016

Summary

Passionate benefits professional dedicated to crafting programs that empower individuals towards financial security. Deep retirement expertise in both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit plans. Adept in formulating comprehensive strategies, forging strategic alliances with vendors, and fostering effective participant communication and education initiatives.

Timeline

Retirement Plan Specialist

FAEGRE DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH
11.2015 - 04.2023

Practice Coordinator

North Star Resource Group
05.2015 - 11.2015

Wealth Management Client Relationship Consultant

TIAA
07.2013 - 12.2013

Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology -

University of Wisconsin-Madison

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K. Stephanie Vang