PEOs, PEPs and MEPs - Oh My! (October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Is a Group Retirement Plan Right for Your Organization?

Group retirement plan arrangements are evolving rapidly. From Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) and Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) to retirement plans offered through Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), employers have more options than ever before.

Join our panel of industry experts for a candid discussion on how these arrangements work, who may benefit from them, and the key fiduciary, administrative, and operational considerations that are often overlooked. We'll discuss current market trends, common challenges, and important considerations for employers evaluating whether to join, remain in, or exit a group plan arrangement.

Whether you're a plan sponsor, advisor, attorney, administrator, or other retirement industry professional, you'll leave with a better understanding of the opportunities and complexities surrounding today's group retirement plan marketplace.

Panel Moderator: Jennifer R. Schuessler CFP, CPFA

Jennifer is a Retirement Plan Consultant at Gallagher, guides businesses in finding the ideal retirement and financial wellness solutions for their employees. Jennifer is passionate about educating employees on the benefits of saving and investing. Having consulted one-on-one with workers across various industries, she understands the impact an employer's retirement program has on individuals and families. Through close communication with her clients, she can present solutions beyond the status quo. Jennifer serves as the Quarterly Program co-chair for the Seattle Chapter of the Western Pension & Benefits Council.

Panelists include:

Jon Chambers, Managing Director, Creative Planning Institutional Advisors, LLC, has 40 years of retirement plan industry experience, specializing in the analysis, design and implementation of retirement plan investment programs. He helps plan sponsors develop efficient and successful plan administrative structures and assists plan fiduciaries in fulfilling responsibilities and mitigating risk. Jon is a nationally recognized specialist on 401(k) fee structures. Currently, Jon serves on the subcommittee for Department of Labor (DOL) issues for the American Retirement Association’s (ARA’s) Government Affairs Committee, a group that works to help DOL simplify and refine regulatory guidance.

Sam Dart serves as in-house counsel for Hunnex & Shoemaker, a third-party administration firm based in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Dart provides advice regarding plan design, operation, and ERISA compliance to Hunnex & Shoemaker clients. Prior to joining Hunnex & Shoemaker, Mr. Dart practiced law in Tacoma, Washington with a focus on civil litigation, complex business disputes, and fiduciary fraud.

Kevin Hutton is a Regional Sales Manager for Empower. In his role, he is responsible for collaborating with advisors, third-party administrators, and consultants in Washington and Alaska to optimize retirement plan solutions for their clients.

Kevin joined Empower in 2021 with 15 years of experience in the retirement plan services industry. He previously held similar roles at MassMutual and The Hartford.

Details:

Date: Thursday, October 29

Time: 3:30 pm registration; 4:00 - 5:30 Presentation; 5:30 - 6:30 Networking

Location: Pacific Portfolio Consulting; 450 Alaskan Way S., Seattle. NOTE: Parking best secured at 505 1st Avenue South. Enter on the water side.

Registration Fee:

Members - $0
Nonmembers and guests - $50

Thank you to our sponsors

WP&BC Seattle Chapter upcoming events

PEOs, PEPs and MEPs - Oh My! (October 29, 2026)